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Company number: 3724349
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Past programme
Showcases an eclectic range of fresh and interesting contemporary work, largely by emerging artists
DNA
The woman was saying that if we’d discovered bonobos before chimps our understanding of ourselves would be very different.
Dennis Kelly's equally horrifying and hilarious play, DNA, asks us to consider human nature.
A group of teenagers get into trouble. Panicking, they bring in the school's brains to devise an elaborate cover-up, unleashing a series of twists and turns that spiral out of control and turn their teenage existence into a terrifying game of survival. As the events unfold at high pace, their friendships, humanity and their morality are put to the test.
Presented by City Academy's Debut Theatre Company.
Please note bookings for this performance are managed by City Academy, not Blue Elephant Theatre.
I'm Allergic To People
How far can one go when seeking revenge?
I’m Allergic To People is a new dark comedy by Rebecca Douglass, exploring the experiences of women within sex and dating culture as well as queerness, identity and closure.
The play follows the lives of four young adults trying to navigate life after past traumas. Adam is in denial, Elisabeth has trust issues, Olivia is on the verge of a breakdown and Jay is keeping a dark secret. What happens when their lives become entangled in a twisted plot?
The company is made up of emerging creatives who have worked with The Young Vic, The National Youth Theatre, Burnt Orange Theatre, The Royal Court, Theatre Peckham and Young Actors Theatre Islington. They all share a passion for developing socially relevant and inclusive theatre.
Recommended for ages 14+
Content warning: Strong language, themes of a sexual nature, sexual assault, violence, blood, homophobia, misogyny
I'm Allergic To People is presented as part of Blue Elephant Theatre's Festival for All, showcasing performances by disabled and neurodivergent artists, which is funded by Southwark Council's Culture Together Fund.
Supported by
Way Back When - on Tour!
Way Back When is touring to the North West this March, playing at schools, libraries and Penwortham Arts Centre.
It’s been a very long time since Grandma came to the Motherland from Jamaica but some memories never fade. Today she is sharing them.
Way Back When is a show for families about family history and sharing memories. Join us for vibrant storytelling, traditional games, and lots of audience interaction in this journey through time.
Written by Jacqui Livingston and performed by Janelle Thompson and Nicole Acquah, Way Back When is especially suitable for ages 4-10 and runs for approximately 30 minutes.
“We loved it! I was impressed there was so much to learn about the Windrush memories, at the same time as being a participatory show.” Audience Feedback
There are performances at The Venue, Penwortham Arts Centre, Liverpool Road, PR1 9XE on:
Friday 14th March at 4.30pm
Wednesday 19th March at 5.30pm
Please book via the eventbrite link.
There is also a performance at Leyland Library, Leyland PR25 2EX, on:
Thursday 20th March at 11.15am
There is no need to book - just turn up!
These FREE performances have been made possible by South Ribble’s Community Spaces Funding.
Supported by
Baggage
We all have it - baggage, the invisible burdens we carry that are often too complex, too personal, and too heavy to share.
This duet, combining tap, contemporary dance, and original live music, delves into the emotional journey of carrying these unseen weights. Baggage offers a heartfelt exploration into the highs and lows of life, presenting an uplifting, relatable, and moving piece of dance theatre that seeks to connect us all through our shared experiences.
Baggage was created under A Space to Call Home funded by Arts Council England, and delivered by Marina Studios Foundation in partnership with DanceHub CIC.
"A beautiful break in between funny and powerful pieces; the perfect cooling after dinner mint" – Disability Arts Online, 2024
Lucy Clark is a disabled dance artist and choreographer driven to champion disabled artists' voices, through producing accessible and meaningful dance theatre works which effortlessly interweave science, social issues and movement. Lucy has toured previous work across the UK in leading theatres and art venues such as Brighton Dome, The Place, and South East Dance.
Special thanks to Marina Studios Foundation, Vincent Dance Theatre, Brighton Dome & South East Dance.
