About Us
The original idea for the Up Close Theatre company started with Mark Clark in 2015. He had been involved in amateur theatre for many years and having directed with local Barnstaple groups he realised that there was a strong focus on musicals and comedy but not on plays. Some groups may put on the occasional play but Mark thought there should be a group dedicated to just that. He discussed this with others who he had met through the other local groups, over pizza, and there was enthusiasm for the idea.
Up Close Theatre's aim is to produce plays with high production standards to be enjoyed by a wide audience by taking different approaches to different productions. As well as live radio plays and standard stage productions we are also planning outdoor productions and dinner/ pub theatre to bring the performance right up to the audience.
The company's first production was 'It's A Wonderful Life – A Radio Play Live on Stage' in November 2015. The show was very well received with sales exceeding expectations and led to the addition of two extra performances in February 2016.
We're a very social group; as well as our rehearsals we also get together for social outings to see other groups' productions, take part in pub quizzes and to just get out!
If theatre is not for you then why not come along and join our radio section – yes that's right, we have a radio station as well!
Soundwave Radio was formed as part of a section within Up close theatre during the pandemic to try and help communicate to the communities of North Devon and Torridge. It is run by volunteers and the presenters are from the community – broadcasting to the community.
We run 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We have over 30 hours of local live presenters.
Why not tune online at soundwaveradio.co.uk