What’s On Sep – Dec 2016
Celebrating world class theatre for young audiences Box office 020 7709 8900 | www.halfmoon.org.uk
Season diary DATE Sat 24 Sep Sat 1 Oct Sat 8 Oct Sat 15 Oct Sat 22 Oct Sat 29 Oct Fri 4 Nov Sat 5 Nov Fri 11 Nov Sat 12 Nov Sat 19 Nov Thu 24 Nov Fri 25 Nov Sat 26 Nov Sat 3 Dec Sat 3 Dec Sat 3 Dec Sat 3 Dec Tue 6 Dec Tue 6 Dec Wed 7 Dec Wed 7 Dec Fri 9 Dec Sat 10 Dec Mon 12 Dec Sat 17 Dec
TIME 11am & 2pm 10am – 4pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 11am & 2pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 1.30pm 10am, 11.30am & 1.30pm 10am, 11.30am & 2pm 10.30am 11.45am 1.15pm 3pm 5.30pm 8pm 5.30pm 7pm 1.30pm & 4.30pm 11am & 2pm 4.30pm & 7pm 11am & 2pm
PRODUCTION Monstersaurus! Fun Palaces Free Family Fun Day Orion and the Dark Penguinpig Cake Daughter of the Forest Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom Underneath a Magical Moon Underneath a Magical Moon Maddy and the Invisible Band of Groovers Leaf Leaf Leaf Comets Youth Theatre Sharing Sunbeam Youth Theatre Sharing Moonbeam Youth Theatre Sharing Big Wow Small Wonder Eclipse Youth Theatre Sharing Lunar Sharing Youth Theatre Sharing Equinox Youth Theatre Sharing Solar Youth Theatre Sharing People Are People The Girl and the Giraffe People Are People Anatomy of the Piano (for beginners)
AGE 3 – 7 All 3+ 3 – 8 4+ Family 4+ 4+ 3 – 8 3 – 8 Family 0 – 3 0 – 3 0 – 3 All All All 4 – 9 All All All All 13+ 3 – 6 13+ Family
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Celebrating the rich heritage of Half Moon Theatre 1972 – 2016 We’re delighted to announce that our Stages of Half Moon heritage website is now live. Explore the 44 year history of Half Moon Theatre online at www.stagesofhalfmoon.org.uk through photographs, programmes, news stories, documents, videos and filmed interviews with over 100 people. We hope you like it! If you missed the Stages of Half Moon exhibition when it was at Half Moon, catch it on tour at Whitechapel Idea Store (6 October – 4 November), Royal Holloway University of London (9 November – 19 December), and Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives (12 January – 3 April). A huge thank you to everyone who contributed by sharing memories and bringing in artefacts. We couldn’t have done it without you. 2
Welcome to our autumn season A very warm welcome to Half Moon’s new season of theatre for young audiences. This autumn we are featuring the work of 12 delightfully creative companies, offering an exciting mix of live music, puppetry, interactive play, poetry, projections, vibrant design, intimate tales and heartwarming adventure. Fun Palaces, our free family fun day, returns for a second year, with another exciting and inspiring programme of interesting activities for all ages. It’s going to be a stimulating and thrilling 12 week season and we are delighted to share it with you. Don’t forget there’s free parking at weekends and we are just a 2 minute walk from Limehouse mainline and DLR station. Alongside our professional shows, we have a host of opportunities for young people to participate in theatre and drama with their nurseries, schools, colleges and, importantly, independently through one of our seven Youth Theatres. There’s more information on the following pages and much more detail on our website, www.halfmoon.org.uk. Don’t forget to join our online community on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and become part of the conversation. Every show has a #hashtag, so why not tweet us your comments and pictures and let us know what you think! I look forward to welcoming you to our new season. Chris Elwell, Director
Support us and make a difference As a registered charity, each year we need to raise more than half of our turnover to support our various activities and keep our prices affordable. Support Half Moon today and help us to deliver our vital programme of work. Every donation received will go directly towards helping children and young people.
