We’re pleased to share two new podcasts with Art critic, Artist and Writer, Lynn MacRitchie.

In this first podcast, we explore the making of the film, Towers of Ilium (2013), shot in Thurrock, Essex. Through conversation we discuss the thinking behind the creation of the film and the collaborative processes that underpin it’s making, including the choreography and performances of local volunteers present in the film, the soundtrack and design of costumes, and the intricate process of building and burning the Tower. You can watch the full film for free on vimeo: https://vimeo.com/73929271

This release of this podcast comes at a critical time for Thurrock in which its arts infrastructure is at risk. In 2021 Thurrock District Council declared the Thameside Complex, where the theatre is located, ‘surplus to requirements’, despite its active use by the arts community in Thurrock and performers and artists past and present.

The ‘Save your Thameside Theatre’ is underway led by the passionate supporters in Thurrock and across the country who believe in the value of spaces of creativity. A recent petition has already received almost 7500 signatures: https://www.change.org/p/thurrock-council-save-the-thameside-complex. This community-led organising underlines the importance of the Thameside Complex as central in providing access to arts, culture and heritage in Thurrock.

You can find out how to support the campaign to Save Your Thameside here: @savethameside https://www.instagram.com/savethameside/, sign the Save Your Thameside petition here: https://www.change.org/p/thurrock-council-save-the-thameside-complex and keep on track of the latest on the situation on the Theatres Trust website, where Thameside Theatre is listed as a ‘Theatre at Risk’ : http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/how-we-help/theatres-at-risk/1698-thameside-theatre