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Past programme
Showcases an eclectic range of fresh and interesting contemporary work, largely by emerging artists
Miller & Salmon: Genesis
The Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene of sketch comedy will soon arrive on the moors of Edinburgh - following a stop at ye olde Camberwell. Hold tight as you go on the bumpiest, most dazzling experience of your life with this iconic, potty-mouthed pair.
Fresh out of Soho Theatre's Young Company and Sketch Off! semi-finals, expect big fat massive laughs, synchronised swimming, Russian meat vendors, Dirty Diana Spencer, the late great Marilyn Monroe, A LOT of lip-syncing, choreography and sexy Bette Midler. Don't miss out on what will surely be the birth of two outstanding, beautiful, sexually available comedy legends / big fat huns. Following London previews, Miller & Salmon: Genesis will play Just the Tonic at the Charteris Centre August 1st - 25th (not 3rd or 12th), 4.40pm, as part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Since training at National Youth Theatre and Soho Theatre’s Young Company, Lucy Miller and Benjamin Salmon have been writing and performing together, on the quest to become the comedy equivalent of the Spice Girls. They have performed at venues including Soho Theatre, Rosemary Branch Theatre, Hackney Showroom, and were semi-finalists of this year’s Leicester Square Theatre’s Sketch Off Competition.
Prepare to be amazed.
YAATRA
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British Indian artist, Jaivant Patel presents a captivating evening of solo Kathak and Contemporary dance.
Rooted in his own experience of being a homosexual man of different cultural heritages, Jaivant offers a fresh perspective on South Asian LGBTQ+ narratives, faith and spirituality. The evening celebrates two cultures and the intersectionality of living in one, while paying tribute to traditions, heritage and often untold stories of another.
There will be Q&A at the end of the performance with Jaivant Patel and Southwark LGBT Network.
Jaivant Patel is an award-winning independent dance artist, cultural producer and choreographer based in Wolverhampton. He is artistic director of Jaivant Patel Dance. Jaivant Patel Dance makes work that ‘challenges the complexities of inherited notions, perceptions and stereotypes surrounding British-Asian identity'.
YAATRA is supported by Arts Council England with seed commissions from MAC Birmingham, Arena Theatre, Dance4, Gem Arts, Creative Black Country, Black Country Touring & SHOUT Festival.
Reviews
Metro
Supported by
How Bright She Must Have Been
Charlotte and Tom are two siblings struggling to cope with the death of their mother. Their Father, Harry is also battling with alcoholism as he tries to pick up the pieces of his fragmented family. Their lives become distorted as they exist in alternate realities, trying to escape the way they are feeling, which leads them further and further down a path to destruction. They are aided by the people they meet on the way who are all battling with secrets of their own.
This coming of age tale is a contemporary take on a greek tragedy and battles the themes of love, loss, sex, grief, friendship and what it takes to be a teenager in the modern day.
DCO12 believe in creating epic theatre that breaks the boundaries between reality and illusion to provide audiences with something to truly think about. If theatre cannot help bring change to the world and truly effect the people it reaches, then there is no point in creating it at all. DCO12 want to be a part of something that is much larger and try to tackle some of the hardest hitting themes and issues within society.
Ironing Out
مسرحية عن الغربة والحي ... فيها شعر وغناء بالعربي والإنجليزي
What happens when you are forced to leave your home? Will you find community? Will you find peace or more struggle? What about those who didn’t make it across the sea? What about Ahmed? And those who came before us?
Ironing Out is a play centered around an Ironing Shop, a place where dreams & realities past, present and future collide. People from different walks of life come by searching for answers, looking for loved ones, or to sit listening to the news; reliving lost revolutions; ironing a school shirt or just hanging out.
However, the Ironing Shop stands in the way of the brutal regeneration machine that is eating up the city. No one knows how long the shop will last or how the community surrounding it will respond…
Ironing Out combines physical theatre, dance, shadow theatre, hip hop and poetry.
Based on real life experiences and wild imagination, it explores young migrants’ resilience in the shadow of mental health, exile, racism and displacement.
It has been created by Alleyway Radical Theatre, a collective of artists from Palestine, Hackney, Kashmir, Egypt, Spain, Japan and beyond.
Presented as part of Refugee Week 
Supported by
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A Splash of Vintage
A solo show of a selection of semi abstract portraits in acrylic on canvas, on a vintage 1940s to 1950s theme.
Monday to Friday: 14:00 – 19:30
Open as part of Camberwell Arts Festival Open Studios Saturday 22nd June, 5.30pm- 8pm, and Sunday 23rd June, 3pm – 6pm.
This exhibition is FREE.
