Basement theatre at West 12
Published: 17 April, 2009
West 12, Land Securities’ shopping centre in Shepherds Bush, has had an overnight success story with the staging of ‘Stovepipe’ in its basement.
Stovepipe is a striking dramatisation of former journalist Adam Brace’s experiences in Amman, and the audience move through the West 12 basement, transformed to depict compelling scenes from a post-war Middle East.
This innovative use of basement space is due to the foresight of West 12’s centre manager Jason King, who identified the basement as an ideal location for the show after discussions with Josie Rourke, artistic director of the Bush Theatre.
“The theatre company have jumped in and breathed life into a rather derelict basement, as well as adding new interest to the mall by creating a box office and meeting point,” said King. “Most of the set building was done while I was on annual leave and I was pleasantly surprised at the transformation after three weeks away.”
