Autumn/Winter Season Brochure 2015 by Pleasance

AUTUMN/WINTER

SEASON BROCHURE

Hyphen Theatre Company

Next Lesson

Flamenco Productions

Hombres

20 - 25 Oct 7:45pm £12 (£10 Concession) South London. A secondary school opens its doors for the day ahead. It’s morning registration. Section 28 has begun. Michael is ready to say the unthinkable. There’s a first time for everything: coming out; Gay Pride; a hate crime. When the day is over it will be time to pack your bag and move on. This new play leads us from 1988 to the present, but as we reach 2015, we’re forced to ask what lessons have been learned.

24 Oct 7:30pm £17 (£15 Concession)

Next Lesson had an overwhelmingly positive reception at its Pleasance Theatre preview in April 2015, receiving ★★★★★ from Gay Times, and similarly positive reviews from Diva and QX magazines.

Hombres is an intimate Flamenco performance lead by dancer Álvaro Guarnido, who takes the audience on a magical and powerful journey through different Flamenco rhythms. His mesmeric dance will set pulses racing and senses spinning.

Shaun Dellenty from Inclusion for All will be doing a post show talk on Thursday 22nd October from 9pm for 30 minutes, joined by Hyphen Theatre’s co-founders Chris Woodley and Esmé Patey-Ford.

Álvaro will be accompanied for the first time by dancer Javier Zapata. The audience will enjoy the purest strength of male Flamenco dancing accompanied by fantastic musicians and a powerful singer.

020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

£1 transaction fee per ticket on telephone and online bookings, capped at £5

Todozancos & Sculptors of the Air

Tuberias

Fine Mess Theatre

Bites & Scratches

25 - 26 Oct 7:30pm £10 (£8 Concession) With three Cirque du Soleil artists in the cast, this Barcelona based collaboration highlights skilled performance through an independent voice concerned about global warming. A multidisciplinary show that combines the narrative power of theatre, the spectacle of the circus, and the visually captivating world of corporeal mime. Accompanied this time by original music performed live by Mosaico Jazz Trio. On a mission to discover the life giving liquid called water, four eccentric characters embark on a quest guided by an ancient transcript found in the desert. An enormous pipe structure needs to be built. A shower of tubes, ropes and loose nuts trigger a series of attempts that are as dreamlike as absurd. In the end there is only one way to proceed. A performance of the company Todozancos, co-produced by ME Entertainment and Arts, and The Purpose of Madness. Under the artistic direction of Mai Rojas and Sculptors of the Air. 020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

27 - 28 Oct 7:30pm £10 (£8 Concession) After a sell out run in April earlier this year Fine Mess are delighted to announce the autumn return of Bites & Scratches, now at the Pleasance Theatre Islington for two nights only. The evening will feature six extracts or short plays from award-winning and emerging playwrights and has, in the past, showcased new work from the likes of Camilla Whitehill, Anna Jordan, Afsaneh Gray, Rob Hayes and Karla Crome. Full line up of playwrights, directors and performers to be confirmed. £1 transaction fee per ticket on telephone and online bookings, capped at £5

Knuckle and Joint

puppetry festival

Black Hoods Cabaret

The Suspense Puppetry Festival returns to London running from 29 October to 8 November 2015. Programmed and developed by Little Angel Theatre, Suspense uses puppetry to celebrate international storytelling and explore what it means to be human in an ever-changing world. Remarkable theatre across 10 unique venues.

Touched Theatre

Punched Cabaret

30 - 31 Oct 9pm £10 (£8 Concession) Bear witness to the debauchery and murder of some of the most decrepit puppets to crawl out of a back alley. Knuckle and Joint is run by a Kent based duo specialising in intricate puppetry design and dynamic puppetry performance.

Sandglass

D-Generation

29 Oct 8pm £15 (£13 Concession)

31 Oct - 1 Nov 7:30pm, 4:30pm £15 (£13 Concession)

Punched is an unmissable night of smokinghot puppet cabaret for adults, featuring artists from Brighton’s vibrant puppetry scene plus special guests from the festival programme. Showcasing puppetry in all its forms through a dazzling array of acts introduced by your host the inimitable drag ex-marionette, Miranda.

A full-length theatre piece based upon stories written collaboratively by groups of people with late-stage dementia.

020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

Sandglass is inspired by a love of puppetry, live performance and engagement with local and international communities £1 transaction fee per ticket on telephone and online bookings, capped at £5

Sort of Theatre

BearDog

1 - 2 Nov 9pm £10 (£8 Concession)

3 - 4 Nov 9pm £10 (£8 Concession)

Joni is a puppeteer. Dana is not. Dana is a Jew. Joni is not.

