Site Specific Theatre

[superhero]

Honest at The Queen's Head - http://www.sohotheatre.com/pl2058.html

Review from the artsdesk.com

"Dave is a bomb, waiting to go off. He’s dangerous because he seems so ordinary. Late-twenties, he’s nothing much to look at. He wears a suit. Works as a civil servant in some absurdly obscure government department. No girlfriend. If truth be told, a bit of a piss-head really. But the thing that makes him dangerous is that - as the title of DC Moore’s 2010 play makes clear - he fancies himself as a truth-teller. He’s painfully honest, and, worse, he uses honesty as a weapon. So when you meet him in a pub, watch out.
But first you have to find the pub (it's a site-specific show, after all). The Queen’s Head is a Victorian pile in Denman Street, a dark, short road just off Shaftesbury Avenue, the Piccadilly Circus end (in fact, it’s right next to the Piccadilly Theatre). When you arrive, go up a narrow set of stairs to find a brown snug bar, decorated with pictures of the queens of England. As you wait for the show to start, it helps to know something about the wives of Henry VIII — believe it or not, it’s a good ice-breaker. But, anyway, here’s Dave; he’s arrived; he’s on good form; he’s drinking; and he chats without a stop.
'A reckless act of honesty provokes a night-time odyssey, fuelled by drink and high on dyspeptic rage'

Played by Trystan Gravelle, Dave is a Welshman in London, a bit of a sorry specimen in need of a shave. He’s lonely; he’s angry; and he’s pretty satirical when he gets going. As he describes his civil service job in “this section called the Strategic and Tactical Development Team”, he points out that it’s acronym is STD. T. And he’s fairly caustic about the ugliness, stupidity and incompetence of his work mates, especially his boss Ben. Listening to his controlled rant, you almost feel you are witnessing the pen pushers of the dying days of some empire, like Russia under the Romanovs, or Austria under the Habsburgs.

But this Kafkaesque bureaucracy just wants to have fun. And Dave’s contempt is increased by the numerous celebrations that are a feature of office life. In fact, the rest of this monologue tells the story of one particularly memorable night out with work colleagues that begins in the Rat & Parrot near Victoria and ends somewhere around Wimbledon Park. As Dave tells his manger Ben what he really thinks of him, this reckless act of honesty provokes a night-time odyssey across the capital, fuelled by drink and high on dyspeptic rage.

During this fabulous narrative, by turns humorous and familiar, London lies stretched out like a bloke in a drunken stupor, muttering prejudices and snorting with dissatisfaction. In this city of the endlessly inebriated night, there are no friendly strangers, no offers of help. All you meet are other piss-heads or disgruntled shop workers, and the streets teem with danger. At its best, Moore’s writing suggests the glitter of moonlight on broken glass, a nation glimpsed as a reflection in the high street's plate glass.

Honest premiered last year at the Mailcoach pub, Northampton, in a production by Royal & Derngate Theatre, which also wowed audiences at the Edinburgh Festival. At the Queen’s Head, in a claustrophobic room, Gravelle is an intense presence, with his fixed stare, his chopping gestures and his attention-grabbing finger. Relishing the gloriously filthy text, he gives this monologue a heavy snort of his own cracked charm, and then brings us to the final epiphany when the truth finally comes out, this time from the mouth of a child. A very short, but thrilling evening.
Honest is at the Queen’s Head pub, London, until 3 April"

[cliveas]

LOVE&MADNESS Ensemble Site specific reworking of Ben Kidd’s acclaimed production at The Tower of London

Richard III
written by William Shakespeare, directed by Ben Kidd

Following an extensive 6-month tour of UK and Ireland and a 10 week sold out run at London’s Riverside Studios in early 2010, LOVE&MADNESS adapt their innovative and exciting production of Richard III for an exclusive presentation at The Tower of London. Where the historical events of the play actually took place.

The final chapter of the War of the Roses, Richard III dramatises the life of one of the most diabolical and manipulative, yet charming and witty, villains in Shakespeare's canon. Embittered by his own physical deformities, the power-hungry Richard will stop at nothing to gain control of England, seducing and murdering his way to the throne.

