A very warm welcome to Half Moon’s new season of theatre for young audiences, featuring 13 productions, live music, puppetry, a free family fun day, workshops, a cinema screening, and more. It’s not to be missed!
We’re excited to be collaborating with Polka Theatre on Soft or Spiky? a new show for babies aged 6–18 months. It’s an exciting new co-production devised and directed by Daryl Beeton, who we worked with last season on Boxed In.
Our digital strand of theatre continues with another entertaining show on the Half Moon big screen (Grandad Anansi), plus there are another nine productions available to watch On Demand. We look forward to welcoming you to your local theatre.
Chris Elwell, Director
Stages of Half Moon
Our digital archive exploring the heritage of Half Moon Theatre
Discover the history of Half Moon Theatre through photographs, programmes, news stories, documents, videos and filmed interviews with over 100 people. There’s lots to discover! stagesofhalfmoon.org.uk
Host your event here
Do you need a space for a meeting, seminar or book launch? Or perhaps a studio theatre for rehearsing, filming or a photo shoot? Half Moon has several fully accessible spaces available to hire.
Please contact us with your requirements: call 020 7709 8900 or email admin@halfmoon.org.uk
Bookshop @ Half Moon
We are delighted to offer a pop-up bookshop in partnership with the wellloved independent Brick Lane Bookshop.
There’s a rolling selection of popular children’s books for all ages on offer, from classic favourites to the hottest new titles, plus contemporary greeting cards.
Party @ Half Moon
Celebrate your child’s special day 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 £150.
For more information, visit halfmoon.org.uk/venue-hire
Gallery @ Half Moon Greenwich Printmakers Comes East
19 Sep 2024 — 8 Jan 2025
Greenwich Printmakers present a striking selection of their original fine art. Each piece is hand-printed and uses traditional techniques, such as etching, linocut and screen-printing, to present a vivid sense of place and narrative.
Taking inspiration from a variety of subjects, from London landmarks to the natural world, from the beautiful to the absurd, these handmade works will appeal to young people and adults alike.
For all our exhibitions, we provide a gallery trail for children. School and community groups can visit free of charge, which can also support young people in gaining Arts Award Discover and Explore. Contact us on 020 7709 8908 or youth@halfmoon.org.uk
Theatre Passport
Launched as part of our 30th birthday celebrations in 2020, we need your help to continue Theatre Passport, a free ticket scheme for Tower Hamlets school and community groups. Working together with businesses, organisations and individuals, we can give local children the opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre, many for the first time, and start them on their creative journey.
If you can help us to offer tickets to local schools, a donation of any size, from £40 to £4,000, would be hugely appreciated. Please help us to ensure children can access the arts locally.
You can donate online at halfmoon.org.uk/passport or send a cheque made payable to Half Moon Young People’s Theatre to: Half Moon, 43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND.
Support us
Would you consider donating to Half Moon? As a registered charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to create brave work and programmes for young people that provoke, inspire and entertain. Please support us to help deliver the life-changing work for young people for which we are known and loved.
halfmoon.org.uk/support-us
Half Moon Newsletter
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Fancy Meeting You Here by Julian Davies
Sat 21 Sep 11am & 2pm
Ages 2–6 30 mins + stay & play
LONG NOSE PUPPETS PRESENTS Shoe Baby
A fantastical sing-a-long puppet show adventure with a baby who takes to the sea, the air and the zoo all in a shoe!
Half Moon regulars Long Nose Puppets return with this magical puppet show, a sing-a-long adventure adapted from the book written by Joyce Dunbar, featuring music by Tom Gray of Gomez.
After the performance, there is an opportunity to meet the puppets onstage and take part in fun play based around the show, including a shoe shop, a giant shoe, a make-a-town scene and more.
Sat 28 Sep 11am & 2pm
Ages 5+ 70 mins
FUNNELWICK LIMB, THEATRE PORTO AND EASTERN ANGLES PRESENT
The Chronicles of Atom and Luna
Atom and Luna are twins. They never break any rules and never, ever go into the wood. But they are no ordinary twins. Atom and Luna are special. Atom can talk to the birds. Luna can control the moon. And now the forest is calling to them. So begins Atom and Luna’s journey, an adventure that will change their lives forever.
Murray Lachlan Young’s epic fairytale is set in a world full of myths, woods and magic. It is a story about strong and curious siblings who go on a magical adventure through nature. Think Grimm Fairy Tales meets His Dark Materials with a touch of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.
All ages welcome
Free Family Fun Day
Our free family fun day returns for a ninth year with another selection of fun community events to get involved in.