Joni has had her heart broken, but the show isn’t about that. She tries online dating, but the show isn’t about that. She meets someone special but before she can go any further, she feels she has to tell him something important. But how can she tell him she has a mental longterm illness? And is it really the best thing to talk about on a second date?

Buttons

Buttons is a show about their journey to Auschwitz and the stories they discovered on the way. Using a mixture of live performance, spoken word, shadow puppetry and object manipulation Joni and Dana attempt to recount the story of their ‘sort of’ holiday, whilst exploring the themes of memory, family and war.

Do You Mind?

Stephen Mottram’s Animata

The Seed Coulrophobia Carriers Pickled Image

2 - 3 Nov 7:30pm £12 (£10 Concession) Two clowns trapped in a cardboard world... Dik and Adam are traditional clowns in a very untraditional situation. They somehow find themselves in a world where everything is made of cardboard: chairs, tables, a lift, musical instruments and even a boat. 020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

4 - 5 Nov 7:30pm £12 (£10 Concession) They look like people, but are really more like insects or plants. They are The Seed Carriers. Valuable and vulnerable, they are farmed for the seeds carried within them. In conspiracy with Glyn Perrin’s music, these puppets draw their audience into a beautiful, colourful world which becomes horrific and then haunting as our understanding of it starts to dawn. £1 transaction fee per ticket on telephone and online bookings, capped at £5

The Flying Dutchman / Mirth and Misery

The Fantastical Tale of the Boy on the Run / Death Puppet Klezma Jam

5 - 7 Nov 9pm £12 (£11 Concession) A grand show on a miniature scale. The Fantastical Tale folds out of a massive book and brings to life cardboard puppets in forests, caves, on a flying ship and many more!

Mirth and Misery invite you to enter their world of putrefied puppetry and witness their manipulation of the damned. Performed with a live four piece band, each character has a song and each song tells a story... Who lives? Who dies? Who cares?

Compagnie Akselere

Davy & Kristin McGuire

Sleeping Beauty

6 - 7 Nov 7:30pm, 3pm £15 (£13 Concession) This is not a fairy tale but a princess’s tale. A princess from Liverpool. Born in a kingdom devastated by unemployment and famine, where the spindle has been replaced by a syringe. We are in a restaurant. The table is set. The waitress welcomes us. On the menu, a story. Artist and puppeteer Colette Garrigan tells her story using shadow theatre and object theatre. Stunningly poetic and original. 020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

The Icebook

7 Nov Various Times £7 (£5 Concession) The Icebook is the world’s first projection mapped pop-up book, a theatrical installation depicting a silent fable through a combination of paper pop-ups, projection mapping and music. By day, each of the 11 pages is no more than a few feet tall featuring intricately handcut blank pop-ups, but when the lights go out and a projection is beamed onto the book’s pages, the paper comes to life as if by magic and a dark, atmospheric story unfolds about a man on a journey through the wilderness. £1 transaction fee per ticket on telephone and online bookings, capped at £5

Blackshaw Theatre

Staying Alive

10 - 29 Nov 7:45pm

£12 (£10 Concession)

“There’s nothing worse than old friends... they always think they know exactly who you are.”

and bereavement charity SLOW. Darkly funny, and achingly tender, Staying Alive is about the loss of a child; about how in the wake of any interminable loss, we find ways to connect and survive; an exploration of love, honesty, family and grief.

Mary had a son, now her son is dead, and that is all. But Jenn is hosting a dinner party, just like before, a chance to catch up. No pressure. Nothing big. Just old friends. It would be great to see you. If you’re free. If you’re ready. Emerging writer and Pleasance Creative Associate Kat Roberts developed the script with support from Blackshaw Theatre 020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

“A beautiful and groundbreaking piece of theatre.” SLOW “This is a company who really care.” A Younger Theatre £1 transaction fee per ticket on telephone and online bookings, capped at £5

Pleasance Presents

HUB

9 Nov, 7 Dec & 1 Feb 8pm £5 HUB is BACK! After an amazing Edinburgh Fringe run with sell out shows and 5 star reviews, we’re back in London to showcase the best comedy acts as they test drive their new material.

A Pleasance Scratch

22 Nov 5pm £6.50 A Pleasance Scratch is an evening of variety, ideas and fun; a chance to see artists present brave, new work at the first stages of development.