Ben Kidd’s modern dress production for LOVE&MADNESS features a magnificently moody electro soundscape and enjoyed critical and audience acclaim in its Riverside Studios season. Now adapted as surely one of the most apt site specific pieces in theatrical history for presentation at this great London Thames-side landmark, it offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch events unfold in their true historical setting.


Quotes from the Riverside Studios season of Richard III:

‘It all comes across as clearly as one of the great English stories should.’ Benedict Nightingale, The Times

‘Racy and­ understanding of the cut and thrust of ­ political intrigue… it certainly grabs you by the scruff of the neck’ Lyn Gardner, The Guardian


http://www.loveandmadness.org

http://waterlooeast.co.uk/page92a.html

[superhero]

Here's a new one, I am really keen on going from The Wedding Collective:

A guerrilla opera based on Gian-Carlo Menotti’s music drama The Consul.

Magda's got to speak to the Consul. She needs a visa. She wants out. But no one speaks to the Consul...

To the beat of an ominous drum in a secret London location, sensuous young divas from the Ukraine, Lithuania and Japan, a live band and a chorus of London 'illegals' create a nightmare world of sexy secretaries, secret policemen and rooftop chases.

To be presented in an atmospheric abandoned secret location in Limehouse, to be revealed a week before performances start. We will email location details to all those who have booked before then.

Directed by Stephen Tiller. Music direction by Andrew Charity, Musical Director of the 2011 Olivier winning Boheme for OperaUpClose.

Tue-Sat 7.30pm
Sat & Sun matinee 3pm

Tickets available in advance via Soho Theatre box office
020 7478 0100
www.sohotheatre.com

Or available on the door (cash only)
£15, £12.50 concessions

[superhero]

Show. Game. Tour. Experience.

Accomplice: London is a theatrical experience unlike any found on a stage, taking its audience on a mysterious journey through the city streets.

Sending its audience on a trek through the South Bank of London, participants are sent on a mission, aided by clues and mysterious cast members strewn throughout various locations such as streetcorners, pubs, out of the way shops, and iconic locations. Audiences traverse the city streets in small groups, piecing together clues of a meticulously crafted plot.

Who's in on it? Who's not? Accomplice: London is an experience you won't soon forget.

Using the sprawling backdrop of the city as its stage, utilizing elements of improv theatre and scavenger hunt, Accomplice will make you laugh, think, and experience the city in a whole new way.

"Not enough information," you say? Trust us—the fun is in the surprises.

https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/ ... nlanguage=

[superhero]

Now you can properly fall asleep in the theatre! (by watching Lullaby):


"For this sublime sleepover Duckie transforms the Pit into a tranquil communal bedroom for an audience of dreamers.

Lullaby is a gentle, slumber show designed to send you to sleep. Bring your pyjamas and toothbrush and pile up the zzz’s at this romantic rock-a-bye nocturne. Book a single, a double or a triple bed and sleep with us on a summer night in the city. Enjoy your reveries as sister songstresses H. Plewis, Harriet Plewis and domestic dreamers Matthew Robins and Tim Spooner create a nod-off narrative of soothing storytelling and choral cradle song.

Lullaby is a moonlit soporific serenade followed by seven hours of slow-wave sleep rounded-off by
breakfast to send you on your way.

Come to bed with Duckie.

'Duckie is one of British theatre’s greatest theatrical treasures.’
The Guardian

Guests are encouaged to arrive at 22.00 to check-in at The Pit foyer
Performance time: 22.30 until approx. 9.00

Age restriction 16+

Directed by Mark Whitelaw
Designed by Laura Hopkins
Produced by Duckie and the Barbican
Duckie is supported by Arts Council England

Beds dressed by Toast"

http://www.barbican.org.uk/theatre/even ... p?ID=11432

[cliveas]

The Secret Market
Sat 23 - Sun 24 July 2011

Following the success of The Visit at Charlton House in 2009 and The Finders at Well Hall Pleasaunce last year, we are thrilled to invite you to our latest free outdoor summer show, which this year takes us to Oxleas Wood for THE SECRET MARKET.