Throughout the day we will have pop-up storytelling performances, music and movement workshops, plus art and craft activities for everyone to get involved with. We’ll also have tea, cake and a few surprises along the way. Dip into one or two events or stay for the whole day!
All events are free. Refreshments are available to buy throughout the day.
Sat 19 Oct 11am & 2pm
Ages 3–7 60 mins
Sat 26 Oct 11am & 2pm
Ages 5+ 55 mins
OLIVER SYKES PRESENTS
Fishing for Rainbows
Award-winning children’s author Oliver Sykes returns to Half Moon with his new show featuring fearless fishing action, surprising plot twists, compelling characters and an inspiring girl-hero. This funny and heart-warming show will reel the whole family in for an unforgettable adventure!
Inspired by Oliver’s own experiences, the show follows 12-year-old Kezia and her boisterous twin brothers, who are growing up in a single parent family. While her brothers regularly fish with their dad, Kezia stays at home, cooking and cleaning, until one day she is called upon to prove what she can do with a fishing rod! What could possibly go wrong?
GROOVE BABY PRESENTS
Groove onto the Moon
Grab your space boots and prepare to blast off on a cosmic musical experience. Follow three intrepid astronaut friends on a mission to discover the first lunar footprint left by Neil Armstrong. Take a jazz and funk-fuelled adventure into space where you’ll encounter a host of alien characters, embark on daring missions and face challenges that will put your bravery to the test.
Amidst mesmerising animation and interactive theatre, celebrate one of the most incredible achievements of humankind with a fun mixture of storytelling, interactive music making and solid groove from the Groove Baby Organ Trio.
Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Phil Earle and Anthony McGowan.
Ages 6–18 months 25 mins + stay & play
Soft or Spiky?
Discover a wonderful world of soft or spiky with your baby.
What question would you want your baby to answer? What would you like them to ask you? In a world full of astonishing unknowns and surprising possibilities, how do you find the right answers or questions?
This playful and interactive new show is full of shapes, sounds, textures and words, exploring different ways to connect and understand each other.
Inspired by heartfelt conversations with new parents, this humorous production explores the multiple ways we communicate, ensuring that no one is left out.
At the end of the performance there is a stay and play session where audiences can enter the sensory landscape of the production.
Devised and directed by Daryl Beeton, Soft or Spiky? is a Half Moon and Polka Theatre co-production: an exciting collaboration by two of the UK’s leading children’s venues and touring companies.
This show has very limited language. This makes it accessible to a range of people, including d/Deaf, hard of hearing and non-English speakers.
Also on tour nationally. Visit halfmoon.org.uk/touring for more details.
HALF MOON AND POLKA THEATRE PRESENT
Thu 7 Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm
Fri 8 Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm
Sat 9 Nov: Shows 10.30am & 2pm Free Workshops 12pm & 3.30pm Ages 4–8 55 mins
MAYA PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
Súper Chefs
6-year-old Manny is bursting with excitement at the thought of preparing a welcome home dinner for his dad with his mum and granny. But when his mum goes to get a missing ingredient a minor mishap risks putting the whole meal on the line. Manny will have to be resourceful and take on the challenge to put things right with the help of Mighty Mujer – and the audience!
Through singing, dancing and real-life cooking, young audience members and their families participate in a unique experience exploring food, gender roles and the Latin American culture.
Alongside the Saturday performances are two FREE community workshops at 12pm and 3.30pm. Find out more on our website.
Thu 14 Nov 4.30pm & 7pm
Fri 15 Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm
Sat 16 Nov 3pm & 7pm
Ages 13+ 60 mins
THEATRE CENTRE AND SHEFFIELD THEATRES PRESENT
Dizzy
Qamar, 15-year-old maths genius, looks for patterns in everything. Desperate for answers following her brother’s death, she meets Stax, infamous graffiti artist and her brother’s mentor. Under Stax’s guidance she dives into the underground world of street art and discovers the dream-like space known as the Axis. As Qamar navigates grief and memories, she uncovers hidden layers of her brother’s life and her own, forging unbreakable bonds that defy mortality.
Based on conversations with young people across the UK and written by Olivier-nominated MohamedZain Dada, Dizzy uses an innovative soundscape, transmitted through provided headphones, in a captivating blend of technology and storytelling.
Thu 21 Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm
Fri 22 Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm
Sat 23 Nov 11am & 2pm
Ages 4+ 55 mins
An epic polar adventure for the whole family. The King’s Polar Bear is a timeless tale of hope and opportunity, told under the awesome shimmer of the northern lights. In this wintry new show full of snow and sparkle, you will be carried away by the magic of an arctic adventure never heard of before.