Recommended for ages 12+ owing to complex themes; there is no inappropriate content otherwise.
A section of the performance contains multiple, sustained loud noises.
This performance of Baggage will be a chilled performance, meaning there is a more casual approach to noise and movement in the auditorium, and audience members can go in and out of the auditorium during the show as they need to.
This performance of Baggage is presented as part of Blue Elephant Theatre's Festival for All, showcasing performances by disabled and neurodivergent artists, which is funded by Southwark Council's Culture Together Fund.
Supported by
Robot Penguin
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A little less Attenborough, more cybernetic furry Louis Theroux...
Emperor Spy Cam A10N3 has returned from his Antarctic investigation for the BBC.
In his performance review he’ll be covering his infiltration of a penguin colony, struggles to adapt to their complex and contradictory society, and his code-breaking feelings towards one of the subjects.
A bizarre, irreverent comedy about depersonalisation and the neurodivergent experience through the ‘lens’ of an undercover robotic penguin.
OffComm Award & Baloney Award 2023 Winner
“His jokes are smart, relevant and just outright hilarious, very obviously having a natural gift of a comedian”
★★★★★ Theatre & Tonic (Robot Penguin)
“The show also has an incredible ability to also be sensitive and address the audience when tackling deeper themes, such as neurodivergence, love, self-identity, morality, death, rejection and consequence, without compromising the humour or heart of the show.”
★★★★★ Adventures in Theatreland (Robot Penguin)
Day Job Theatre is a Southwark based queer and neurodiverse company founded by Andrew Atha and Julia Blomberg. Their mission is to make theatre that showcases diverse perspectives and to create opportunities for artists working towards quitting their day jobs. Their debut production The Strangelmans by Andrew Atha premiered at Wanstead and Lambeth Fringe 2024.
Robot Penguin is presented as part of Blue Elephant Theatre's Festival for All, showcasing performances by disabled and neurodivergent artists, which is funded by Southwark Council's Culture Together Fund.
Content warning: Occasional strong language, bright colourful lights, discussions of mental health that may be distressing
Running time: One hour
Supported by
I'm Allergic to People Scratch Night
A relaxed entertainment evening showcasing the talents of up-and-coming creative artists.
Featuring work in progress theatrical work, poetry, singing and a sneak peak of a scene from I’m Allergic To People, the night is celebration of emerging talent.
Performances include:
The Teagan Imani- Checked Out
Sam Burkett- Have I Told You This?
UPOTHEATRE ( Angelina Skon and Eva Mur)- Bare Dancer
Samy Benaferi and Philip Ofe- Coke, Diet (c/w substance abuse, addiction)
Madina- Silly
Libbi Moss and Lucy Rose Gibbons- Ends Meet (c/w references to suicide)
3 Minds 1 Picture (Kyle Langlais, Dizolele Isaac, Wahene Mesu)- Dim Your Light
Rebecca Metcalf Cortese from Daughters of Artemis Theatre- Slut Confessions (c/w sexual assault, misogyny, violence)
Danielle Tama- Poetry and Music Performance
Bekham- Where Have All the Lovers Gone?
Fiona Lynch- Girls (c/w- strong language)
Cast of I’m Allergic to People - An extract from I’m Allergic To People
Proceeds from the night will go towards funding the run of I’m Allergic To People at Blue Elephant Theatre 18th-22nd March 2025.
The night will be approximately 2 hours long plus a 15 minute interval and there is age guidance of 11+.
Space Viewing Evening
Blue Elephant Theatre's black box theatre space is a fantastic space to hire for rehearsals, shows, readthroughs, photoshoots and video projects - and is very reasonably priced too!
We are holding an Open Evening on Tuesday 21st January to show you around our space and what's on offer when you hire it. The event is happening between 6pm and 7.30pm.
