We are overjoyed to share that Liz Whitbread, the incredibly talented set and costume designer for Favour has been nominated for a Stage Debut Award! These are the only awards which specifically recognise and celebrate emerging artists and creatives in theatre.
Liz started her journey with Clean Break as a Member in 2012, developing her skill and passion for design while on our programme. Her introduction to the world of theatre was through Clean Break, and after taking some short courses with us, she went on to study Theatre Design at Wimbledon College of Arts, graduating in 2019. This journey led to her assisting artist Miriam Nabarro to create a mobile exhibition that toured alongside our production of Sweatbox (set inside a prison van) in 2019 and then co-designing I am a Theatre: 40 years of Clean Break exhibition at Swiss Cottage Gallery in 2021. Favour, which Clean Break co-produced with Bush Theatre this summer, is her first major theatre production, designed with mentorship from Kat Heath.
Ashna Rabheru and Renu Brindle in Favour at Bush Theatre / Suzi Corker
Liz designed Favour’s naturalistic and authentic set, which was based on traditional South Asian homes in East London, with a thorough research process. The play primarily took place in Nanoo (Grandmother) Noor’s living room, featuring patterned wallpaper, a well-used sofa, sunken kitchen and intricate details in the nick-nacks placed thoughtfully around the space, which gave the audience insight into the characters' lives.
__in__favour__at_the_bush_theatre.__photo_credit_suzi_corker.jpg)
Rina Fatania in Favour at Bush Theatre / Suzi Corker
The dynamic set featured technical brilliance throughout, as it had the ability to transform from a muted and homely living room into a bubble-gum pink, dream-like beauty salon, during a scene which slips the play into the surreal.
Avita Jay and Ashna Rabheru in Favour at Bush Theatre / Suzi Corker
The set has not only been recognised by The Stage with this nomination, but was also praised by the press for being “fantastically designed” (North West End) and “finely detailed” (Broadway World), becoming “almost a character in its own right” (The Times).
Liz has responded to the news by saying "I'm so grateful for the opportunity I was given to design for Favour and extremely delighted about the nomination."
Ambreen Razia, the writer of Favour shared: “Liz's level of detail and sensitivity towards creating a working-class Pakistani home was inspiring to watch, she created a space with such a rich history it felt like the walls could reiterate it back to the audience. Liz is a truly special artist, and I can't wait to see what she takes on next.”
Dezh Zhelyazkova is a Producer at Clean Break and produced the play alongside the team at Bush Theatre. She has said: “We are immensely proud to learn that Liz has received this nomination. Working with Liz and watching her vision evolve to create the intricate physical world of Favour in such a meticulous relationship with the text was a wonderful experience. It is great to see Liz's hard work and talent recognised and we look forward to seeing what's next for her.”
Stay up to date on Clean Break news by joining our mailing list
With thanks to the Maria Björnson Memorial Fund and Royal Victoria Hall Foundation for their support of Favour.
