Coventry City of Culture 2021 unveils event programme

Photo credit: From The Heart Theatre

Following the latest government announcements, the Coventry City of Culture 2021 programme has been revealed to include a variety of events, shows and initiatives, along with new seasons being announced at Warwick Arts Centre and the Belgrade Theatre, beginning in May 2021. 

Created in a creative partnership with the BBC, Coventry Moves will mark the grand opening in May 2021. Plans remain “closely-guarded secrets” for now but it is expected to be a “day-long event which will tell the story of Coventry’s pioneering identity”. Helmed by director Justine Themen, the event will be available to watch online. 

Presented by From The Heart Theatre, new site-specific musical based on Coventry George Eliot's Silas Marner, The Allesley Silas, will premiere in July 2021 in the grounds of St John’s Church of England Academy School. Adapted by Coventry playwright Alan Pollock, the show is directed by Coventry writer/director Nick Walker and designed by Allesley-born Abby Clarke. The show is expected to be performed by both a professional and community cast. 

Other notable highlights include a street art festival, which will celebrate Refugee Week in June, Paines Plough's iconic pop-up space Roundabout will host four new plays from July to August, and rescheduled project The Walk is expected in October.

Also opening in May, Warwick Arts Centre will host an exhibition inspired by George Eliot's novel Middlemarch, as well as a staged adaptation of Christie Watson's memoir, The Language of Kindness, from 20 May. Created alongside Belgrade Youth Theatre, the Belgrade Theatre will present a National Theatre Connections play.

Let’s hope this Coventry-programme "Summer of Surprises" 2021 will allow locals and visitors, once restrictions have eased, to fully enjoy the events, shows and culture on offer.

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