Our prices are usually £200 for a weekday rehearsal day but we offer discounts for longterm hires and charities. We currently have a special offer running for January, with weekday space hire being offered at £100 a day.
You can find out more about the space and facilities on our Info for Companies page.
Mrs Claus' List
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Come on a special adventure this Christmas!
When schoolchild, Dami, feels she should be on the ‘Naughty List’ and doesn't deserve a Christmas present, Mrs Claus and Elvie the Elf step in to transport her on a magical adventure. Soon Dami finds herself off on a quest to find the magic the reindeer need to fly at Christmas in this joyful, interactive and funny new Christmas show.
Packed with music, laughter and surprises, Mrs Claus' List is a festive treat about seeing your own value and celebrating difference.
Performance Schedule:
Friday 6th December: 10.45am & 1.30pm
Saturday 7th December: 2pm & 4.30pm (Quiet Performance) & 8pm (Cancelled)
Tuesday 10th - Thursday 12th December: 10.45am & 1.30pm
Saturday 14th December: 11am (Quiet Performance) & 2pm & 4.30pm
Sunday 15th December: 2pm & 4.30pm
Monday 16th - Thursday 19th December: 10.45am & 1.30pm
Saturday 21st December: 11am & 2pm & 4.30pm (Quiet Performance)
Sunday 22nd December: 11am & 2pm
Suitable for all ages but especially aimed at 4 - 10 years with a running time of approx 1 hour.
We have relaxed performance elements in every show which include:
- Some level of continuous light, so the theatre will never be completely dark.
- A breakout space available upstairs in our bar area. (You are welcome to leave the performance at any point and then re-enter whenever suits you.)
- Ear defenders available for children to borrow.
- Expectations that audiences will be involved and will not sit silently like statues! However, no children will be forced to take part or made to feel uncomfortable if they choose not to.
You can also click to download Mrs Claus' List Visual Story
Additionally, we are offering Quiet Performances which will be particularly welcoming towards children who like a quieter environment. We will keep the volume of the sound effects lower and reduce the intensity of some lighting effects and moments of audience interaction.
Tickets can also be booked by phoning the Ticketsource Telephone Box Office on 0333 666 3366, available from Monday to Friday, 9.00AM to 7.00PM and Saturday, 9.00AM to 5.00PM (excluding bank holidays). Bookings made through this service are subject to a small booking fee.
Reviews
Supported by
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Of Mirrors and Shadows
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London Butoh Dance Company's latest creation, Of Mirrors and Shadows, takes inspiration from Aristophanes' myth of the Androgynous in Plato's Symposium.
The myth speaks of an ancient human form, where people were round, with four arms and four legs, symbolizing a precondition of unity. After their separation from the gods, they were left in a state of grief and suffering, reflecting the current human condition.
Through the avant-garde lens of Butoh, this performance dives into the primal emotions of loss, the search for completeness, and the anguish of separation. It also imagines a transformative vision of a post-human condition, inviting the audience to question what might lie beyond our current state. Where is this post-human state, and what does it look like?
Join us to experience this introspective journey and explore the answers for yourself.
London Butoh Dance Company draws inspiration from avant-garde Butoh and fuses it with personal experiences. Believing in accessible movement and the creative input of all members, the company devises unique performances.
Age guidance: 16+
Features intense grotesque imagery, masks, and paint, which may be triggering.
Tickets can also be booked by phoning the Ticketsource Telephone Box Office on 0333 666 3366, available from Monday to Friday, 9.00AM to 7.00PM and Saturday, 9.00AM to 5.00PM (excluding bank holidays). Bookings made through this service are subject to a small booking fee.
Hi, Mom
This story begins with a simple greeting, leading us into an intimate journey through the memories and reflections of three daughters on their mothers. Rooted in the real and vivid experiences of three performers, this theatrical piece delves into the evolving mother-daughter relationship, illuminating how each chapter of life reshapes understanding and strengthens bonds.
