Theatre Workshops Music Comedy
SPRING SEASON January - May 2018
Box Office: 020 8292 9222
www.chickenshed.org.uk
Between 14 and 25? Want to get hands-on experience in a working theatre? Then Young Creators could be for you! creative delivery | directing | writing | devising | children’s and youth theatre direction | lighting | music technology & sound | creative composition & musicianship | dance & choreography | performances to children | wardrobe & costume | stage management | theatre make-up | and more!
Young Creators runs annually from September to July, and it’s free! Find out more by visiting www.chickenshed.org.uk/yc or by contacting Belinda McGuirk on belindamc@chickenshed.org.uk 020 8216 2755
Welcome to Chickenshed I am so excited to be looking forward to our season of performances for Spring 2018. I’m proud to be the artistic director of this amazing company, and I hope you’ll enjoy the diverse programme that we have to share with you. We’re tackling some big themes in the season – and in many different ways. We open with a celebration of short form one acts monolog, leading off with Alan Bennett’s wonderful piece Her Big Chance, originally broadcast on BBC Television as part of the acclaimed Talking Heads series. This will be presented alongside a newly commissioned autobiographical piece by Diane Samuels, This is Me. Diane is the writer of Kindertransport which was performed so memorably at Chickenshed in Autumn 2016 to sell-out acclaim, and we are delighted to be working with Diane again. Developing new work and encouraging all the voices of Chickenshed is absolutely central to my artistic directorship. As part of the monolog season six new writers from within the Chickenshed community will have their monologues presented alongside those of Alan Bennett and Diane Samuels, both in the Studio Theatre, and in our alternative performance spaces. For our Rayne Spring Show, we will be addressing the issues of man-made climate change in a powerful new musical, Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow. This will build on the work delivered by the company last spring with Blowin’ in the Wind, which was a massive hit with audiences old and new. The production will involve the creative skills and talent in our organisation, including our students and young people, and deliver a mind-blowing extravaganza of music, movement, dance and drama, showcasing all that is great about our unique and inclusive creative methodology. And barely pausing for breath we will launch into the iconic play One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. The theme of Mental Health and Society is one we’ve been keen to address, and this piece will be yet again prove the power of the way we work, and demonstrate our credentials of professional theatre making which has inclusion at its heart. We are continuing our much-loved series of the children’s show Tales from the Shed, while Planet Play, the team’s new initiative aimed at our very youngest audiences, continues to go from strength to strength, with most performances now selling out. With each season, I hope you are seeing how our ambitions and our confidence continue to grow – and I am delighted to receive so much positive feedback and messages of support that let me know that we are absolutely on the right track. See you at the theatre! Lou Stein, Artistic Director
Get connected or join our e-list Sign up via our website and get regular updates, and all the latest news
Twitter @Chickenshed_UK Facebook /Chickenshed YouTube /ChickenshedTheatre Instagram/Chickenshed_uk Registered charity no : 1012369 American Friends of Chickenshed Inc: EIN No: 30-0099170
6 Feb – 3 Mar
monolog Tue 6 Feb - Sat 3 Mar
monolog (noun)
Studio Theatre
1. a form of dramatic entertainment, eg a comedic solo, performed by a single speaker
Ages 11+
2. a prolonged talk or discourse by a single speaker
Previews n All tickets £10 Standard Matinee & Evening l £15 (£12 concs) | Schools £10 Peak Matinee & Evening £18 (£15 concs)
u
Ages (13-25) £5 Subject to availability Sign Interpreted Thu 22 Feb 7.30pm Captioned Thu 1 Mar 7.30pm Feb
1pm
3.30pm 7.30pm
Tue 6
n
Wed 7
n
Thu 8
l
Fri 9
l
Sat 10
l
Mon 12
l
Tue 13
l
Wed 14
l
Thu 15
l
l
u
Fri 16
u
Sat 17
l
Tue 20
l
Wed 21
l l
l
u
Fri 23
u
Sat 24
u
Mon 26
l
Tue 27
l
Wed 28
l
Mar
1pm
Thu 1
l
Alan Bennett’s Her Big Chance is a dramatic monologue conceived as part of his Talking Heads series for television, originally broadcast in 1988. Her Big Chance tells the funny story of Lesley, an aspiring actress who is offered what she believes to be her big break in a new film for the West German market. Hearing her story, we start to glimpse her naivety, and realise that this isn’t perhaps the shortcut to the big time she expected it to be! Also presented is This is Me by Diane Samuels (writer of Kindertransport, performed at Chickenshed in 2016). This is a newly commissioned autobiographical piece where Samuels explores the form of the monolog by inviting the audience to be a part of her story. Audiences will enjoy entering a young child’s probing and engaging mind.