Masters of children’s storytelling, Full House Theatre, bring the frozen paradise of the Arctic to life with vibrant characters, hand crafted puppets and a beautiful original score by BAFTA nominated composer Rebecca Applin. A playful and highly visual show for children, the perfect family theatre experience.
Fri 29 Nov
10am*, 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm Sat 30 Nov
10.30am*, 12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm*
Ages 0–18 mths & *18 mths–3 yrs
20 mins + stay & play
MOON ON THE STICK PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
Where’s Mrs Ladybird?
A live hide and seek story for tiny people to share with their grown-ups. We’re looking for Mrs Ladybird and you can come too, as all our insect friends play peek-a-boo with you.
Based on the book by Ingela P Arrhenius, Moon On A Stick bring their signature style to this popular title, combining puppetry with mesmerising music in an interactive adventure that’s the perfect first theatre experience for babies and toddlers.
At the end of the performance there is a stay and play session.
There are two versions of this show for different age groups: a gentle version for those not on the move and a more energetic event suitable for those on the move and wanting a livelier experience.
Sat 14 Dec 11am, 1pm & 3pm
Ages 2–7 60 mins
Sat 21 Dec 11am, 1pm & 3pm
Ages 2–6 50 mins + stay & play
WHATNOT THEATRE PRESENTS
Ugly Duckling
Once upon a time there was a little Duckling called Dotty. Dotty didn’t look like her brothers and sisters; and as much as she tried, Dotty just couldn’t ‘Quack’ –it always came out as a ‘Honk’!
One day, Dotty waddles off far from her nest. Follow Dotty on her feathered adventure as she clucks with Henny the Hen, crows with Reginald Rooster, gobbles with Tommy the Turkey and discovers the true meaning of family.
A heart-warming and gentle interactive re-working of the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson.
THE LAST BAGUETTE PRESENTS
Winter’s Tail
The snow is falling and the solstice is approaching. Ratty is getting ready. She wants everything to be really rat-tastic! But will her friends make it through the snow to the winter woodland revels?
Can you help them on their journey?
There’ll be excitement, adventure, playacting, games, music, a splattering of silliness and lots of snow! Expect to play, move, watch and laugh in this relaxed play-along theatre adventure.
At the end of the performance there is a stay and play session.
Coming in 2025
Sat 11 Jan
11am & 2pm
Ages 3–8 50 mins
LUMINOUS TALES PRESENTS
The Goose and Mrs Frost
A gentle story of intergenerational friendship and the transformative power of kindness, featuring live action, puppetry and a beautifully illustrated pop-up paper theatre.
Sat 18 Jan
11am & 2pm
Ages 3–7 50 mins
THEATRE OF WIDDERSHINS PRESENTS
Pigs and Bears Don’t Come in Pairs
Straw, wood, brick?
Porridge, chairs, beds? Two trios to tantalise and tickle your senses in this double bill of furry tails, where Goldilocks may be scarier that the Big Bad Wolf!
Sat 25 Jan
11am & 2pm
Ages 4+ 50 mins
LYNGO THEATRE IN COLLABORATION WITH NORWICH PUPPET THEATRE PRESENT
Little Prince
Through mesmerising puppetry and beautiful original music, the boy who fell to earth teaches his friend, the Aviator, about love, life and real happiness.
Half Moon On Demand
Unmissable children’s theatre, whenever you want it
A streaming service offering unforgettable theatre for young audiences, recorded live at Half Moon, available to watch any time, anywhere.
On Demand allows you to watch a show for £8 whenever you want and as many times as you like for 48 hours. Join us for an online performance that puts your sofa in the front row!
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted productions, Audio Descriptions and closed captions are available.
halfmoon.org.uk/on-demand
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 eight groups that run during term time.
Half Moon’s Youth Theatres
School Years 1 – 3
Comets: Sat 10am–11am
Sunbeams: Sat 11.15am–12.15pm
Moonbeams: Sat 12.45pm–1.45pm
School Years 4 – 6
Eclipse: Tue 4pm–5.45pm
Equinox: Wed 4pm–5.45pm
School Years 7– 9
Lunar: Tue 6.30pm–8.30pm
School Years 10 –13
Orbit: Wed 6.30pm–8.30pm
Teenagers with disabilities (specialist group)
Solar: Mon 6.30pm–8.30pm
For more information about our Youth Theatres visit halfmoon.org.uk/yt or contact us on 020 7709 8900
Inclusive
All of our Youth Theatres are open to young people with disabilities and our venue is
5 reasons to join
→ Great value! Just £7 per session (£3.50 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
Too young for Youth Theatre?