The shared biological connection between mothers and daughters is both intricate and compelling. For East Asian mothers and daughters, the imprint of traditional culture further influences this bond, creating unique tensions and ties between generations. As an Asian female creative team, we explore these shared memories, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between daughters and their mothers.
Director Summer Yahan Xue with co-directors Isa Hui Ling Liu, Shuyi Alice Wang and Mika Shirahama used a range of theatrical techniques - including clowning, physical theatre, and object-based performance - and conducted three workshops to explore the emotional landscapes of mothers as seen through the eyes of their daughters. With the support of the production team, they have collaborated to bring these stories to life. Co-creators have previously worked on other productions that delve into East Asian family dynamics; Picasso 2033, a recent production, was awarded “Best Show” by AAA at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
We invite you to join us on this journey.
Tickets can also be booked by phoning the Ticketsource Telephone Box Office on 0333 666 3366, available from Monday to Friday, 9.00AM to 7.00PM and Saturday, 9.00AM to 5.00PM (excluding bank holidays). Bookings made through this service are subject to a small booking fee.
Move the City: A Community Play Project
Come and see a play by our community!
A story about different perspectives of living in the city of London, both from those watching from a distance and those being watched. From the rain falling from above to the trains running below, join us to share the experiences of the people who make London.
We've been running an Intergenerational Community Play across ten weeks this Autumn, culminating in this final performance.
Everyone performing is a local resident, and this opportunity is made possible by the Southwark Council Neighbourhoods Fund.
Tickets are FREE but advance booking is recommended.
Tickets can also be booked by phoning the Ticketsource Telephone Box Office on 0333 666 3366, available from Monday to Friday, 9.00AM to 7.00PM and Saturday, 9.00AM to 5.00PM (excluding bank holidays). Bookings for free tickets made through this service are not subject to a booking fee.
Supported by
After Liverpool
City Academy's Debut Theatre Company present a series of scenes about love and the limitations of communication.
James Saunders' play is a number of short episodes that are witty and pointed. They explore our desire to understand each other and make ourselves understood, and how just how futile verbal communication can be.
After Liverpool is certain to leave you with a sense of compassion, thoughtfulness and recognition from everyday life.
Please note bookings for this performance are managed by City Academy, not Blue Elephant Theatre.
ELEFUNNY Comedy Night
A terrific line-up of up-and-coming comedians is taking over Blue Elephant - grab a drink and witness some of the most exciting acts the UK comedy circuit has to offer!
A stellar night of comedy, platforming comedians from marginalised backgrounds.
Line-up includes:
Maple Zuo
Leah Davis
Jacob Hatton
Compered and additional set by regular ELEFUNNY host Fitzgerald Honger.
Praise for previous ELEFUNNY events:
"Great host and 7 acts, all of whom entertained us well. There was a good variety amongst the comedians and none disappointed. I would recommend this night!"
Audience Review
"Better than the Comedy Store!"
Audience feedback
Tickets can also be booked by phoning the Ticketsource Telephone Box Office on 0333 666 3366, available from Monday to Friday, 9.00AM to 7.00PM and Saturday, 9.00AM to 5.00PM (excluding bank holidays). Bookings made through this service are subject to a small booking fee.
Maple Zuo
This is Maple Zuo. I am a Chinese-Mongolia Comic. I have been doing comedy since 2017. I have done my own one hour special tour across Asia. In 2020, I got interviewed by BBC cultural frontline to share my comedy experience!
I started Comedy in the UK in 2023 So far, I have Won Comedy Store -King Gong and Won Up the Creek -beat the black out.
I became a Finalist of Leicester Square Theatre New Act of the Year 2023. I also perform regularly at Back Yard, Angel comedy and West End comedy club.
