Exeter’s own unique theatre training, CYGNET TRAINING THEATRE, a member of the Conference of Drama Schools, is one of a select group of companies and individuals who have won a FRINGE AWARD at this year’s EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL.  We sold at least 95% of all tickets made available at the Fringe Box-Office, which makes us an official Fringe Sell-Out show.

Our two major productions,  Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure and Farquhar’s The Beaux’ Stratagem, both directed by Alistair Ganley, played at the Quaker Meeting House, venue 40, for a fortnight to large and appreciative audiences.  The actors are delighted to have been invited to revive The Beaux’ Stratagem for performances at the Blue Eagle George Farquhar Festival in Londonderry, Farquhar’s birthplace, in February 2008.

All this would have been such a joy to MONICA SHALLIS, CYGNET’s founder and original artistic director, who died a year ago in December 2006.  Monica believed passionately in the importance of theatre and she realised that actors need to learn their craft by doing.  She founded CYGNET TRAINING THEATRE in 1980 with the encouragement of Richard Digby Day then the director of the Northcott Theatre and Mary G.Evans who is CYGNET’S administrator.

 Monica trained as an actress and musician, working in rep and the West End and touring with the original production of My Fair Lady, before becoming a full-time teacher and eventually Head of Music at St Thomas’ High School, Exeter.  She left to pursue her dream of founding a repertory theatre training.  Since its birth CYGNET has grown from a small group of dedicated itinerant students working in her sitting room and various halls around Exeter, to opening its own base – The New Theatre at Friar’s Gate.  CYGNET’s graduates – affectionately known as SWANS - have worked in the National Theatre, West End productions, TV & Film, Theatre in Education and run their own companies.

For further information contact CYGNET:

Cygnet Training Theatre, New Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter, EX2 4AZ

Tel: 01392 277189           Email: CygnetArts@btconnect.com