Ways to make a difference
Online: Donate securely online via our website: www.halfmoon.org.uk. You can also make a donation when you book tickets By standing order: Pick up a form from our foyer, download from our website or call 020 7709 8900
In the foyer: Feed cash donations to Danny, our mechanical dragon Gift Aid: Use Gift Aid and make your donation to Half Moon worth more at no extra cost to you 3
Get involved! Why not join one of Half Moon’s Youth Theatres? It’s a brilliant way to explore drama, create performances and make lots of new friends at the same time. We have seven groups that run during term time.
Half Moon’s Youth Theatres School Years 1 – 3
Comets: Saturday 10am –11am Sunbeam: Saturday 11.15am –12.15pm Moonbeam: Saturday 12.45pm –1.45pm
School Years 4 – 6
Eclipse: Tuesday 4pm – 6pm Equinox: Wednesday 4pm – 6pm
School Years 7 – 12
Lunar: Tuesday 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Teenagers with disabilities (specialist group)
Solar: Wednesday 6.30pm – 8.30pm Autumn term begins on Saturday 24 September, Tuesday 27 September and Wednesday 28 September. Please note there are currently waiting lists for all groups. Youth Theatre Sharings will take place between 3 – 7 December, check the season diary for more information. For more information about our Youth Theatres visit www.halfmoon.org.uk/yt or contact us on 020 7709 8900.
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Inclusive All of our Youth Theatres are open to young people with disabilities and our venue is fully accessible.
5 reasons to join »» Great value! Just £6 per session (£3 concession) »» Run by friendly and experienced tutors »» No auditions »» See shows at Half Moon and visit other London theatres »» Performances each term for friends and family
Arts Award We are able to support our Youth Theatre members to gain a Discover, Explore, Bronze and Silver Arts Award. The Arts Award is a nationally recognised qualification that has been developed by Arts Council England and Trinity Guildhall and aims to inspire young people to develop their arts and leadership talents.
Schools & teachers can also participate Last year, Half Moon worked with almost 23,000 young people in over 1,500 Creative Learning sessions across 84 centres. We work with nurseries, children’s centres, schools, colleges and community and youth organisations on a range of engaging projects. This includes curriculumfocused workshops, after-school activities and initiatives to encourage young people to get into theatre, as well as professional development opportunities for teachers and other school staff.
Projects include
Early Years Dance and Drama: Sessions
for children to explore their physicality and imaginations and to feel confident with dance and creative movement
Speech Bubbles: A year-long programme
working with KS1 children to develop their communication skills through drama
Dramatic Maths: An innovative project using drama and storytelling to engage children in KS2 maths Transitions: A programme using drama
to support Year 6 students with their transition to secondary school
Careers in Theatre: A hands-on, project-
management style experience for 11 – 17 year olds of all aspects of professional theatre
DramaWorks: Bespoke experiential residencies in non-mainstream settings for young people with additional needs or life limiting conditions
Gallery @ Half Moon: A chance for schools to experience the art in our gallery, meet the artist and use the pictures as stimulus for literacy and other curriculum work CPD for Teachers: A series of practical training sessions for primary and secondary school staff, in partnership with Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service (THAMES)
For more information visit www.halfmoon.org.uk/learning and subscribe to our e-newsletter. To discuss any of the projects or suggest other ways you would like to work with us at Half Moon, contact Beccy on 020 7709 8908 or email beccy@halfmoon.org.uk.