Wild Shenanigans
Wild Shenanigans is a festival of clowning, slapstick and mayhem. Join us for a week of wild comedy created by some of the UK’s most talented idiots. With cabaret, clowning, stand up, sketch, music and more, there is something for everyone. Come and laugh at comedy in all its ridiculous forms with the infamous stage diva Nina Divina from Tuttifrutti cabaret, Russian clown Julia Masil (Pete Nash Comedy Award Winner), Viggo Venn the Viking (Best Comedy Award Winner, Adelaide Fringe) and many more!
Who’s up for some Wild Shenanigans?
Tragic Scenes of Legendary women where snakes were (kind of) present
18th & 19th June
Two clowns. Some legendary women. Lots of snakes. A guaranteed tragedy.
Join Nina Divina - actor extraordinaire - and her faithful assistant Lucia Bombilla as they attempt to stage the most tragic scenes of legendary women...and snakes.
Expect fierce flamenco dancing, seductive apple munching and that classic hit song we all know and love: “I’m not a woman, I’m a snake!”. An anarchic, silly, fun-filled hour of clowning and cabaret that celebrates all things woman (and some things snake).
Mighty Boosh with Smack the Pony’s sly feminism all wrapped up in one glamorous clown cabaret.
Devised by Nina Divina and Lucia Bombilla.
A Mouths of Lions and Tuttifrutti co-production presented as part of Wild Shenanigans comedy festival.
Love songs to Guinea Pigs
20th June
Award winning comedian and clown Elf Lyons presents a surreal tale of love and loneliness. In the style of a 1980s Elton John rock concert.
In October 2018, Elf was taken to hospital and told it was best she never perform again.
After months lying on her back and recovering from spinal surgery, Elf had to rethink what she was going to do*. This is the show she devised in response : A work-in-progress show about being a work-in-progress.
Music, Mime, Clowning and entirely true stories, join Elf as she embodies her inner Elton on an absurd narrative of love, heartbreak, hospitals, friendship, romance, re-learning your own body and rodents.
This is the perfect show to take a tinder date to, an ex, a friend who is going through a difficult divorce, that guy you know from your book group, your step-mum as an attempt to ‘bond’ and indeed your work team on a social outing. Or just come on your own and be a legend.
(*One of the things Elf DID decide to do was rescue two Guinea Pigs.)
We Must Live
21st June
Julia Masli and Tatiana Collet-Apraxine AKA The Pushkinettes present their London premiere of "We Must Live"
Two absolute idiots host a traditional Russian state funeral for Anna Karenina. You are invited, along with Queen Elizabeth II; Frida Kahlo; Tsar Alexander II, Joan of Arc, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Barack Obama and many more.
This buoyantly desperate, epic, ridiculous show merges clowning, physical theatre and Russian classics.
Viggo the Viking - CANCELLED
We apologise, however, due to unfortunate circumstances tonight’s show Viggo the Viking has been CANCELLED.
22nd June
Venn presents his work-in-progress of Viggo the Viking.
Best Comedy winner, Brighton Fringe 2016 (Zach & Viggo). Best Comedy nominee, Fringe World 2018 (Pepito). From the deep forests and tall mountains of Norway comes Viggo the Viking, the dumbest viking in the world. A new show from Gaulier-trained clown Viggo Venn. 'My cheeks were aching with laughter' ★★★★★ (FringeGuru.com). 'I laughed so much my face hurt' ****1/2 (Latest). 'Chaotic Masterpiece' ★★★★ (List).
Tragic Scenes of Legendary women where snakes were (kind of) present
Two clowns. Some legendary women. Lots of snakes. A guaranteed tragedy.
Join Nina Divina - actor extraordinaire - and her faithful assistant Lucia Bombilla as they attempt to stage the most tragic scenes of legendary women...and snakes.
Expect fierce flamenco dancing, seductive apple munching and that classic hit song we all know and love: “I’m not a woman, I’m a snake!”. An anarchic, silly, fun-filled hour of clowning and cabaret that celebrates all things woman (and some things snake).
Mighty Boosh with Smack the Pony’s sly feminism all wrapped up in one glamorous clown cabaret.
Presented as part of the Wild Shenanigans Comedy Festival.
The Rebirth of Meadow Rain
Meadow is throwing a party to celebrate her new life.
Expect a rip-roaring soirée of games, dancing, more games and one top-secret present! So leave your morals at the door and your kids at home.
Please note: guests arriving with gifts (e.g. fish food, rubber gloves and any parents/partners/colleagues you find moderately irritating*) will receive special treatment.
This darkly comic tale, exploring themes of emotional abuse, is brought to you by the award-winning creators of fringe sell-out show So It Goes.
‘A gem’ **** Evening Standard on So It Goes.
*List not exhaustive.
