Fantastic Foxes at Leicester Curve: A With, By, For Celebration of Community and Belonging
In the heart of Leicester, a transformative theatrical experience is unfolding at Curve. Fantastic Foxes, the latest community production, is not just another play—it’s a powerful reminder of how theatre can truly serve the place it’s being made. This production, under the skilled direction of Kitty Benford, serves as a vivid reminder of how theatre can unite and empower communities.
With the Community: A Collaborative Creation
At the core of Fantastic Foxes is a commitment to creating theatre with the community. While the initial script was penned by acclaimed playwright Rob Ward, it was during the rehearsal process that the script truly evolved to reflect the authentic voices of Leicester. This collaborative spirit is exemplified in the work of the creative team:
Director: Kitty Benford - Known for her professionally driven community projects, creates magic with a cast of 37. Kitty has clearly guided this production with a focus on inclusivity and collaboration. Her vision, and evidently the shared vision of the cast, is to create a space where every performer is valued and heard, but not at the expense of artistic quality. A true craft if ever there was one.
Writer: Rob Ward - Rob crafted the script for Fantastic Foxes, a play about Leicester’s football team exploring key social moments through the ages, framed against a backdrop of education and the argument of transactional vs. relational teaching methodology. During rehearsals, he remained open to feedback from the cast, incorporating their insights to ensure the dialogue was true to Leicester’s unique cultural context. When cast members suggested changes, saying, “We wouldn’t say that in Leicester,” Rob embraced these moments to amend the script, making it more authentic and resonant.
Set Designer: Lauren Connolly - Lauren has created an epic playground of a stage, incorporating the Leicester landscape and embracing the city’s commitment to public art through graffiti highlights and moving door frames that transform the space in the blink of an eye.
By the Community: Empowering Local Voices
Fantastic Foxes is a production made by the community, featuring a cast of local residents. The casting process was open to anyone in Leicester, inviting individuals from all walks of life to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. This inclusive approach empowers participants, allowing them to see their stories reflected on stage and giving them ownership of the narrative—and most importantly, a sense of ownership in their local theatre.
A Platform for Diverse Talent
Incorporating local performers is central to the “By” aspect of the approach. By doing so, Leicester Curve not only showcases the rich tapestry of talent within the community but also provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. Participants gain hands-on experience in theatre production, working alongside professional artists and honing their skills in a supportive environment.
For the Community: A Shared Experience
Ultimately, Fantastic Foxes is a play created for the community. It serves as a mirror, reflecting the diverse and vibrant culture of Leicester back to its residents. The play addresses themes and issues that resonate with local audiences, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging dialogue around shared experiences. But we should also recognise that the creative sector is also part of this community. There are things to be learnt here for the arts and culture sector about quality, ambition, and relevance. All three are front and centre here to the creative process and generation of artistic product. This is the secret to reigniting our cultural landscape. Linking football and theatre in a production made with, by, and for the residents of a place. Epic indeed. It’s a cocktail I’d like to see on a few more theatre menus!
Building a Stronger Community Through Storytelling
Theatre has a unique ability to bring people together, and Fantastic Foxes is no exception. By telling stories that matter to the community, the production strengthens communal bonds and fosters empathy and understanding among audience members. It invites residents to celebrate their differences and find common ground, reinforcing the idea that everyone’s story deserves to be told.
Beyond Participatory Theatre: A Call to Action
In discussing the impact and significance of Fantastic Foxes, it is essential to frame this work through a lens that goes beyond simply labelling it as “participatory” theatre. And if you’re still doing that… well, the ’90s want their strategy back! While participatory arts have been the foundation of many community projects, Fantastic Foxes exemplifies a broader, more profound impact.
This production showcases the transformative power of theatre that is truly rooted in the community—a power that not only invites participation but actively shapes the narratives that define us. As someone who has committed my artistic practice to community-based work, I say this with love and respect: we must begin to see this kind of theatre as essential, deserving of greater visibility, support, and resources.
The work being done at Curve, and in similar community-focused productions across the country, is not just a side project or an addition to mainstream theatre. It is the heart of what theatre should strive to be: inclusive, empowering, and reflective of the diverse stories that shape our world. This is the work that needs to be more present, more visible, and more resourced.
Commissioning Works of Scale
The National Theatre, inspired by Peter Shaffer’s legacy, has developed a commissioning process that encourages the creation of bold, ambitious productions. Fantastic Foxes is the first one of these commissions to make it to the stage. This process supports playwrights in crafting works that resonate with contemporary audiences while maintaining a focus on inclusivity and authenticity.
By engaging with the community in this way, this production not only honours Shaffer’s legacy but also sets a new standard for what community theatre can achieve.
A Lasting Legacy
As the final curtain falls on Fantastic Foxes, its impact will be felt long after the applause has ended. This production is more than just a play; it is a testament to the transformative power of theatre when it is made with, by, and for the community. It exemplifies how storytelling can bridge divides, empower individuals, and create a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the stage.
In celebrating Leicester’s diversity, Fantastic Foxes serves as a shining example of the potential of community-driven theatre. Curve has not only created a memorable production but also strengthened the very fabric of its community, leaving a legacy of inclusion and empowerment. More, please.
More info on Fantastic Foxes can be found here.