Shed Talks
Everybody's Talking at Me Mon 19 Feb| 6.30pm FREE to ticket holders
Join the directors and cast of monolog to discuss the challenges and opportunities in staging solo shows.
3.30pm 7.30pm l
u
Fri 2 Sat 3
Chickenshed presents two moving and dramatic solo plays which combine to deliver a hugely powerful and emotional theatrical experience.
u
Mon 19
Thu 22
3. a ny composition, eg a poem, in which a single person speaks alone
u
u
Across the run of monolog, there will also be a programme of pop-up solo performances. Visit our website for more details.
8 Mar - 31 Mar
Directed by Lou Stein
Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow Thu 8 Mar – Sat 31 Mar Rayne Theatre Ages 8+ Previews n Stalls £12.50 (£7.50 concs) Gallery £5 Standard Matinee & Evening l Stalls £17.50 (£12.50 concs) Gallery £10 Peak Matinee & Evening u Stalls £20 (£15 concs) Gallery £10 Ages (13-25) £5 Subject to availability Sign Interpreted: Thu 22 Mar 7pm Captioned Fri 23 Mar 7pm Audio Described: Sat 24 Mar 3pm Mar
1.30pm
3pm
Thu 8
n
Fri 9 Sat 10
7pm l
l
l
Mon 12
l
Tues 13
l
Wed 14
l
Thu 15
l
Fri 16 Sat 17
l l
l
Tue 20
l
Wed 21
l
Thu 22
l
Fri 23
u
Sat 24
u
u
Tue 27
l
Wed 28
l
Thu 29
l
Fri 30
u
Sat 31
u
u
Following last year’s triumphant Blowin’ in the Wind, which drew together themes and ideas of protest and political unrest, Chickenshed is this year proud to present a powerful new musical addressing the issues of man-made climate change. With an engaging and intriguing central narrative, the creative team have combined theatre, new and original music and dance to forge a thoughtprovoking and fascinating piece that will thrill audiences old and young. Lou Stein is directing this piece and says “Scientists have had their go at bringing to our minds the global effects of not caring for our earth. It is now up to artists to touch our hearts and bring the issue closer home.”
Reactions to 2016's Blowin’ in the Wind…
‘ An astonishing and moving production… takes theatre to another level.’ ‘ A beautiful piece of inspiring theatre.’ ‘ Loved the movement, multimedia, choreography and music.’ ‘ Sensational! An emotional account of important events in history.’
17 Apr – 12 May
Directed by Lou Stein
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Tues 17 Apr – Sat 12 May
Three geese in a flock one flew east one flew west one flew over the cuckoo’s nest.
Studio Theatre Ages 12+ Previews n All tickets £10 Standard Matinee & Evening l £15 (£12 concs) | Schools £10 Peak Matinee & Evening £18 (£15 concs)
u
Ages (13-25) £5 Subject to availability Apr
1pm
3.30pm
Tue 17
7.30pm n
Wed 18
n
Thu 19
l
Fri 20
l
Sat 21
l
Mon 23
l
Tue 24
l
Wed 25 Thu 26
l
u u
Sat 28 Mon 30
u l
1pm
3.30pm
7.30pm
Tue 1
l
Wed 2
l
Thu 3
l
u
Sat 5
u
Mon 7
l
Tue 8
l
Wed 9
Mon 23 Apr| 6.30pm
A pre-show panel discussion of the depictions of mental health in theatre. See website for more details.
l
u u
Madness, Madness, They Call it Madness FREE to ticket holders
l l
Fri 11 Sat 12
Shed Talks
l
u
Fri 4
Thu 10
Also adapted into a hugely significant film in 1975 (with Jack Nicholson as a hugely charismatic McMurphy), Chickenshed’s fresh new interpretation of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will be a physical and thrilling version of this moving and touching story.