The show was made with support from the Shoreditch Town Hall and is presented as a work-in-progress performance.
On The Run are delighted to be partners with UK SAYS NO MORE, a national awareness raising campaign, working together with their 350+ partners, to change societal narrative towards Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.
Supported by
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Double Bill: Baby Plus Two & Legs
Blue Elephant Theatre presents a double bill of comedy shows exploring motherhood and and the female body.
Baby Plus Two will be performed on its own on Thursday 30th May at 2pm as a BABY FRIENDLY showing followed by a workshop so bring your little one along!
Baby Plus Two
"There is no more sombre enemy of good art than the pram in the hall"
....said some bloke who was clearly no good at multitasking. This dance solo is our rebuttal.
Pram firmly in the hallway, Baby Plus Two brings to life the physical and psychological experiences of early parenthood with dance, spoken word, video and original music.
From breast engorgement to mastery of nappy-sniffing via a constant low-level angst, Baby Plus Two is an emotional journey, filled – like motherhood itself – with angst, humour and love.
“Humorous and relatable… the mommy-parody at the end will surely be in my head for the rest of the week” Emma Iskowitz
“A funny and touching realisation of the first two years of parenthood.....Really enjoyable – lively and funny.” Audience Feedback
Choreographed and performed by: Lise Smith
Legs
Legs are what most humans stand on. They also allow humans to walk, crouch and lunge. If at any point in your life you have used your legs, thought about legs or if you know someone with legs. Then this is the show for you.
*warning this show may contain legs. ‘
’You might have trouble explaining to your friends what you just witnessed'’ ****½ TheAdelaidian.net
'Massive fun... if you feel the need for a little crazy in your life... they would be the people to provide it" Kate Copstick
Justice
In a city experiencing a three month heatwave, England's best World Cup since the 90s and the highest number of knife-crime killings in ten years, we focus on Michael, a young black male who has just finished his first year of college. The summer is about football, video games and parties - and pretending results day isn't looming. One night will change that, and leave Michael wondering what justice is if the system can't provide it...
A new play about knife crime and being young in today's London, inspired by true events.
Wooden Arrow is a production company that creates work with the purpose of bringing exposure to unseen perspectives. They focus on creating work for young, emerging and ambitious artists of all kinds and connecting people across an ever growing network of creatives. They create theatre and film, host workshops and play readings, and provide services including headshots and showreels.
The 5pm performance on Thursday 23rd will be a relaxed performance.
Justice is recommended for ages 14+ (swearing, references to violence)
Please note that smoke affects are used in Justice
TRUNKATED SCRATCH NIGHT
Trunkated is Blue Elephant’s Long-running scratch night of new works-in-progress. Join us for extracts of new writing, physical theatre, comedy and much more, brought to you by up and coming artists.
Tickets are free but do book your place in advance to guarantee a seat.
Trunkated is recommended for ages 15+
There Is No Authority But Yourself
His name is Steve Ignorant. You probably haven't heard of him. He was in a band called Crass. You probably haven't heard of them. Their music was a mess but their message was clear. There Is No Authority But Yourself.
There is No Authority But Yourself is a monologue with live musical accompaniment about the highly influential Essex punk band Crass. The monologue follows the story of Crass front man and co-founder Steve Ignorant. Steve grew up in Dagenham in the late 70s wishing he was somewhere else. His interests in poetry and politics brought him into conflict with authority figures and his bewildered parents. One Clash gig and a chance meeting with an ageing hippy later inspired him to become a singer in the loosest sense of the word.
This piece tells the story of how a young man from the most ordinary place was able to find freedom in self-expression. Who through music and writing was able to find his place in the world and sense of belonging. That ultimately there is no authority but yourself.
Presented by Further Theatre
Writer/Performer: Oliver Yellop
Musician/Composer: Benji Hooper
F**d!
We’re all in a relationship with food…and it’s complicated.
Worst Absurd blends dance, physical comedy, and a whole lot of kale, in a satirical exploration of our obsession with the F word. Witness this century’s great love affair and gorge on a theatrical feast of everything “delicious”.
Presented by Worst Absurd: A collection of clowns and one very dazed producer, we explore contemporary absurdities through a blend of dance, comedy and object theatre. We make relevant and accessible work that engages its audience in contemporary social discussions through a collage of witty gestural choreography, clown and eclectic soundtracks. We place importance on entertaining and uplifting our audience as well as provoking how they think about current issues and conversations.
Caterpillars
Two Caterpillars are trapped. In the aftermath of a doomsday cult, we witness a moment in time of siblings, Grace and Charlie. Having spent most of their lives in the ‘Seven Lanterns Commune’ it because clear that their past is not easy to move on from. Stay in the cocoon or flourish as a butterfly? It seems that Charlie and Grace may be trapped in the grasp of David, ‘Seven Lanterns’ Founder, for longer than expected.