THE SECRET MARKET follows our previous shows in uncovering a magical world in one of Greenwich’s most celebrated outdoor locations. Oxleas Wood itself dates back over 8000 years, and at its heart stands the impressive, gothic Severndroog Castle. It is here that we will meet the salesmen of the secret market, foraging for their wares. Ever moving, never sleeping, all they really want is a rest, but will the terrible queen who set them in motion ever let them be…?

The family production will be directed by Amelia Bird, artistic director of Gomito Productions and director of last year’s production of The Finders – so audiences can expect a healthy dose of comedy, puppetry, magic and music.

The show will lead you on a journey through the woods, finishing at the castle. All tickets are free but we have strict limitations on audience size, so please book in advance by calling Greenwich Theatre on 020 8858 4447 or visiting the box office. Tickets are not available online.

Meeting point: Oxleas Café, Crown Woods Lane, off Kenilworth Gardens SE18 3JB

Please note:

- the production is suitable for all ages

- certain areas of the wood and certain sections of the route are relatively steep, and wheelchair users and those with pushchairs might experience some difficulties.

- the show will go ahead regardless of weather conditions, so please dress accordingly.

- there is limited parking available at Oxleas Café. Alternatively, buses servicing shooters Hill Road are numbers 89, 486 and 244.

- the production will depart from the meeting place promptly, so latecomers may struggle to find the action and therefore may miss out altogether. Please arrange to arrive 10 minutes before the show is scheduled to start.

Presented by: Greenwich Theatre

Performance times: 11am, 2pm, 5pm
Prices: All tickets are free but must be booked in advance due to a strictly limited capacity.
Tickets can be booked by phone on 020 8858 7755 or in person at Greenwich Theatre.
Tickets are not available online.

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This summer, Iris Theatre presents an exciting promenade production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden. Set in the beautiful and intimate gardens of the historic church, this open-air performance will stage the enchantment and magic of Shakespeare’s familiar favourite, with the authentic feel of an outdoor performance, which will delight and inspire an audience of all ages. This will be a dreamy midsummer experience not to be missed.
Performances run from 2 July until 6 August*, most evenings at 7pm, with matinees at 2.30pm most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

For Full listings & Online Box office:
www.seetickets.com/Tour/A-MIDSUMMER-NIGHT-S-DREAM

[superhero]

Looks like there's competing productions of A Midsummer' Night's Dream:

The wedding nuptials are set, the King and Queen of the fairies are at war and rehearsals for Pyramus and Thisbe are due to commence.
Take your seat on the terrace of The Bermondsey Square Hotel and – as the moon fades over the square and the fairy lights go up – prepare to be transported into a land of farcical midsummer mischief, desperate lovers and violent arguments. In the cool night air, you’ll be thrust from your intimate surroundings towards the heart of the magical forest and into the action of the story in this fast-paced and sparkling re-telling of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays.

http://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/outanda ... hts-dream/

[superhero]

Our Days of Rage:

Audiences will experience a riotous
journey through the haunting Old
Vic Tunnels, one of London's largest
performance spaces, to witness a
story of past, present and future.

Ten years on from 9/11, a generation
of actors and writers brought up on
fear will mark this anniversary with
an urgent response to the unfolding
drama in North Africa, the Middle
East and Middle England. From an
Arab Spring to another UK Winter of
Discontent; witness London?s latest
protest where no-one escapes.

Director Paul Roseby

http://www.atgtickets.com/2725/851/Lond ... ge-Tickets

[AleksanderLoesch]

I remember getting tickets to something YEARS ago, set in a place in SE London, similar to the Old Vic Tunnels (But not the tunnels). The Old Butcher Works/Tunnels or something like that? Since then I haven't seen a single free ticket offer for any kind of play/performance outside of a specific "performance space" of something along the lines of a stage. I know that these things are rarer, with smaller audience capacities and greater demand than for standard performances... BUT! I am a student and it would be nice to go to something in my price-range of £0.00 to £0.00