l l
Fri 27
May
Based on Ken Kesey’s 1962 novel, this powerful and affecting play by Dale Wasserman concerns Randall Patrick McMurphy who agrees to be committed to an asylum for mental assessment, rather than spend another spell in jail. His rebellious instincts throw him into constant conflict with the hospital authorities, and as he attempts to help the other patients take control of their lives, he comes to a devastating discovery of where true power lies.
u
Sign Interpreted: Thu 3 May 7.30pm Captioned: Thu 10 May 7.30pm
Tales from the Shed
Hugely entertaining shows for 0-6 year olds! £6 | Free to babies under 6mths 50mins Tales from the Shed are vibrant, interactive theatre shows that are perfect for young children. They are informal, lively and amazingly engaging as the performers and audience share the same space - children are always encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen.
“It is impossible to watch this production without a big beaming smile. Everything is so beautiful - the children, the actors - the setting, costumes and of course, the puppets. “Get there, this is great!” êêêêêRemote Goat
We guarantee that every show will be fun, really silly and that there will be plenty of colourful puppets and live songs. Every week we present different stories featuring the same much loved characters – from Can-Can the beautiful bird to laid back Lion Down and The Thing That Goes Blurgh!
At Chickenshed: Every Fri & Sat 19 Jan – 10 Mar Fri 11.30am, Sat 10am & 11.30am Additional half-term shows: Thu 15, Fri 16 Feb 10am & 11.30am Elsewhere in London: See our website for various times and locations.
Tales Birthday Parties! Book a birthday party with the Tales from the Shed team. Parties include a mention during the show, a Tales character singing at your table and delicious party food in a designated area of the cafe. Email bookings@chickenshed.org.uk for more information.
Directed by Pete Dowse
Planet Play Fri 19 Jan – Fri 9 Mar (Excluding Fri 16 Feb) 10am Rayne Theatre | Ages 0-3 years £6 | Free to babies under 6mths 45mins Come with us to Planet Play, our magical world of sensory learning, wonder and exploration for babies and toddlers aged 0-3 years. These fun, immersive sessions for very young children are full of music, song and movement, and offer a truly wonderful sensory experience. Devised by the Tales from the Shed creative team, Planet Play will encourage play and imagination, helping with your child’s developing communication. Using songs and rhymes with young children is a fun, engaging way to widen vocabularies and increase listening skills, all of which are brilliant building blocks as children are learning to read, write and communicate. With songs to join in with, puppets who are just waiting to play, dancing and much, much more why not join us on Friday mornings as we head off to Planet Play!
Directed by Pete Dowse
Workshops for Children Saturday Shed Every Sat 20 Jan – 10 Mar Ages 5-8yrs (Year 1+) 10am | Ages 9-12yrs 11.15am 60mins | £6 per session | 25% discount when preregister for all 8 workshops
5-12 yrs
Fantastic performance workshops, involving movement, drama, singing and story-making, led by our highly experienced enthusiastic staff. Through energy and creativity, and as a part of our unique inclusive environment, participants build confidence, make new friends, and share something special.
Play in a Day Mon 12, Tues 13, Wed 14 Feb 10am - 4pm | Osidge Primary School Ages 5-11yrs (from year 1) £32 per day | 50% discount to siblings
5-11 yrs
Over the course of an enjoyable day, through storymaking, dancing, drama, singing and play, participants will work together in the morning to develop creative ideas that will then be developed in the afternoon ending with a sharing of a short performance.
Easter Shed Mon 9 Apr – Fri 13 Apr 10am - 4pm | Chickenshed Ages 5-11yrs | £130 | 50% discount for siblings
5-11 yrs
Participants at this brilliant week long workshop will explore and develop a wide range of performance skills through drama, dance, singing and story-making. Parents and friends will be invited in on the final afternoon to see a performance that has been devised throughout the week. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience.
Workshops for Adults Community Choir Every Wed 17 Jan – 28 Feb (excluding 7 Feb) 6:30pm (2 hrs) | Ages 21+ Pay As You Go: £7.50 per session An on-going series of vocal sessions at which you can develop your singing skills as part of an ensemble. During the workshop you will learn and develop vocal arrangements and will gain skills, confidence and understanding about how the various parts are put together and then performed.
