Photographer hosts debut exhibition

Press release:
Northern Stage (formerly Newcastle Playhouse), from Thursday 27th January - Saturday 9th April

Newcastle-based photographer, Topher McGrillis, is set to put himself in the frame on Wednesday 26th January, when his debut exhibition is unveiled at nationally-renowned city-centre theatre, Northern Stage (formerly Newcastle Playhouse), in front of an invited audience, with free public entry from Thursday 27th.

Having built a strong reputation for artistic, theatrical and portraiture work, Topher has already enjoyed a partnership with Northern Stage when he created exciting production and promotional photography for the company’s recent run of The Wind in the Willows – adapted for the stage by Alan Bennett and featuring the familiar face of actor Mark Benton.

His creative talent has also seen him delve behind the scenes of Lee Hall’s Broadway hit, The Pitmen Painters, where Topher was lucky enough to capture the personal moments of the cast as they prepared for their Newcastle Theatre Royal performance during ‘the half’ – an industry term to describe the 30 minute countdown to curtain up.

Whilst the rest of the business world shied away from risk-taking during the country’s more challenging times in 2010, Topher decided to place faith in his talent and take the plunge as a freelancer. His gamble paid off, and Northern Stage were so impressed with his work that they offered him a platform to further promote his impressively varied portfolio, through commissioning this special exhibition in celebration of the theatre’s 40th birthday.

“Photography is such an important part of the theatrical process when creating and promoting a new production,” said Mark Calvert, Director of Northern Stage’s under 6s performances.

Mark directed The Prince and the Penguin which was Topher’s first photography encounter at Northern Stage. Mark continues: “A stunning set of photographs that visually capture the essence and spirit of the show can be one of the creative hooks that entice audience members through the door to visit the venue.  An essential part of Topher’s practice is when he attends our rehearsal sessions, enabling him not only to associate himself with the make up of the production but it allows him to become part of the cast and crew.”

The exhibition will preview on Wednesday 26th January to an invited audience. Public exhibitions will then continue to take place from Thursday 27th January until Saturday 9th April between 9am and 6pm. Entry is free, For further details see www.northernstage.co.uk <http://www.northernstage.co.uk/> . For more information about Topher McGrillis, see www.tophermcgrillisphotography.co.uk <http://www.tophermcgrillisphotography.co.uk/> .