Your awesome November line up includes: Birthday Girls, David Trent, Elis James, Lou Sanders, Phil Jerrod, Phil Wang and Pierre Novellie.

The Pleasance is proud to support a large number of developing artists every year through our various Pleasance Futures initiatives, and this is an opportunity for you to have the first glimpse at what these talented young theatre makers are creating next.

The line-up show to rival all others.

Programme to be confirmed...

020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

£1 transaction fee per ticket on telephone and online bookings, capped at £5

LAMDA is a world-leading drama school. Expect bold, risk-taking and unforgettable work this autumn. Find out more at www.lamda.org.uk

The Winter’s Tale

25 Nov - 3 Dec 7:30pm, 3pm, 2pm £10 (£6 Concession) Even a groundless accusation can tear a family apart, as Leontes, King of Sicily discovers in Shakespeare’s complex comedy. When King Leontes’s old friend Polixenes decides to leave after a visit, Leontes asks his wife Hermione, to persuade him to extend his stay. Possessed with jealousy at her success in doing so, Leontes makes a groundless allegation accusing Hermione and Polixenes of having an affair. With his jealousy in the driving seat, tragedy soon besets Leontes and he is forced to realise what it has cost him; but has his realisation come too late? One of Shakespeare’s most puzzling plays, The Winter’s Tale twists and turns, exploring love, regret and reconciliation. 020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

Macbeth

26 Nov - 3 Dec 7:30pm, 2pm £10 (£6 Concession) A tragedy of pride turned poisonous - in their wild scramble for power, Macbeth and his wife seal their own ruin. King Duncan’s generals, Macbeth and Banquo, witness the unveiling of a prophecy from three strange women. During this supernatural encounter, Macbeth is told that he will be the future King of Scotland, as will Banquo’s heirs, but the news precedes a warning. Blinded by greed and driven by his wife’s ruthless desire for power, Macbeth trades in loyalty for treachery as he spirals down a dark path, stopping at nothing to gain the crown despite the dire consequences. £1 transaction fee per ticket on telephone and online bookings, capped at £5

Peaceful Lion Productions

Nutcracker! The Musical

8 Dec - 3 Jan 7:30pm, 4pm

£16/£14 (£14/£12 Concession)

Nutcracker! The Musical is a story of magic, far away places, fairy tale kingdoms, of love, friendship, family and most importantly imagination. With a modern musical score influenced by Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, this fresh new look at the original Nutcracker story will enchant audiences of all ages.

disfigured by the evil Mouseyrinks, Queen of the Mice. King Wilhelm enlists the help of the mystical Royal Clockmaker to break the curse. Will a little magic and a lot of imagination be enough to discover the secret of the nutcracker and rescue the people of Chronenburg from the clutches of Mouseyrinks’ spell?

Teenage Marie is too old to play with dolls but there’s something intriguing about the nutcracker given to her by her old Uncle Drosselmier. He seems lost in time. Long ago in the fairy tale kingdom of Chronenburg, the beautiful Princess Pirlipat has been magically

Nutcracker! The Musical is written by multiple Emmy Award-winner Nancy Holson, with orchestration by Bruce Kiesling and Paul Rigano and directed by Ollie Fielding. This show promises to be a Christmas cracker!

020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

£1 transaction fee per ticket on telephone and online bookings, capped at £5

Paul Taylor-Mills Productions

Red Riding Hood

7 Dec - 3 Jan 10:30am, 11am, 1:30pm, 2pm £12.50 (£11 Concession)/£7 ‘Little Red is clever, Little Red is bright, Little Red will find a way to beat you in a fight.’ Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary (The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole - The Musical) bring a new musical twist to the classic tale. We follow Red as she ventures through the 020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

woods on a quest to save her family bakery. However, will Red be distracted by the wolf in the magical forest where nothing is as it seems? Red Riding Hood is a story about bravery, love, friendship and family. Filled with humour and packed with original music, this is a show for all ages. £1 transaction fee per ticket on telephone and online bookings, capped at £5

Young Pleasance

The Hampstead Murder Mystery!