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Gallery @ Half Moon
Sat 24 Sep 11am & 2pm Ages 3 – 7 50 mins
Colour Wheel
By Clayton Junior, 13 Sep – 17 Dec Author and illustrator Clayton Junior offers a fresh and striking exhibition that presents a lively journey of colour linked to visual narrative. Drawn from a wide range of children’s books, comics and magazines, the artworks on display tell colourful and playful stories. Headlining the exhibition are prints taken from Clayton’s first two children’s books, Free the Lines and Alone Together, published in August 2016. The exhibition also features originals and prints from his stunning comic book work and a preview of pages from his first graphic novel to be published in 2017. Beneath the artwork, there are chalkboards for visitors of all ages to make their own responses to the art. For all our exhibitions, we provide a gallery trail for children and special events. School and community groups can visit free of charge by prebooking and can use our gallery trail to support Arts Award Discover and Explore. Contact Beccy on 020 7709 8908 or beccy@halfmoon.org.uk
BIG WOODEN HORSE PRESENTS
Monstersaurus! One day Monty found a book Inventions Very Rare Create yourself a monster friend BUT ONLY IF YOU DARE! This brand new show from the creators of Aliens Love Underpants is monster-ously good! Follow the young inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of whacky inventions and incredible monsters, but he has a problem – now he has made them all, what is he going to do with them? This energetic show full of thrills, spills, magic and mayhem will delight the whole family – with original music and plenty of audience participation! #Monstersaurus
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Sat 1 Oct 10am – 4pm All ages welcome
Free Family Fun Day
Fun Palaces Our free family fun day returns for a second year with another exciting and inspiring programme of events for all ages. Join us as we create a pop-up Fun Palace throughout our building and garden, celebrating arts, culture and science with a lively collection of events organised for our local community by our local community. Throughout the day we will have pop-up performances, live music, art sessions, craft workshops and science experiments promoting sustainable energy in a unique and engaging way. There will also be the opportunity to make your own fruit drink on our smoothie bike and a chance to enjoy our exhibition and follow the gallery trail. Plus, we’ll have tea, cake and a few surprises along the way. Dip into one or two events or stay for the whole day! Fun Palaces is a free, nationwide celebration of arts and culture that shouts, sings, shimmies and stomps from the rooftops: arts and sciences, all culture, is a crucial part of human life, and they are truly glorious. All events are free. Refreshments are available to buy throughout the day. Supported by Tower Hamlets Council.
#FunPalaces
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Sat 8 Oct 11am & 2pm Ages 3+ 50 mins
Sat 15 Oct 11am & 2pm Ages 3 – 8 45 mins
PEACEFUL LION PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
Orion and the Dark
Orion is scared of more or less everything. He’s terrified of wasps and monsters, afraid of sheds and storms, panicked by spiders and fearful of heights, but there is one thing that scares him more than anything else. Most of all he’s scared of… The DARK! Join Orion on an adventure as he faces his biggest fear and finds out it’s friendly! Based on the book by Emma Yarlett, this is a heart-warming tale of friendship, adventure and overcoming your fears. “Fun for the whole family” A YOUNGER THEATRE
#OrionAndTheDark
TRAUM THEATRE PRESENTS
Penguinpig
Phoebe reads about an exciting creature called a Penguinpig on the internet. Filled with delight and intrigue she sets off alone on an adventure to find the adorable creature, leading her to the zoo. But what will she find inside? Based on the best-selling picture book by Stuart Spendlow, illustrated by Amy Bradley, Penguinpig is a cautionary tale told through puppetry offering a funfilled show about the internet that is both educational and highly entertaining. #Penguinpig
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Sat 22 Oct 11am & 2pm Ages 4+ 50 mins
Sat 29 Oct 11am & 2pm Family 40 mins
WHALLEY RANGE ALL STARS PRESENTS
Cake
Cake takes us to the kitchen to tell a story of valour and bravery as fresh as lemon-scented washing-up liquid. A heroic knight sets out, through a forest of forks and a mountain of washing up, to do battle with a vicious set of snapping teeth, which threatens a large cake and the community that lives inside it. A brand new, intimate object-theatre show for children and families from Whalley Range All Stars, an innovative company renowned for their imaginative performances. “Sly, funny and surreal performances… the ever-excellent Whalley Range All Stars” THE GUARDIAN #Cake
