This is Free Rayne Artists' second production and the company was founded earlier this year. Who is the team behind it all and how did you all get into making theatre? 
Matthew Frener and Rebecca Rayne are the founders and Artistic Directors and Olivia Collinge Gawn and Leanne Pettit are the Artistic Advisers. We set up the company as we felt that there was a gap in the market for young, driven and ambitious theatre makers who wish to produce innovative and interesting work. We are inspired to make theatre in order to give a voice to playwrights, actors and directors who may not necessarily be given the opportunity otherwise. We are story tellers and wish to communicate with an audience, be that through laughter or tears, we want to take them on a journey. 
 
How was the company itself founded and what are your plans for its future? 
Well, ever since meeting at High School, Rebecca and I (Matthew) had always joked about starting our own Theatre Company. After going our separate ways, graduating from different Drama Schools and meeting Olivia and Leanne, we felt that now was an appropriate time to form a Company. We believe that there is an undying need in this industry for the platform and showcase of new writers, actors and directors. We have several plans for the future but ultimately, we hope to continue with producing scratch nights, but also venture into producing full-length productions.
 
How many submissions have you had for Spiral and how do you select the plays to put on?
We had over 1100 submissions. About 950 plays and 150 actors and directors CVs were sent to us. The response we had was truly overwhelming and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who sent in a submission. We selected the plays by choosing the ones that struck a chord with us: that challenged us both intellectually and emotionally.
 
What’s been the biggest challenge in bringing Spiral to the stage?
The biggest challenge in bringing Spiral to the stage was making sure that we improve and build on the foundations we set during our first show at Theatre N16. We have always encouraged our creative team and audience members to give us feedback so that we can find new ways to improve.
 
What can we most look forward to from your production?
You can look forward to be taken on thrilling, topical and thought provoking journeys by some of London's finest new talent. Book your tickets now for what promises to be a memorable event in Fringe Theatre. 

Spiral runs Sunday 16th to Tuesday 18th October at 7.30pm & tickets are selling fast, with one night already nearly sold out.

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The Festival Players’ tour of Hamlet, like the play itself, has been immense. It seems like a lifetime ago we had our opening night in a little village hall in Dormston, Worcester. Since that evening in May we’ve taken Hamlet to eight countries and performed to thousands - from Welsh Roman amphitheatres to medieval castles in Belgium and Holland, from the 1665 Baroniet Rosendal in Norway to subtropical gardens on the Isles of Scilly. We’ve already performed around 80 shows and have had such moving responses from so many audience members - both those who’ve seen countless Hamlets and children who’d never previously seen a single Shakespeare.

It is then, with much excitement that we come to the Bread & Roses in September. This play, although so grand in its scale, connects to something profound in an intimate setting. I look forward to sharing its unparalleled resonance and power with you, in our fast-paced, thrilling production.
 
- Benjamin Way, Hamlet