Commissioning Circle

Become a part of Something Epic...

At The Theatre Chipping Norton we passionately believe that, despite our size, we can tell the biggest stories. We are developing a new project that explores and tests that belief to the limit!
John Terry, Artistic Director

The White Whale

Following the success of our Lark Rise and Barn Dance Commissioning Circles we have an exciting opportunity for a 2025 Commissioning Circle to support the development of a new production at The Theatre.

The White Whale will be a brand-new, one-person adaptation of one of the greatest epic tales in literature - Moby Dick.

Working with designer Alex Berry (A Tender Thing, The Kreutzer Sonata) and The Theatre Chipping Norton's Artistic Director John Terry, this production will use a single actor and innovative staging to transport audiences to the wilds of the southern oceans. Working in partnership with the University of Oxford and the National Maritime Museum, drawing on historical accounts of the period alongside Herman Melville’s novel, and reflecting the environmental parallels with an age where the oceans were plundered to near extinction

With your support we can create a unique, never-before-seen adaptation that combines simple theatrical story-telling with technology to tell this epic story in miniature.

A whale in a fish bowl with a sail ship sailing above it. The text reads "The White Whale"

What is the Commissioning Circle?

For theatre lovers, literary enthusiasts and ocean lovers, this is a unique chance to experience and enable the creation of a brand new production and accompany it on its journey from ‘page to stage’.  In doing so, you’ll gain an unrivalled insight into the creation of the play, with amazing stories and experiences to remember.

We have seats for up to five Commissioning Circle members, each making a contribution of £1,500+.

As well knowing that you are enabling this exciting project to come to life, members will receive:

A script signed by the company.
Invitations into the heart of the creative process, meeting with creative team members and watching rehearsals and early development showings.
Credit in the production programme and on The Theatre’s website.
Tickets for you and a guest for the autumn work in progress performance, including the chance to discuss with the cast and creative team at a drinks reception afterwards.
Commissioning Circle collectors programme including a record of the play’s development, and production photographs.

It has just been lovely to have the opportunity to be involved from the start; and it was a huge success.
Jo Graves, 2024 Barn Dance Commissioning Member

So, will you take a seat and become a part of something epic?

If you’re interested in coming on this adventure with us please contact Katie Shama on 01608 642350 or by emailing us at fundraising@chippingnortontheatre.co.uk