2012: Theatre on the Fly

As part of CFT's 50th anniversary celebrations, an experimental temporary venue was commissioned for the grounds of Oaklands Park: Theatre on the Fly. The structure was designed by Assemble and inspired by the machinery of a theatrical fly tower, with exposed mechanisms transforming the building into a theatrical spectacle extending into the surrounding parkland.

Harking back to the days of The Tent in the 1980s, the venue was to house a nine-week season by CFT's three apprentice directors: Tim Hoare, Anna Ledwich and Michael Oakley. The season included three main productions - Patrick Marber's Blue Remembered Hills, April de Angelis's Playhouse Creatures and Penelope Skinner's Fred's Diner - alongside a range of events including rehearsed readings, CFYT productions, concerts and even a silent disco!