KOMOLA COLLECTIVE PRESENTS
Daughter of the Forest
Come and listen to Mohiruho, the magical talking tree, as she tells stories of crocodiles, monkeys, deer, tigers and a brother and sister who live in a forest. Daughter of the Forest is an exciting and colourful adventure for all ages using shadow puppets and a life-size tiger! From the forest world of The Jungle Book, told using narrated legends and dramatic physical action, this is a story about the importance of caring for the world around us, rather than exploiting nature for our own gain. Komola Collective’s new family theatre piece creates the magical world of Bonbibi, with music by acclaimed BritishBengali band Khiyo. #DaughterOfTheForest
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Fri 4 Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm Sat 5 Nov 11am & 2pm
Ages 4+ 50 mins
Fri 11 Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm Sat 12 Nov 11am & 2pm Ages 3 – 8 55 mins
THEATRE OF WIDDERSHINS PRESENTS
Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom
Tangles? Split ends? Frizzy? Flyaway? It’s hard enough having a bad hair day, but pity poor Rapunzel spending her life in a tower with a wicked old witch using her captive’s locks as a step ladder! What sort of damage is that going to do to your hair? Theatre of Widdershins have taken this popular fairytale right back to its dark roots, teased out the tangles and styled it into a beautifully coiffured hair piece. This enchanting show promises plenty of body, volume and loads of highlights. Make an appointment to see the show today – because you’re worth it! #RapunzelTower TUTTI FRUTTI AND YORK THEATRE ROYAL PRESENT
Underneath a Magical Moon
A reimagining of Peter Pan as told by Wendy Darling. Through her open window Wendy Darling gazes out at the night sky dreaming of blue lagoons, magical moons and the stories that she can tell. But tonight, like no other, has magic in the air. Come with us as we invite you to fly into a fantastical world of adventure, where time stands still, and the impossible seems possible and if you close your eyes and believe, then you really can make anything happen. A sparkling new production with exquisite music, enthralling movement and a sprinkle of tutti frutti magic. #MagicalMoon 10
Sat 19 Nov 11am & 2pm Family 50 mins
Thu 24 Nov 1.30pm Fri 25 Nov 10am, 11.30am & 1.30pm Sat 26 Nov 10am, 11.30am & 2pm Ages 0 – 3 25 mins
INVISIBLE FLASH THEATRE PRESENTS
Maddy and the Invisible Band of Groovers Maddy lacks confidence and has had a bad day at school. Her Grandfather has just moved in, the last thing she wants to do is help him unpack his boxes. But, when Maddy opens a very special box, Grandfather lets her into a secret, involving a girl with portable ears, a piano teacher, vile siblings, an old potato and a bus driving owl. Full of audience participation and using storytelling, puppetry and songs to celebrate diversity, difference and friendship, this charming show is performed by four actors and encourages you to believe in yourself. Invisible Flash Theatre’s stories are enhanced to improve access for a non-sighted audience. #InvisibleGroovers
HALF MOON PRESENTS
Leaf
a Tam Tam Theatre production A leaf is born… It grows and glows in the sunshine and the rain Then the wind blows and it becomes colder The leaf changes colour In the snow, the leaf falls… But when spring comes, a new leaf grows… Join us as we tell the life story of a very special leaf in this warm, intimate and playful new piece for under 3s inspired by nature and the seasons. Framed within an evocative soundscape, this is the perfect introduction to theatre for the very young. At the end of the performance there will be a free play session and the opportunity to explore the world of Leaf. Early booking is advised as this show has limited capacity. Also on tour nationally as part of the Half Moon Presents portfolio. Visit www.halfmoon.org.uk for details.
#TamTamLeaf 11
Sat 3 Dec 3pm Ages 4 – 9 50 mins
Fri 9 Dec 1.30pm & 4.30pm Mon 12 Dec 4.30pm & 7pm Ages 13+ 50 mins
HALF MOON PRESENTS
Big Wow Small Wonder a Justin Coe production
Justin is the smallest boy in the whole town. So small that he can swim with goldfish. So small his sister takes him to school in her lunchbox. So small the bullies want to catch him and keep him as a pet. Justin wants to be like his giant Dad, but when he finds out his Dad is not the Big Wow, he sets off to find who – or what – the Big Wow really is! Can the Big Wow help Justin to be tall in time, before the bullies catch up with him? And is being big really all it’s bigged up to be? Told with huge helpings of humour, poignant poetry, original music and plenty of audience participation, this is a tall story about the wonders of being small. Also on tour nationally as part of the Half Moon Presents portfolio. Visit www.halfmoon.org.uk for details.
