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Charity number: 1077161
Company number: 3724349
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Past programme
Showcases an eclectic range of fresh and interesting contemporary work, largely by emerging artists
Facilitators Network Meet Up
Join us for Facilitators Network Meetup!
Are you looking for a community to share, connect and learn with?
At Blue Elephant we are holding Online meet ups to explore topics around drama facilitation. We are interested in building bridges, create a community and learn with others!
Facilitators with all levels of experience are welcome.
Open House at BET
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Join us on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd to meet our incoming programming team for this coming year and say goodbye for now to co-Artistic Directors, Niamh and Jo!
Blue Elephant’s ethos of supporting bold new work and early career artists remains at the heart of our programming, which will soon be looked after by Guillaume and Alice.
After a quiet few months, we can’t wait to be looking to the future more and invite you to come meet us and see if working at the Blue Elephant is for you. Our usual agreements include a 50/50 box office split, bespoke marketing, fundraising and creative support and some free rehearsal space. We champion early career and independent artists, particularly from under-represented backgrounds, and new work. We will rarely programme productions of established scripts or work that has already had significant runs in London.
If you’d like to find out more about us, join us on Zoom on Thursday 21st April from 10.30am – 11.30am or come along to the Blue Elephant from 6.15pm on Friday 22nd April.
Cow's Rainy Day
South London's favourite cow is back, with a special performance of Cow's Rainy Day at Walworth Library!
Cow is very excited about celebrating his best friend Amy's birthday. He's planning to make her the most amazing card she's ever seen.
But things don't go quite to plan and Cow feels down.
Luckily Amy is there to help Cow feel better - but she needs some helpers. Can you join her and cheer Cow up?
Cow's Rainy Day is a short play for children, about learning new things, accepting mistakes, trying hard and being friends.
Suitable for ages 2+
Running Time: 30 minutes approx. Tickets are FREE but should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Please note that this performance will take place at Walworth Library (147 Walworth Rd, London SE17 1RW) and not at Blue Elephant Theatre
Drama Workshops for Wellbeing
We are offering three different drama workshops as part of a project supported by Southwark Council that aim to improve the physical and mental well-being of our community aimed at those most affected by COVID.
The workshops are free, every Tuesday till the 12th of April at Jack Hobbs Club (Maddock Way, London SE17 3JD), in the Brandon Estate.
Our three offerings are:
10am - Drama and dance workshops for parents/primary caregivers and children aged 1-3.
11.15am - Social dance for older adults, adults living with dementia, and carers are welcome.
12.30pm - Drama workshops for adults of all ages, providing a space for creative expression and exploration.
To register your interest or to ask any questions please feel free to call us on 020 7701 0100 or email info@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk.
The venue is wheelchair accessible, please feel free to contact us for any accessibility questions.
Supported by
Under Pressure!
Under Pressure! is an evening of 10-minute scratch performances brought to you by the MA Collaborative Theatre students of Fourth Monkey.
This scratch night is a platform for new, dynamic work and a chance for audiences to get a glimpse of what these emerging theatre-makers are currently exploring. For the artists, it’s the chance to experiment in a supportive environment in front of a live audience.
As the title suggests, all the characters depicted in the performances feel neck-deep, in the thick of it, and like it’s all pressing down on them... Under Pressure! is set to be an eclectic menu of drama, clowning, spoken word, comedy, and performance art.
Created and performed by the MA Collaborative Theatre Students of Fourth Monkey, who make boundary-pushing, exciting, contemporary art that shakes up the status quo. Formed of eight artists with varying backgrounds; they are made up of a dancer, a comedian, a hairdresser, and everything in between. One thing they have in common is that they like to make bold work together. Later in the year, they are touring to the Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol and the Garden Theatre Festival in Bath.
Suitable for ages 14+, with some strong language.
Community Street Party
After the success of our first Community Street Party, we are back!
Join us on Saturday March 26th from 12pm - 5pm for a street party on the Wyndham Road side of the Jessie Duffett Hall!
Supported by Southwark Council's Cultural Celebrations Fund, it will be a family focused day with workshops and performances and be open to all.