21+
Participants can expect a wonderful mix of songs arranged with a Chickenshed twist, and there are chances to perform throughout the year!
Support Scheme Available Chickenshed strives to make all of its activities open to everyone. If the cost of these activities prevents you from attending please contact us on membershipadmin@chickenshed.org.uk or on 020 8216 2711.
Chickenshed has been changing lives through inclusive performing arts activities for over 40 years. We bring people together, regardless of ability, background or circumstance to create inspiring, diverse and transformative theatre. Did you know? Every year we need to raise over £2m to continue this life-changing work.
www.chickenshed.org.uk/supportus Performance | Education | Membership | Outreach Registered charity no:1012369
Music at Chickenshed Julian Marc Stringle and the Dream Band Fri 26 Jan 8.30pm (Support Act 7pm)| Chickenshed Bar £20 Jazz
British Jazz award winner Julian Marc Stringle and his dream band is an exciting, Latin-influenced jazz funk quintet comprising Neil Angilley, Canadian guitar star Dominic Ashworth, bass ace Chris Dodd, stylish vocalist Jacqui Hicks and the dynamic Mike Bradley on drums.
VivaSantana Sat 27 Jan 8pm | Chickenshed Rayne Theatre £15 This phenomenal Latin rock explosion continues to amaze fans wherever they present their celebration of the music of the legendary Carlos Santana. Playing to full houses as diverse as the prestigious London Guitar Show Wembley, to theatres and rock festivals in the UK, across Europe and even Cuba where, as a soloist, Marcos Rodriguez’ performance was described as “a musical bridge between Cuba and Spain”. The band are pleased to bring a preview of their 2018 tour show to Chickenshed and this special performance will include as many guests and past members of the band as can be accommodated. This promises to be a very lively night!
All events are seated but if you would like to reserve a table and dine with us on the night, please call Brothers Grill on 020 8440 2221 and book your place (subject to availability).
Jo Collins & Friends Sun 25 Feb 7.30pm | Chickenshed Bar (3 hours) ÂŁ10 The immensely talented Jo Collins invites guests for a thrilling set of eclectic covers from pop to soul, funk, folk and more. So why not gather a group of friends, book a table and enjoy the wonderful sounds of Jo backed by her in-house band?
Comedy at Chickenshed Comedy Night
Featuring Tiernan Douieb Thu 25 Jan 8pm | Chickenshed Bar Age 16+ ÂŁ10 A fantastic evening featuring stand-up comedian Tiernan Douieb. Previous nights have included Joe Bor, Shappi Khorsandi, Liam Williams, Sindhu Vee and Rob Deering. The full line-up of acts will be confirmed on our website nearer the time. Please check for details or visit www. chickenshed.org.uk/subscribe and join our e-list to be the first to hear!
We have many more events coming up in the Chickenshed Bar. For further information and to book please visit www.chickenshed.org.uk/whats-on.
Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE, David Walliams and ITV invite you to
An Evening with Chickenshed Tuesday 17 April 2018 Join us for a star-studded night Join our 100 Club of champagne, canapĂŠs and a dazzling Chickenshed performance at the iconic ITV Studios, Southbank.
www.chickenshed.org.uk/itv Chickenshed’s registered charity no.1012369
[ BLANK ] by Alice Birch (a co-commission with Clean Break) Thur 22 (8pm), Fri 23 (6pm, 8pm), Sat 24 (6pm, 8pm) Feb We’re excited to announce that our Youth Theatre is taking part in the National Theatre Connections in 2018. Alice Birch’s commission for NT connections and Clean Break is a collection of 50 scenes telling the innumerable stories of women and children affected by the criminal justice system. [ BLANK ] is a play about what life is like when adults feel absent from the system and it’s about the unacknowledged victims of crime: the children who are inevitably left behind. For Chickenshed’s Youth Theatre, [ BLANK ] provides an exciting challenge from the outset of the creative process. This youth-led production offers the opportunity to take ownership of an innovative script and gives the young people involved the freedom to interpret the material, in terms of both structure and style. This piece will be performed both at Chickenshed and at Artsdepot as part of the NT Connections Festival 2018.
