Planet Rabbit Productions

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:

Claire Spratt, (formerly Butler). After years of 'thinking about it' whilst working for other theatre companies Claire founded Planet Rabbit in 2008, starting with the production 'Groping for Words'. She began directing - and then writing - plays in 2009, (initially to save money in the show budgets), and continues to write and direct for Planet Rabbit. This enables the company to operate with tailor made productions to fit each show budget. Claire also carefully selects all other productions in the schedule, mindful of audience appeal and cast size, van size, venue size.

Claire also produces The Ovation Theatre Awards for Planet Rabbit, a one night festival to celebrate new writing for theatre. Since the launch of Planet Rabbit many new scripts began arriving to us and it was apparent that a platform was required for writers to showcase new work. While we are not in a position to produce all the full length plays which we are sent, we do actively encourage new writing via the Ovation Theatre Awards.

Planet Rabbit was named after Claire's houserabbit friends, whom she lived with from 2001-2010. (*True fact: all the characters in 'Blitz Bride' are named after Claire's deceased pets, although the stories are all based on her maternal Grandmother's true anecdotes) .

ASSISTANTS:
Fiona Organ has acted in 7 of our productions and has worked as a production assistant/stage manager on 'Sorry, I Love You', 'Elsie & Norm's Macbeth' and the Ovation Awards. From March-June 2011 Fiona joined us in the office for 2 days a week to assist with venue liaison & our mailing list. Fiona has become fully competent in setting up our sound equipment & lights, plus packing a van, and is therefore extremely valuable to us! Fiona also helps to distribute posters and fliers to several of the towns we visit and has recently begun liaising with poster artwork. Fiona also works as an actress for other professional companies.

Helen Butler has managed many front of house desks for us, including; Buxton Fringe 2009, 'Anorak of Fire' tour, 'Groping for Words' (Nth Ferriby show) & several Brough shows. Helen is responsible for the 'Anorak of Fire' and 'Still Life' poster images & worked as a production assistant on 3 performances of 'Elsie & Norm's Macbeth' and at the Ovation Awards. Helen ran our catering (tea & scones!) on 'Blitz Bride' throughout Aug & Oct 2011. She is also a dab hand at packing a van.

Mark 'Vin' Peart stepped up to do our poster & photo artwork in 2011.

Ambrose Spratt is head of security at the production office and is responsible for quality control during rehearsals. Ambrose may be a one year old labradoodle but he is still an integral member of the team.

Sound & Technical Support:
Wigwam Acoustics Ltd  have supplied Planet Rabbit with sound & technical equipment and support since we began in 2008. They are also very obliging with finding awkward sound effects and arranging any sound recordings for us. Wigwam also assist us with touring transport and some of our printing. For more information on Wigwam CLICK HERE

Claire Spratt's Previous Theatre Work:
Claire began her career at Hull Truck in 1990 before training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art ('91-'93). Claire has enjoyed a career working in stage management & theatre production for various companies across the UK. Plays Claire has worked on include; 'The Taming of the Shrew', 'Hayfever', 'The Woman in Black', 'The Glass Menagerie', 'Women on the Verge of HRT Get Away', 'Lucky Sods', 'Lonely Hearts', 'Dracula', 'Passion Killers', 'Gym & Tonic', 'Bouncers', 'La Ronde', 'Joan of Kent' and 'The Gift'. Claire has worked on 'The Joe Longthorne Show', the illusion show 'Mystique', several summer variety seasons, numerous charity galas and 17 top pantomimes around the UK with a host of famous faces at venues including; Hull New Theatre, Inverness Eden Court, Sunderland Empire, Darlington Civic, Dartford Orchard, Leicester De Montfort Hall and Billingham Forum. Companies Claire has worked for include; The Royal Opera, Hull Truck, Richmond's Orange Tree, Kent Rep, York Theatre Royal, Qdos Entertainment, International Artistes, Duggie Chapman Associates, Great Escape Theatre Company and Theatre of the Wheel. Claire has company managed productions at the Assembly Rooms during the Edinburgh Festival, tour managed a number of top tribute bands on tours to arenas, concert halls and leading theatres, including 4 months in the West End with 'Abba Mania', and has worked as a production & stage manager on a number of touring plays and shows including the 'Funny Guys' tour with Cannon & Ball. For more on Claire's writing & theatre work please CLICK HERE