proteus is a professional touring theatre company resident in Basingstoke with a twenty five year history of high quality work. We play a key role in the provision of performance and participatory opportunities for the community, producing a programme of touring shows, projects, residencies, theatre-based training and workshops. We enjoy a high profile across the south east region and regularly reach a target audience of over twenty five thousand people through our work.

proteus creates work collaborating with artists, often from different disciplines, and seeks to develop work where different art forms, e.g. photography, film, dance, music or visual arts work with proteus to create performance art work. This enables the artists working with us to be inspired and informed by each other via the working process. We make work for and with diverse communities, from rural villages to socially excluded young people, creating amazing experiences and enriching lives through the performing arts.

In 2005 proteus gained an almost entirely new team, and following a comprehensive review, the artistic policy and business plan have been refocused to reflect the strengths and aspirations of the company.

Recent productions have included the commissioning of a new play for children by Phil Smith, Sprout! , dealing with issues of exclusion and asylum, a new adaptation of Peter Pan utilising multi- media and static trapeze techniques, and Whatever Happened to Bette and Joan? first premiered at the Edinburgh Festival, and developed for proteus as a full-length touring piece for mid-scale as well as small scale venues. The company has also continued to develop the Breakthrough project for people affected by disabilities, and is developing several innovative participatory projects for community groups across the South East.

“ Sprout! is a beautifully crafted and optimistic play that is easily watchable by all ages”
The Stage on Sprout!

“What a dark, yet delicious treat! This show deserves bucket-loads of plaudits”
Edinburgh Evening News on Whatever Happened to Bette and Joan?

 “This was the most impressive piece of acting I have seen in a long time – it would not look out of place in a large West End theatre”
BBC Radio Forth Edinburgh Review on Whatever Happened to Bette and Joan?

“High quality drama with carefully placed roles reflecting teenager's options…..the workshop was excellent – informative and thought-provoking”
Westgate School on Chaser 2005