We have sessions at local Children and Family Centres for under 3s and parents/ carers. For more information visit halfmoon.org.uk/early-years
Interested in after school drama where you live?
We have a group for School Years 4–6 in Bow and three groups for School Years 7–9 in community spaces around Tower Hamlets. For more information visit
Schools & teachers can also participate
Last year, Half Moon worked with nearly 27,000 workshop participants in 1,500 creative learning sessions, including working with 65 schools in our home borough of Tower Hamlets.
We work with nurseries, children and family centres, schools, colleges and community and youth organisations on a range of engaging projects, including curriculum-focused workshops, afterschool activities and initiatives to encourage young people to get into theatre, as well as professional development opportunities for teachers and other school staff, in partnership with Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service (THAMES).
Projects include
Careers in Theatre: A hands-on, projectmanagement style experience for 13–17 year olds of all aspects of professional theatre
CPD for Teachers: A series of practical training sessions for primary and secondary school staff
Dramatic Maths or Science: Innovative projects using drama and storytelling to engage children in KS2 maths or science
DramaWorks: Bespoke experiential residencies in non-mainstream settings for young people with additional needs or life limiting conditions
Early Years Creative Play: Sessions for children and adults to explore their physicality and imaginations and to feel confident with creative play
Gallery @ Half Moon: A chance for schools to experience the art in our gallery, meet the artist and use the pictures as stimulus for art, literacy and other curriculum work
Next Steps: A programme using drama to support Year 6 students with their transition to secondary school, with continued support in Years 7–9. Part of Tower Hamlets Youth Service
Speech Bubbles: A year-long intervention programme working with KS1 children to develop their communication skills through drama
We also support young people and schools in gaining Artsmark and Arts Award.
For more information visit halfmoon.org.uk/learning
To discuss any of the projects or suggest other ways you would like to work with us at Half Moon, contact us on 020 7709 8908 or email schools@halfmoon.org.uk
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, and an extensive Creative Learning programme, including eight Youth Theatres.
Half Moon also tours professional work for young audiences across the UK under our producing arm, Half Moon Presents. For current productions and tour dates, visit halfmoon.org.uk/touring
We
couldn’t do it without:
We are also extremely grateful for support from:
Action for Bow
The Arts Society
Backstage Trust
Benevity Causes
Canary Wharf Group
Charles S French Charitable Trust
Chesterhill Charitable Trust
City Bridge Foundation
Clarion Futures
CMS Social Impact Fund
Derek Shuttleworth Educational Trust
East End Community Foundation
easyfundraising
The Fitton Trust
The Henry Smith Charity
Jack Petchey Foundation
King Charles III Charitable Fund
The Leche Trust
The National Lottery Community Fund
NCEL Compass Wellbeing
Ocean Regeneration Trust
Queen Mary University of London
St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation
The Steel Charitable Trust
THAMES
Wheelwrights Charity
The Worshipful Company of Coopers
Also a big thanks to our many individual donors
A snapshot of last year’s achievements:
→ 41,800 people engaged
→ 26,500 participatory engagements
→ 15,000 audience members
→ 1,500 creative learning sessions
→ 859 volunteer hours
→ 184 performances
→ 122 freelancers, 9 core staff
→ 65 schools worked with in Tower Hamlets
→ 1 Off West End Theatre Award finalist
By
All tickets £8. 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
By train/tube: Just 2 minutes’ walk from Limehouse mainline and DLR station (2 stops from Bank and Tower Gateway). Follow signs for Bekesbourne Street when exiting station. 15 minutes’ walk from Stepney Green tube.
By bus: Buses stop 1 minute away on Commercial Road junction with White Horse Road. Numbers 115, 135 & D3. Other buses stop by Stepney Green tube (25) and Ben Jonson Road (309, 339).
By car: Street parking is free at weekends and from 5.30pm on weekdays. Meter parking is available at all other times. Street parking is free to disabled patrons at all times. We are not within the congestion zone.
By bike: There is a Santander Cycles docking station just 2 minutes’ walk away on Flamborough Street (at the junction with Yorkshire Road and Commercial Road).
Visit tfl.gov.uk to check latest accessibility details and to plan your journey.
Access
All our performances are relaxed performances. Blind and visually impaired audiences can pre-book touch tours prior to all performances. Some of our shows are non-verbal, or have limited dialogue, and are accessible to a range of people including d/Deaf, hard of hearing and non-English speakers. We have baby changing facilities, space for buggies and an adult changing table.
Get in touch
Half Moon Theatre 43 White Horse Road
London E1 0ND
admin@halfmoon.org.uk
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