It's a day of celebration and a chance to get to know Blue Elephant and its activities better!
Schedule (subject to change)
12.15pm: Performance of What If? (for ages 2+)
12.45pm: Performance of The Quest (best for ages 4 - 10))
1.45 – 2.15: Drama workshop
2.30pm: Tell Me a Story by After Hours (community drama group)
3.15pm-3.45pm: Drama Workshop
4:15pm-4:45pm: Live Music
Blue Elephant Theatre will be open for bathroom facilities, just a few minutes walk away.
Supported by
The Girl and the Dragon
Get ready for a fantastical show to warm the heart and bring joy to people young and old alike. Join our hero Toral on the adventure of a lifetime as she swims uncrossable rivers, braves impassable forests and scales unclimbable mountains, all to fight a great and terrible dragon.
Performed by the delightfully talented Niall Moorjani and Minnie Wilkinson, this story proves that heroes can come from anywhere and villains aren’t always what they seem.
The Suitcase Storytelling Company is a new theatre company creating work that blends found object theatre with oral tradition storytelling for family audiences. They aim to bring joy and excitement to their audiences through original folk tale-style stories with diverse characters and progressive narratives.
This children's show is for ages 5 and up.
Special thanks to: Arts Council England
Additional Information:
If you have any access requirements, please contact us on 020 7701 0100 or info@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk. Our theatre space is on the ground floor and is wheelchair accessible but our bar is upstairs and unfortunately is not.
Our bar and our box office open 45 minutes before each show starts.
Please do not be late as we may be unable to admit latecomers.
Covid-safety: We are operating at reduced capacity so there can be more space between audience members and we have recently installed a new ventilation system. It is now necessary by law to wear a mask in the theatre, unless you are exempt. We clean down and disinfect high touch points regularly and hand sanitiser/hand washing facilities are available as soon as you arrive at the theatre.
Reviews
The Norwich Radical
Supported by
Jack Frost
A magical, wintery production brings Jack Frost to life through puppetry, music and enchanting storytelling. Meet our mischievous sprite as he takes us on a snowy adventure and spreads winter wherever he goes. But wrap up warm or you’ll catch him nipping at your fingers and toes! A story of friendship and bravery to warm our hearts this winter.
Moon On A Stick transform the stage once more using their unique combination of light play, song and visual theatre to reimagine this well-known Nordic legend. A playful production perfect for children 3+
This performance is free as it will be filmed.
Additional Information:
If you have any access requirements, please contact us on 020 7701 0100 or info@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk. Our theatre space is on the ground floor and is wheelchair accessible but our bar is upstairs and unfortunately is not. Our bar and our box office open 45 minutes before each show starts.
Covid-safety: We are operating at reduced capacity so there can be more space between audience members and we have recently installed a new ventilation system. We encourage adults to wear a mask in the theatre, unless you are exempt. We clean down and disinfect high touch points regularly and hand sanitiser/hand washing facilities are available as soon as you arrive at the theatre.
Reviews
Everything Theatre on The Little Match Girl
Ana and Silly
Ana the Squirrel enjoys a simple life collecting and counting acorns. Ana's not prepared for the arrival of cousin Silly who announces that soon all will change and they will both go to school.
A short children’s show about transitions and making friends, Ana and Silly was first shown as ‘The Next Step’ at Elephant Park in summer 2021.
Performed by Amanda Vilanova and Mariana Aristizabal Pardo.
Thursday 17th February:
11am
12.30pm
2.30pm (in Spanish as Ana y Silly)
Friday 18th February:
10.30am
11.45am
Additional Information
Tickets are free but need to be booked
Best suited to ages 2 - 5
Running time: Approx 25 minutes
Additional Information:
If you have any access requirements, please contact us on 020 7701 0100 or info@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk. Our theatre space is on the ground floor and is wheelchair accessible but our bar is upstairs and unfortunately is not. Our bar and our box office open 45 minutes before each show starts.
