A site-specific staging of Caryl Churchill’s Far Away, produced by Lost Text/Found Space with sound and music by Dr Lucy Ann Harrison, Assistant Head of the University of Westminster’s School of Arts, has earned wide critical acclaim during its run at Ambika P3. The production was nominated for Best Sound at the Fringe Theatre Awards and was brought to life with the support of Westminster students.
Running from 5-23 August at the University’s Marylebone Campus, the play is based on the premise of a world in which everything in nature is at war. The production has been named one of the standout shows of the season, receiving positive reviews including a prestigious five-star rating from Plays International. It was also nominated for six Fringe Theatre Awards, recognising excellence across multiple aspects of the performance, from costumes to lighting. Among the nominations was one for Best Sound, acknowledging Dr Harrison’s creative contribution to the immersive sound design of the piece.
Hosted in Ambika P3, the University’s internationally renowned venue for experimental art and performance, the production transformed the space into a thought-provoking environment for Churchill’s exploration of truth, war and survival. Far Away depicts a powerful artistic response to the post-truth era, exploring the propaganda, fearmongering and political brutalism in an age of fake news, rising populism and global conflict.
Several Westminster students, from various disciplines of study, participated in the production of Far Away, including helping with audio assistance, social media engagement, stewardship and promotional design such as posters and flyers.
The production was created as part of the Quintin Hogg Trust-funded Live Performance Project in collaboration with Royal Holloway, University of London. The project fosters inclusivity, creativity and collaboration by supporting diverse artistic ventures and serves as a platform for dialogue, exploration and celebration of the arts, enriching student experience through performance-based events. It also provides skill development and employment opportunities, showcasing local talent and building relationships with cultural and educational partners.
Speaking about the recognition, Dr Harrison said: “We’re incredibly proud of this site-specific production of Caryl Churchill’s Far Away. As a company, it’s very important to us that we work with and respond to the space and we’re thrilled to see every aspect of our work being recognised alongside our peers. For the sound design, I incorporated the sounds of Ambika P3 into the music, using them to create atmospheres and percussion alongside traditional musical elements. I wanted to make the sound of P3 essential to the show. I’m so pleased to have been nominated for this work and to have my approach to space recognised in this way.”
About his experience working in the production, Jefferson Ramos, Graphic Design BA Honours student, added: “This is my first time designing for a play and it taught me a lot about creating for both digital and print, from adapting layouts for different platforms to keeping the visual identity consistent. Since I saw my work out in the world, promoting this play, on posters, flyers and on social media, it has really been an exciting and proud moment for me thanks to the University’s opportunities provided.”
The production directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about innovative cultural projects taking place at Ambika P3 at the University of Westminster.
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