Join in!
The Weekend Itch! Youth Theatre Taster Day
Sat 17 Feb 1pm - 6pm | Chickenshed Ages 13-17yrs ÂŁ5
Chickenshed invite young people aged 13-17 to join us for an afternoon creating and exploring original work, through a series of theatre workshop activities and games in a unique and inclusive environment. If you want to share and develop your passion for writing, performance, movement, music or simply have something to say and are ready to listen, then come along and get a flavour of what it’s like to be a member of our Youth Theatre at Chickenshed.
Run for Chickenshed At Chickenshed we celebrate diversity and inspire positive change by bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to create outstanding and inspiring theatre. Each year we must raise over £2 million to continue our pioneering work. By taking part in one of our challenges or initiatives you can play your part in creating a society where everyone can flourish. See more at www.chickenshed.org.uk/supportus.
The Hackney Half Marathon Sun 20 May Run your way through vibrant East London on flat and fast city streets. The cheering crowds will carry you past the Hackney Downs, Hackney Empire, Broadway Market, Victoria Park, and the London Stadium.
Royal Parks Half Marathon Sun 14 Oct
For further information on any of our challenges, or to register, please contact Julie Wood at juliew@chickenshed.org.uk or on 020 8216 2768.
Put on your running shoes and take part in this spectacular half marathon! The 13 mile route takes in some of London’s most iconic landmarks as well as four of the capital’s Royal Parks.
How to book
Access
By phone or in person at the Box Office Call 020 8292 9222 (18001 020 8292 9222 TypeTalk)
Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre that welcomes everyone. Captioned, Sign Interpreted and Audio Described performance dates are available on the event page and our website.
Online www.chickenshed.org.uk Email bookings@chickenshed.org.uk Tickets can be collected from Box Office or posted to you for 50p
Guide dogs or assistance dogs are welcome in the theatre with you, or can be left with Front of House staff. Please advise the Box Office of your requirements when booking.
Seating plan Chickenshed’s Rayne Theatre is a flexible space; please ask Box Office for details of specific seating configurations. Studio Theatre, Dance Studio, Bar and Amphitheatre events have unreserved seats. 24
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 K
J
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 J
48 47
23 22 21
1
H
20 19
2
1
G
2
3
4
3
4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8
8 9
9
10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
46 45
H
44 43
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 G
18
42 1
F
17 16
1
E
15 14
2 2
1
D
3
4
3 2
4 3
5 5
4
6 6
5
7 7
6
8 7
8 9 8
9
10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
F
41 40
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 E 9
10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
39 38
D
13
37 1
C
12
2
3
4
11 W
B
8
6 9
7
8
9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 C
35
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 B
8 7 7 6
9
6 5
8
5 7
4 6
3 2
5
1
4
B
3
26
2
W
30
13
29
14
28
15
27 28
1
B
25
A
A
31
12 26
These seats can be removed to accommodate wheelchairs
32
11
24
1 W
Gallery Restricted View
25
1
2
23
2
3
24
3
22
4
STAGE
23
4
21
5
20
W
22
6
To request a large print or audio version of our season brochure please email accessbookings@chickenshed.org.uk or call the Box Office. Visit www.chickenshed.org.uk/access for more information.
33
10
A 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 A
21
7
20
8
Our venue is wheelchair accessible and wheelchair spaces can be booked for performances.
34
9
9
36
W
10
5
Sennheiser infra-red system headsets or neck loops are available and can be reserved via the Box Office.
16 W
27 26 25
Getting here Tube: Oakwood or Cockfosters (10-12 minutes walk).
Bus: 298, 299, 307 and N91 stop outside the theatre.
Parking: Free parking is available immediately outside the building, and access spaces can be reserved in advance through the Box Office.
Restaurant and bar open from 9am Monday - Saturday and Sundays when there is an event. To reserve a table call 020 8440 2221
Address: 290 Chase Side, Southgate, London N14 4PE
11/17
Enjoy a coffee and light snack, a delicious Mediterranean-inspired lunch or evening meal, or simply sample from a carefully selected range of juices, wines and beers.