James Quaife has been awarded the maximum £50,000 Start Up Fund by Stage One to co-produce alongside established producers MJE Productions, a new comedy, Barking in Essex by Clive Exton. The production will open at the Wyndham’s Theatre on 6th September starring Lee Evans, Sheila Hancock, Keeley Hawes, Karl Johnson and Montserrat Lombard. It will be directed by Harry Burton with design by Simon Higlett, lighting by James Farncombe, and sound by Gareth Owen.

James Quaife:
“I am thrilled to have received this investment from the Stage One Start-Up Fund for the West End production of Barking In Essex. To have both the financial support and the support from industry professionals is absolutely crucial with the development of my career as a commercial producer. I am extremely proud and excited to be a part of this production and wish to thank MJE Productions and Stage One for allowing me this incredible opportunity”.

James began his career at the Old Vic Theatre as the Project Manager for Old Vic New Voices. He has since produced Precious Little Talent by Ella Hickson in 2010 and Step 9 (of 12) by Rob Hayes staring Blake Harrison from the Inbetweeners in 2012 for which James received a bursary. Both productions were performed at Trafalgar Studios, West End. James is currently working as a Stage One Apprentice at Seabright Productions.

The Start-Up Fund was launched in 2010, supported by industry suppliers and offers outstanding emerging theatre producers a match fund investment in their first major commercial production.

For more information on James Quaife visit www.jamesquaife.com or follow on Twitter @jamesquaife

For the production visit www.barkinginessex.com