Presented by Gut&Conflict Theatre Company
Grace-Amy Becket
Charlie-Michael Shon
David- Tim Renouf
Mike-James Minett
Music-Michael Humphreys
Writer/Producer/Director-Joshua Ashley
The Birds
Set in modern London, The Birds looks at our relationship to space and beauty. What are the compromises we make to live in this vast, polluted city. Even if you know what you want, how you want things to change, it’s another thing to get people to listen.
Josie Mitchell has directed new writing and devised work in Oxford, London and the Edinburgh Fringe. This is her first piece of writing.
Performed by Amelia Sparling.
Image Credit: Riana Patel
Scab
Our narrator is walking home alone at night. They've just finished the graveyard shift and they're hankering after some toast. But then they see the pool of blood on the pavement... The crater steadily eating the side of that old man's head... And despite every bone in their body screaming at them to do otherwise, they stop. And they make a decision to help.
What follows changes both of them in ways neither ever expected.
Written by Luke Stapleton
Performed by Helen Jessica Liggat
West bank off the Thames by Jenan Younis
Jenan’s comedy has been described as a slap in the face. Don’t sit within arm’s reach.
“Sharp, hip, smart comedian – not to be missed!! The List
“Unique perspective” Chortle
BBC New comedy award nominee 2018
99 comedy club finalist 2018
South East comedian of the year finalist 2018
Tethered
tether
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1: to fasten or confine (an animal) with a rope or chain so as to restrict its movement.
2:Digital Technology. to use (an electronic device, usually a smartphone or tablet) to enable a wireless Internetconnection on another nearby device, often a laptop.
When she becomes bedbound, Alice is faced with the realisation of how much of her identity is made up from her love of dance. By chance a virtual reality headset finds its way into her hands, and she is presented with a unique opportunity to reconnect with what she holds most true to herself.
How much of your identity is determined by your physical body, the way you express yourself through movement and gestures? What if that body, which you inhabit, no longer obeys your wants and needs?
Virtual reality is being developed at an astonishing rate and companies are racing against each other to create the most advanced and immersive experience. When we are presented with new technology, our culture and way of life is often left behind and struggles to catch up. What everyone can agree on is that VR is ground-breaking; they’re just not sure how.
Combining live music, physical theatre and realism, Tethered crosses between the virtual and real to question how technology can shape and transform your sense of self.
This is the first staging of Tethered, the debut play of Contents May Differ.
The Wolf Inside Me
A boy experiences the loss of his mother. Instead of speaking about it, he picks up a guitar. A girl experiences the loss of her father. She wants to speak about it – but can’t find the words.
A play with sound and music, The Wolf Inside Me speaks to us of finding our own way through grief and sadness. Rooted in South East London and seen through the eyes of teenagers, it’s a captivating and creative reframing of loss and hope.
The Wolf Inside Me has been commissioned by Blue Elephant Theatre’s Youth Board members. It was created by Sepy Baghaei in response to a brief set by young participants and then chosen for research and development at the Blue Elephant after participants met shortlisted applicants.
The Wolf Inside Me is presented as a work-in-progress performance.
Supported by
Fairytale Mash
All Soli wants is a bit of peace and quiet so he heads to the library. There he discovers a thousand new worlds as fairytales come to life around him.
Join the Blue Elephant Storytellers for an interactive session which introduces children to fairytale favourites from Cinderella to Aladdin.
This is a FREE event but please book ahead to guarantee your place.
VENUE:
UAL Studio, Third Floor, Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre, New Kent Rd, SE1 6TE
28th March at 1.45pm and 4.15pm
Please note Fairytale Mash is NOT at Blue Elephant Theatre
Supported by
Just Like Me
On first glance, we can seem so different from one another, but look a little closer and you’ll find we all have something in common.
Narissa the rabbit is new to the field and all the other rabbits are busy doing their rabbit things. So, Narissa sets off to find a friend. Everyone seems so very different to her. Freddy the frog, Astrid the Ant and Burton the bee don’t seem anything like a rabbit. But can they really be that different from her? Finding things in common and building unlikely friendships, interactive storytelling and vibrant characters combine in this fun, FREE, family event.
Please note these showings are at venues near Elephant and Castle and not at the Blue Elephant. The event is free but booking is encouraged to reserve your space. You can book via Tickets Ignite here
Golazio, 59 Camberwell Rd, London SE5 0EZ
Friday March 8th at 12.30pm and 2pm
UAL Studio, Third Floor, Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre, New Kent Rd, SE1 6TE
Friday March 22nd at 10am and 12pm