Covid-safety: We are operating at reduced capacity so there can be more space between audience members and we have recently installed a new ventilation system. We encourage adults to wear a mask in the theatre, unless you are exempt. We clean down and disinfect high touch points regularly and hand sanitiser/hand washing facilities are available as soon as you arrive at the theatre.
Supported by
Taster Workshops
The Blue Elephant is working with Southwark Public Health to offer workshops for wellbeing to Southwark residents! We have groups for different ages and we want to give you the opportunity to try the workshops before signing up for more!
10am -11am - Parents and Child Group
A workshop for adults and children aged 1-3 using drama and dance to encourage healthy movement, whilst opening up about issues such as stress and anxiety in parenting. Each ticket is for one child and one adult.
11.15am - 12.15pm - Dance with Dementia Group
Delivered by a Green Candle-trained dance facilitator, these sessions for people living with dementia will focus on movement and contemporary dance, providing gentle physical activity, stimulation and interaction. Each ticket is for an adult and a carer.
12.30-1.30 - Adults Well-being Group
These drama workshops will offer a creative and active outlet for adults who are seeking positive activities to improve their mental health and well-being.
All of the sessions are free. if you have any questions regarding the sessions please feel free to email us at info@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk or call us at 020 7701 0100.
These workshops are supported by Southwark Council.
After Hours - Theatre Project for 18-25 year olds
Join After Hours - an eight week project for 18 - 25 year olds who want an opportunity to create and perform!
Over the eight weeks, with facilitator and actor Oliver Yellop, you will become an ensemble and create short shows for young audiences to be performed locally (on March 26th and another date around then TBC).
There are only eight spaces available so please get in touch quickly!
Details:
When: Mondays from 7pm-9pm from February 7th
Where: Blue Elephant Theatre
Expenses: Members will be given £5 expenses per session attended but receipts are needed
Eligibility: Must live in these Southwark Wards: Camberwell Green, Faraday, Newington, North Walworth or St Giles and be 18 - 25
We are looking for passionate young people who want to collaborate. Please note our theatre space is wheelchair accessible with an accessible toilet.
Please sign up by calling 02077010100 or emailing info@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk
Supported by
- Southwark Council's Neighbourhoods Fund
-
Baby Bear
The perfect first theatre experience. Join Baby Bear as she explores nature and wildlife in an uplifting, beautiful and comical theatre production.
Baby Bear doesn’t want to venture outside her cosy cave. But she is too curious about the sights, sounds and smells outside to stay indoors. Tempted by the creatures that wander into her home, Baby Bear learns the beauty of nature and how returning home is even better after an adventure.
Combining stunning visuals, an exploration of the senses and sung to a mesmerising soundtrack, Baby Bear is a playful, interactive puppetry adventure for babies, toddlers and their families.
We're offering adjusted performances for audiences with babies or toddlers, at these times below:
10.30am - Toddler Show
For ages approx. 18 months-3 years. An energetic version of the production suitable for those on the move and/or wanting a livelier experience. 20mins performance with optional 20mins stay & play.
12pm - Baby Show
For ages approx. 0-18 months. A gentle version of the production suitable for those not on the move and/or wanting a calmer experience. 20mins performance with optional 20mins stay & play.
2.30pm - Toddler Show
For ages approx. 18 months-3 years. An energetic version of the production suitable for those on the move and/or wanting a livelier experience. 20mins performance with optional 20mins stay & play.
Ticket Prices:
£5 - Joint adult and child ticket - Southwark residents
£8 - Joint adult and child ticket - living outside Southwark
£3 - Additional Adult Southwark resident ticket
£4 - Additional Adult ticket - living outside Southwark (needs to be bought with a joint ticket)
£2 - Additional child ticket - regardless of borough (needs to be bought with a joint ticket)
Covid-safety: We are operating at reduced capacity so there can be more space between audience members and we have recently installed a new ventilation system. We encourgae adults to wear a mask in the theatre, unless you are exempt. We clean down and disinfect high touch points regularly and hand sanitiser/hand washing facilities are available as soon as you arrive at the theatre
Supported by
Eating Jeff - NO TABLE showcase
A dark and absurdist dive into the depths of modern activism and the hypocrite in all of us,
Eating Jeff follows four disillusioned employees of a megacorporation as their dull team bonding games descend into achaotic journey of self-reflection.