#BigWowSmallWonder
HALF MOON PRESENTS
People Are People a Floods of Ink production
How do I feel? I’m not special like a snowflake. Maybe some people think I’m a freak, maybe I think that sometimes. I don’t know. It changes. Genderfluid, trans, asexual, cisgender, ze and hir – what do these terms mean? What does it mean to be ‘male’? Or ‘female’? And what if these labels just don’t fit who you are? Using physical theatre, framed within an evocative soundscape, People Are People weaves the real words, stories and voices of young people into a powerful exploration of gender identity. #PeopleArePeople
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Sat 10 Dec 11am & 2pm Ages 3 – 6 45 mins
Sat 17 Dec 11am & 2pm Family 55 mins
HALF MOON PRESENTS
The Girl and the Giraffe
a Floods of Ink production One day whilst Girl is playing in her garden, she spots something peculiar on the other side of the fence. Climbing up as high as she can to get a better view, she is surprised when she comes face to face with… Giraffe! As their friendship grows, Girl discovers that Giraffe isn’t very well. She tries everything she can to make him feel better; putting on bandages, making a cup of tea, and even baking a truly magnificent cake, but she doesn’t get it quite right. Girl soon realises that Giraffe doesn’t need a plaster for a graze on his arm or a scratch on his knee. Giraffe is sad. Sometimes we need a different kind of plaster for the things you can’t always see. Charming puppetry, an enchanting soundscape and beautiful storytelling combine in this sensitive show about love and friendship, told from a child’s perspective.
WILL PICKVANCE PRESENTS
Also on tour nationally as part of the Half Moon
Will asks Father Christmas for a space ship, but he gets a piano instead. As he tries to work out how he might use it to reach the moon, Will is drawn into a fantastic pianistic adventure that sees him finding Bach in a cave, meeting a bad-tempered Beethoven and jamming with ‘Fats’ Waller. Using music, humour and visuals to tell the fascinating story of the piano and some of the great musicians who have transformed what it can do, Will discovers that through music you can go anywhere you want.
Presents portfolio. Visit www.halfmoon.org.uk for details.
#GirlAndGiraffe
Anatomy of the Piano (for beginners)
Part recital, part dissection, this unforgettable show features whirlwind piano playing, songs and stories as well as handdrawn projections to create an extraordinary experience for all the family. #PianoAnatomy 13
Bookshop @ Half Moon
Host your event here
We are delighted to offer a pop-up bookshop in partnership with the well-loved Brick Lane Bookshop.
Do you need a space for a meeting, seminar or book launch? Or perhaps a studio theatre for rehearsing or filming? Half Moon has several fully accessible spaces available to hire. With very competitive rates and excellent transport links, we’re a great choice for hosting your event.
Come and browse a rotating selection of popular children’s books for all ages, from classic favourites to some of the hottest new titles. The bookshop also stocks contemporary greeting cards, so Half Moon is the perfect place to buy that special gift or new bedtime story. www.bricklanebookshop.org eastsidebookshop @BrickLaneBooks
Technical assistance available. Please contact us with your requirements.
Theatre: Up to 100 people, sound and lighting rig Upper Studio: Up to 30 people Red Room: Up to 10 people Foyer: Up to 60 for a launch, 15 for meetings
Workshop: For design and painting
Party packages Is it your child’s special day? Did you know that you could celebrate here at Half Moon? Book tickets for your group to see the afternoon show on the Saturday of your choice and hire our Upper Studio space (max. 25 children) for a post-show 90 minute party, for an additional £100. For more information, or to book, please call 020 7709 8900 or email us: admin@halfmoon.org.uk 14
About Half Moon
we include, we inform, we inspire Half Moon is a local organisation with a national remit, committed to supporting artists and young people at every stage of their creative development. Our activity includes a season of professional plays for young audiences, new writing and artform development, national touring productions and an extensive Creative Learning programme, including seven Youth Theatres.