‘Slyly cheeky, Very engaging, A fully formed comedian, Well liked by audiences! ‘———Chortle.com
Leah Davis
Since kicking off her comedy career in 2022 Leah has reached the finals for the iconic Funny Women competition, Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian and BBC New Comedy Awards semi finals. She has smashed some of London’s most lethal gong shows including Beat The Blackout, Ding Dong Gong and was named a ‘Face of Comedy’ for 2023.
Jacob Hatton
Jacob Hatton is a south London stand-up and writer with a penchant for joke writing to back his sharp observations and flights of fancy. He was a finalist at the Hastings Fringe Best Newcomer in 2022, host of AAA Stand Up at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023 where he was wrote one of the Daily Telegraph's Best Jokes of the Fringe in 2023.
"Proper Gags. Hatton's a strong comedy technician" - Chortle.
Fitzgerald Honger - Compere
A regular on the London comedy circuit, Fitzgerald Honger is a dynamic comedian who has performed in top comedy clubs across London and the UK including Up the Creek and the comedy store.
A rising star, Fitz’s style is observational and dead-pan, drawing on his personal relationships, work and taboo subjects to leave audiences in stitches.
When not doing comedy, Fitz is a producer. He’s worked for international companies spanning PR and broadcast television including MTV and Discovery, and has developed a wealth of contacts within the TV and entertainment industries.
Why We Left Home
Hibi loves tea! So he leaves home to find some tea. Maybe he can grow his own tea leaf? Lonely is the path to locate the seeds! Will Hibi finally be able to enjoy a cup of tea?
Told through mask and object theatre, Why We Left Home is a silly tale about leaving home and the past behind for some serious rebirth. Exploring the pain and joy of queerness and leaving home, this brand-new alternative comedy will serve you a nice heart-warming cup of tea, literally.
After the successful scratch performance at BOLD Elephant supported by Ensemble Not Found and Halfpace Theatre, Why We Left Home is coming to you in its full glory.
“Absolutely captivating.”
Audience member
“[Hector] possesses a distinct ability to oscillate between humour and bittersweetness, developing a deep relationship with the audience through subtle, nuanced shifts in performance and storytelling.”
Megan Brewer, Co-Artistic Director, Halfpace Theatre
Originally developed with support from Halfpace Theatre and Ensemble Not Found.
Hector T.J. Huang is a London-based Taiwanese & transgender multi-disciplinary theatre-maker who creates stories based on the lived experience of queerness and transness, migration, and trauma, woven together with haunting imageries and an offbeat humour. An alumnus of Curious School of Puppetry and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Hector’s practice combines puppetry, object theatre, dramatic writing and visual arts.
Chicken Shop Hermits is a puppetry and experimental theatre collective, founded by Hector T.J. Huang and Chiara Scoglio. By tackling themes of identity, belonging, and alienation, they combine disciplines of visual arts, writing and puppetry theatre with their international origins.
Previous works include digital puppetry short River’s World (commissioned by Little Angel Theatre), Lost Personhood: The Nuggets Anthology (The Hope Theatre), and My Haunted Dollhouse: Patina (Haphazard 2024, Z-Arts, Manchester).
Tickets can also be booked by phoning the Ticketsource Telephone Box Office on 0333 666 3366, available from Monday to Friday, 9.00AM to 7.00PM and Saturday, 9.00AM to 5.00PM (excluding bank holidays). Bookings made through this service are subject to a small booking fee.
Reviews
The Crawl
Unfortunately, owing to an illness with a performer, we have had to cancel the performance on 21st August. All bookers have been informed and refunds issued. We apologise for any disappointment and inconvenience caused.
Don't miss the swimming race of a lifetime: The Camberwell Crawl!
In this highly physical, fast-paced comedy, two clowns bring to life the world of competitive swimming.
Playing top-level athletes, sports commentators, hype-men and more, the clowns constantly shape-shift as they engage in increasing battles of one-upmanship.
The Crawl uses physical theatre, clown and audience interaction to explore the human desire to win at all costs.
The piece was devised (on land) by Alexander Burnett and Ellie Whittaker.