Devised by NO TABLE, the piece draws on today’s shifting activism landscape as it clashes with growing feelings of despondency, nihilism, and powerlessness. Set in an all-too-familiar dystopian corporate world, Eating Jeff zooms in on the absurd idolatry for our billionaire overlords and the harmful ‘hustle culture’ they continue to breed.
Eating Jeff is presented as a rehearsed reading at the end of NO TABLE’s residency at the Blue Elephant, supported by the Idlewild Trust.
Tickets are Pay What You Can – ticket sales will go towards funding Eating Jeff at SPRINT Festival in March!
Additional Information:
Running Time: 50 minutes approx
The show is for ages 14 and over (anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult)
The show contains mentions of gore and violence.
If you have any access requirements, please contact us on 020 7701 0100 or info@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk. Our theatre space is on the ground floor and is wheelchair accessible but our bar is upstairs and unfortunately is not.
Our bar and our box office open 45 minutes before each show starts.
Please do not be late as we may be unable to admit latecomers.
Covid-safety: We are operating at reduced capacity so there can be more space between audience members and we have recently installed a new ventilation system. It is now necessary by law to wear a mask in the theatre, unless you are exempt. We clean down and disinfect high touch points regularly and hand sanitiser/hand washing facilities are available as soon as you arrive at the theatre
Supported by
A Water Journey
A Water Journey tells the story of an old man and a community of animals living freely and in harmony with nature until one day a big flood arrives… With specially commissioned music, long-string wood-carved marionettes and animation, this original new production explores themes around displacement and the importance of friendship.
Based in London, String Theatre was founded in 2011 by puppeteers Stan Middleton and Soledad Zárate. It presents live performances using long-string wood-carved marionettes on a custom-built touring stage. The company tours its productions in festivals and theatres around the world (so far Argentina, Bosnia, Chile, France, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, South Korea, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, UK, Uruguay).
Special thanks to: Alfonso Lázaro (Títeres desde Abajo), James Lewis (Tin Shed Scenery), Stephen Mottram, Janaki Ranpura (Playwrights’ Centre), Fabio Ricchiuto, Juliet Rogers (Puppet Theatre Barge)
Additional Information:
The show is wordless and inherently accessible to d/Deaf and hard of hearing people as the story is told through mime. Its running time is approximately one hour, including a short interval. It is best suited to aged 4+.
If you have any access requirements, please contact us on 020 7701 0100 or info@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk.
Our theatre space is on the ground floor and is wheelchair accessible but our cafe area is upstairs and unfortunately is not.
Our cafe and our box office open 45 minutes before each show starts.
Covid Safety
We are operating at reduced capacity so there can be more space between audience members and we have recently installed a new ventilation system. It is now necessary by law to wear a mask in the theatre, unless you are exempt. We clean down and disinfect high touch points regularly and hand sanitiser/hand washing facilities are available as soon as you arrive at the theatre.
Supported by
Facilitators Network's First Meeting
At Blue Elephant Theatre we are creating a Facilitators Network, and we want to invite you to join us.
The journey of freelance Theatre & Performance facilitation is incredibly rewarding but also challenging. Co-Artistic and Participation Director, Jo Sadler-Lovett has worked as a drama facilitator for 15 years, it is from this experience that the idea for this network is born.
Professional stress and isolation can play a damaging part in our lives, especially when compounded by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. We want to build support amongst peers locally so that everyone feels they have colleagues in the industry that they can relate to.
We want to invite facilitators with all kinds of experience to join us in creating this space. We particularly encourage facilitators who work or live in South London.
Our first meeting will be via Zoom on the 28th of January from 10:30 am to 12 pm.
If you can't join us this time, just drop us an email at mariana@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk so we can keep you in the loop for the following meetups.
We will meet bi-monthly, in a mix-mode (virtual and in-person meetings when possible), share some tea, coffee and/or biscuits, and explore new approaches, test ideas, find creative solutions to problems, but most important of all, create meaningful connections with other humans!