Last year we: »» Engaged with over 50,000 people »» Delivered over 1,500 Creative Learning sessions for almost 23,000 young people »» Ran 7 weekly drama groups for children and young people »» Ran 404 artform development sessions with over 50 artists »» Worked with 70 educational establishments in Tower Hamlets »» Delivered professional development training to 75 teachers »» Hosted 239 work experience sessions and 811 volunteer hours »» Created 3 in-house productions and 2 co-productions »» Toured 11 shows into 91 other venues around the country, including 25 libraries »» Hosted 16 theatre companies from around the UK
We couldn’t do it without: Our major funders
We are also extremely grateful for support from: Action for Bow BBC Children in Need The Charterhouse Charitable Trust Cockayne – Grants for the Arts easyfundraising The Fitton Trust The Hedley Foundation The Henry Smith Charity Heritage Lottery Fund The Ironmongers’ Company Jack Petchey Foundation Jessie’s Fund The Joanies Fund London Bridge Small Grants Fund The London Community Foundation Mrs Smith and Mount Trust Newcomen Collett Foundation Ocean Maths Ocean Regeneration Trust Peter Cruddas Foundation Sainsbury’s St Olave’s Foundation Fund The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust Waitrose Also a big thanks to our many individual donors.
Half Moon Presents As well as presenting shows for young audiences in our Limehouse home, Half Moon also tours work around the country under our producing arm, Half Moon Presents, a portfolio of professional work for young audiences from a range of our associate artists and companies. For current productions and tour dates, visit www.halfmoon.org.uk/halfmoonpresents Half Moon Presents is part of our Exchange for Change programme, which supports artists developing diverse work for young audiences by nurturing, mentoring and providing space to develop work. 15
Book tickets
By phone: 020 7709 8900
Get in touch Half Moon 43 White Horse Rd London E1 0ND
Online: www.halfmoon.org.uk
admin@halfmoon.org.uk
In person: Mon – Fri 10am – 6pm Sat 10am – 4pm
Sign up to our e-news at www.halfmoon.org.uk
All tickets £7. No booking fees. Group discounts available. Free tickets for babies under 12 months, unless the show is specifically for their age range. See our website for booking conditions.
Getting to us
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By train/tube: Just 2 minutes’ walk from Limehouse
5 Bus 2
mainline and DLR station (2 stops from Bank and Tower
ite Wh se Hor
Gateway). Follow signs for Bekesbourne Street when
Ste
exiting station. 15 minutes’ walk from Stepney Green tube.
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By bus: Buses stop 1 minute away on Commercial Road junction with White Horse Road. Numbers 115, 135
s on R d Ben John
& D3. Other buses stop by Stepney Green tube (25) and
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tr
White Horse R oad
Half Moon
5.30pm on weekdays. Meter parking is available at all
Commer cial Rd
just 2 minutes’ walk away on Flamborough Street (at the
Buses 15, 115, 135, D 3 Cable St
junction with Yorkshire Road and Commercial Road). Visit www.tfl.gov.uk to check latest accessibility
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By bike: There is a Santander Cycles docking station
l Tunne rhithe Rothe
Access
BSL
Commercial Rd
Limehouse
y ighwa The H
details and to plan your journey.
Our blind and visually impaired audiences can pre-book touch tours prior to all performances. Some shows have British Sign Language for Deaf and hearing impaired audiences. Half Moon is a fully accessible building. We have baby changing facilities and space for buggies.
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ee t
By car: Street parking is free at weekends and from all times. We are not within the congestion zone.
rav eS
9, Buses 30
B
Ben Jonson Road (309, 339).
other times. Street parking is free to disabled patrons at
Rd End Mile
Stepney Green
TOUCH TOUR
Half Moon Young People’s Theatre Ltd is a registered company in England & Wales (2479179). Registered office: 43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND. Registered Charity: 1010192. This brochure is printed using the environmentally friendly waterless printing process and is Forest Stewardship Council certified (FSC).