19 - 23 Dec 5pm £12.50 (£10 Concession) Transferring direct from a sell-out run in Edinburgh, The Hampstead Murder Mystery! has all the thrill of a whodunnit this Christmas in this fantastic murder mystery which keeps you guessing right to the end. Set across Hampstead, Westminster and Scotland Yard, the Pleasance’s “breathtakingly skilful ensemble” (Scotsman) populate the stage with over 150 characters in this brilliantly ingenious 1920s crime thriller that sets its tongue firmly in its cheek. ★★★★★ “Not to be missed... Kill to get a ticket” British Theatre Guide ★★★★★ “Pure polished joy” EdFest Magazine ★★★★ “Energy, charm and sheer luxury in a sparkling production” Scotsman ★★★★ “Excellent production values... dynamic and imaginative” Broadway Baby 020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

Incognito Theatre & The Pleasance

Dorian Gray

19 - 23 Dec 7pm, 6pm £12.50 (£10 Concession) In a desperate bid to maintain his youthful beauty and experience all the pleasures the world has to offer, Dorian sells his soul, setting himself on a path of lavish debauchery and secret sin from which there may be no coming back... Fresh from another smash-hit sell out run in Edinburgh, Incognito return to London to conjure a darkly satirical and physically playful take on Wilde’s gothic fable. 125 years after first scandalising the world, this new adaptation questions our obsessive modern idolisation of youth and beauty. ★★★★★ “Clever writing and an incredibly talented cast” Ed Fest Guide ★★★★ “Razor sharp physicality... The best of upcoming British actors on the Fringe scene” ScotsGay ★★★★ “A joy to watch” TV Bomb £1 transaction fee per ticket on telephone and online bookings, capped at £5

FYSA Theatre

E15

Wildheart & Lyric

Wolf Meat

12 - 16 Jan 7:45pm £8 (£6 Concession) 15 - 18 Dec 7:45pm £12 (£10 Concession) ‘We want social housing, not social cleansing.’ Facing skyrocketing rent and forced relocation, 29 young mothers united to confront Newham Council’s gentrification of their hometown. Two years on, this bold and pertinent piece of theatre examines the Focus E15 movement, Britain’s housing crisis and how one group of women refused to be marginalised. Adapted solely from real life testimonies of activists, witnesses and councillors, E15 truthfully addresses the themes of community, strength and solidarity in the face of overwhelming adversity. This is the beginning of the end of the social housing crisis. “A young and remarkable company.” Independent NSDF award-winner 2015. 020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

A brand new show from emerging company Wildheart & Lyric, and directed by critically acclaimed Mick Barnfather, Wolf Meat brings absurdist humour and compelling storytelling to an irreverent world of dirty deals and mistaken identity. The play is continually deconstructed as the actors drop in and out of character and plot, and take audience interaction to a jaw dropping new level in this dark, sexy, raucous hour of theatrical anarchy. “The performers delivered fantastic 3D characters in a slapstick driven, over-the-top world. Silly, playful, intoxicating, and strangely moving.” Total Theatre “Meta-deconstructive-fourth-wall-breachingorgiastic fun, this was a seriously funny, tightly written and brilliantly acted hour of Fringe perfection.” G Scene Pink Fringe ★★★★ “Irreverent, silly, naughty and daring, this production is not for the faint-hearted or easily offended” Fringe Guru £1 transaction fee per ticket on telephone and online bookings, capped at £5

BOX OFFICE

FIND US

Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF 020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

UNDERGROUND Caledonian Road - Piccadilly line (5 minutes walk)

Mon - Sun 10am - 6pm On performance days the Box Office will remain open until the start of the final performance.

CONCESSIONS Concession rates (where advertised) are available with proof of status for Under 18s, Senior Citizens, Students, Registered Unemployed, Disabled, Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hard of Hearing Visitors. Carers and Personal Assistants can attend free of charge. Group and Schools discounts are available on selected events, please contact the Box Office directly.

OVERGROUND Caledonian Road and Barnsbury (15 minutes walk) BUS Bus 393 stops right directly outside the theatre with buses 17, 91, 259 and N91 all stopping at Caledonian Road Underground Station, 5 minutes walk away. PARKING Metered on-street parking is available outside the theatre Mon to Fri 10am - 4:30pm with free parking evenings and weekends.

BOOKING FEES Telephone and online bookings are subject to a £1 transaction fee per ticket, capped at a maximum of £5. Tickets can be collected anytime during Box Office opening hours or posted to you for an additional 50p. Bookings made in person are not subject to a transaction fee. Please note tickets sold are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. Latecomers may not be admitted.

ACCESS Pleasance Theatre strives to provide access for all. Our Main House is fully accessible via a lift from street level, we have infra-red hearing system in both performance spaces, accessible toilets and Guide Dogs are welcome. Sadly at present our StageSpace does not have step free access. Our aim is to make your visit as enjoyable as possible for further information or to discuss any access requirements please contact the Box Office.

020 7609 1800 www.pleasance.co.uk

£1 transaction fee per ticket on telephone and online bookings, capped at £5