About Us
Over Here Theatre Company was founded in 2001 by expat North American actors, writers and directors to perform new American writing in London. They produced a series of political comedy sketch shows, Channel 53, as well as the plays American Dream and Gringo by artistic director Lydia Parker at the Union Theatre and New Wimbledon Studio. Over Here continues in its mission to produce quality work about American life for British audiences. Productions will alternate between new North American writing and older, rediscovered American work. As there is a strong community of expat Americans theatre practitioners in the UK, the theatre company would employ them whenever possible to lend authenticity and experience to the productions.
Lydia Parker - Artistic director
Originally from New York where she worked as an actor, director and playwright, Lydia has directed Our American Cousin by Tom Taylor (Finborough Theatre) Love,Sex and Apps by Michelle Sewell (Bread and Roses) , Rebranding Britain by Danny West , Witch Hunt by Ben Worth and Ice Cream by Sarah Kosar ,We Really Should Do Something by James Fritz and Love by Madeleine Brettingham (Southwark Playhouse), A Big Fridge by James Fritz (Hen and Chickens Theatre and the Park Theatre), Something There That's Missing by Anh Chu (Theatre503 and The Space@Jury's Inn), Skinhead by Jessica Brown (Brockley Jack Studio), Our Children Will Be Next by Suzette Coon (Theatre503) and Write into a War by Michelle Sewell (Theatre503). She is also an Associate Director of new writing company, Little Pieces of Gold.
For three years, Lydia has produced The American Actors UK Playreading Festival of New American Work at the Tristan Bates Theatre. Before moving to London, Lydia founded an English language theatre in Puerto Rico which produced Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Her original plays Gringo and American Dream were produced at The Union Theatre and New Wimbledon Studio.
Lydia is currently in pre-production for Dolphins and Sharks by James Anthony Tyler which will be produced at the Finborough Theatre in September 2017.
The press on director Lydia Parker:
"Credit should be given to Parker for her direction, which manages to corral all these disparate elements skilfully and understands exactly when you need to add a dance routine to carry a scene along."
Bargain Theatreland on Our American Cousin
"Over Here Theatre Company has much to say and a bedrock of talent from which to do so compellingly"
Time Out on American Dream/Gringo
"This production is filled with a wonderful variety of wit and humour, clever concepts and poignancy"
Everything Theatre on Our Children Will Be Next
"These Americans (Over Here Theatre Company) really succeed in showing us Brits the standards that are achievable at Fringe level. Parker's writing is snappy, fast moving, funny and incisive and the acting is of the highest level.” Theatreworld on American Dream/Gringo
"A bitter-sweet double-bill – an impressive debut for the material, and the company."
Jane Hutchinson, WhatsOnStage on American Dream/Gringo