The New Wimbledon Studio will be glowing with anticipation throughout April and May as co-artistic directors Alice Sillett and Sarah Dullaghan present Illuminate, a theatrical festival featuring everything from Greek comedy to puppetry.

From running her own theatre company to co-creating an eclectic festival in the heart of Wimbledon, Alice Sillett talks to Rachel Dickerson ahead of the show’s launch party.

Rachel Dickerson: What can people heading to the theatre expect from Illuminate?

Alice Sillett: We’re a new and emerging company and we’re very audience friendly.

"What we’ve got on is very exciting and very fresh and we’re working in a really versatile space making it welcoming and accessible to everyone.

"I know some people can be intimidated by the theatre but we’ve created a really welcoming and local feel. It’s also very affordable with only £10 a ticket and £8 for concessions, so it really is for everyone.

RD: What stands out about the festival that will attract new audiences?

AS: We’re brand new this year and we’ve got a real selection of work. There’s everything from Greek comedy, folk music and puppetry so there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

RD: How did the concept of Illuminate arise between Sarah and yourself?

AS: We’ve both worked at the theatre for about 3 or 4 years now, doing lots of things from front of house to box office and in a lot of different capacities, and eventually we put our feelers out and became more involved in the studio. We also wanted to reach the full potential of the studio as it’s a great space, we’re right next to the main theatre and right in the centre of town.

RD: Why is the New Wimbledon Studio the best place for Illuminate?

AS: We’re changing from performance to performance. The festival opens with sketch comedy so there’ll be a lot more seats in the studio, and then after that we’ll be moving onto Shakespeare where we’re setting up tables from the bar to create a really fun cabaret set up.

RD: What would you say the highlights of the festival will be?

AS: It’s really difficult to say. I’m directing Lysistrata which I’d definitely say is a hot pick - however both myself and Sarah are really excited about Beans on Toast which is a musical play that’s coming down from Edinburgh.

"We’re already really looking forward to The Wonderful Discovery of Witches in the County of Lancaster - as it’s a scratch performance it’s still in development so we can’t wait to see what they do with it. There is a lot to be discovered.

RD: Will your partnership with Sarah be continuing after the festival?

AS: We’ve already had such a positive partnership and we both have a range of different experience. It’s been such a challenge and a great journey, we’ve learnt so much from taking the shot and learnt buckets full with our different qualities.

"We’re really hopeful that Illuminate will carry on and feature again next year."

Illuminate Presents; New Wimbledon Studio, 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon; April 2 to May 9, £8 to £10, atgtickets.com.