BET mailing list
Submit your email
BET on Twitter
Loading feed...
Charity number: 1077161
Company number: 3724349
Blue Elephant Theatre Privacy policy.
We use cookies for Google Analytics, but these can be disabled via your browser configuration.
News
The Blue Elephant Theatre never ever does things by halves
Please see our past programme section for reviews of past shows.
Q&A with Rees Jenkins, Writer & Director of Justice
Justice is the first show Rees has written and directed, initially writing the play to raise awareness of knife crime after it affected him and his family. Justice runs at the Blue Elephant from May 21st to 25th.
How did you come to working with the Blue Elephant?
Before this show, I would always hear about the Blue Elephant Theatre being very welcoming and strongly connected to its local community. Romy Iris Conroy (Associate Director) had worked with the Blue Elephant in the past and highly recommended getting in contact with them as the theatre felt appropriate for the play that we were planning to do.
What is Justice about and why is it important now?
Justice is story about what certain young people face in today’s climate with regards to knife crime. It focuses on a young Black male who is not only a victim of knife crime but feels betrayed by those he should be able to trust. It was important to me originally as knife crime has affected my family. With the drastic increase in knife crime in the last few years and the extensive research I did with the subject, I realised that this issue is now more important than ever.
How do you approach the subject matter in performance?
Theatre is such a wonderful place. A liberal and safe space where there are rarely any limitations. Whereas the news is very much sensationalised and doesn’t provide the context that people really need to see. When they talk about knife crime it feels very emotionless, as if the next victim is just another statistic. They never really explore the affects it has on families and communities and, most importantly, the root cause of why it has become a prevalent issue in today’s society. As part of my research I read the book Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People about Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge. The book goes into great detail about the faults in our justice system over the years and the racial bias that comes with it. This book gave me so much insight and informed the staging of the play, which aims to subtly suggest the ways in which this predominately white justice system affects our society. Performance doesn’t just tell a story, it gives so much more.
What moments in rehearsal have stood out for you?
I think the most interesting yet challenging part of rehearsals have been staging the non-naturalistic parts of the play. Within the play there are poems paying tribute to real life victims of knife crime and what they achieved as people. These moments draw away from the naturalism of the story’s narrative. We’ve done a lot of playing and exploring with how we want to present these poems as we are performing them through physical theatre. These are being coordinated by our Movement Director, Kieton Saunders-Browne.
Why should audiences come see Justice?
Everyone is welcome to come see Justice. I think the audience that should come see Justice are the ones that aren’t aware of this issue or at least see it in a one-dimensional way. After all, that’s what raising awareness is all about.
Trustee Call-Out
Blue Elephant Theatre seeks new trustees to join our Board!
Registered charity Blue Elephant Theatre (BET) is a vibrant 50-seat theatre in Camberwell, which aims to offer a wide range of exciting creative opportunities, especially to those who may not otherwise access them. It seeks to nurture new and emerging artists across the performing arts and to provide free participation opportunities for our local communities. After a period of uncertainty, BET became a National Portfolio Organisation in April 2018, meaning that it is now regularly supported by Arts Council England and making it an exciting time to join the theatre. It remains, nonetheless, a small organisation with only two full-time members of staff.
Blue Elephant Theatre is based on the Wyndham & Comber Estate off Camberwell Road in SE5. Our audiences and artists come from all over the world although generally artists are UK-based and we particularly focus on reaching Southwark-based artists. We work with approximately 1500-2000 local people each year, largely through our flagship primary schools programme Creative Minds and our Young People's Theatre which is funded by BBC Children in Need. Our local area is diverse and we are keen to recruit trustees who are representative of the area and/or who are closely tied to Southwark. Our Board of Trustees is predominantly male so we are hoping to recruit more Trustees who identify as female or non-binary at this time.
Joining the Board of Trustees is a voluntary role with no payment although out of pocket expenses may be claimed. Trustees have a legal responsibility for the charity’s management and administration although on a day-to-day basis the running and management of the Blue Elephant is devolved to the senior management.
Joining the Board of the Blue Elephant will involve duties such as:
• Supporting BET to achieve the goals set out in its Business Plan and Equality Action Plan
• Leading and supporting particular projects or subcommittees around particular needs
• Offering support and advice to staff, particularly senior management and particularly around the Trustee's area (s) of special knowledge
• Attending a range of BET events and work to keep in touch with the organisation and its work to ensure it is carrying out its mission statement
• Being a 'critical friend' to the organisation and staff
• Being an Ambassador for BET
• Supporting BET in its fundraising and audience development efforts
The Time Commitment is expected to be:
• Attending Trustee meetings approximately every six weeks and sending apologies if unable to attend
• Reading and commenting on documents sent out (approximately two hours a month)
• Attending a range of Blue Elephant events throughout the year to keep up to date with its work; trustees would normally be expected to attend at least three professional shows and three participation showcases/workshops a year
• Take on additional responsibilities on an ad-hoc basis when able to do so, eg chair a subcommittee, take responsibility for the Youth Board
We are seeking to diversify the skills and experiences on our Board of Trustees and so are particularly looking to recruit:
• Those with legal expertise
• Parents
• Surveyors/Construction workers
• Artists within the performing arts
• Those with knowledge/expertise around Disability Awareness and improving accessibility
Blue Elephant Theatre welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This is generally regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origins, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability or religious beliefs but as explained above, we are looking to address a gender imbalance on our Board at this time.
If you are interested in becoming a trustee of Blue Elephant Theatre, please send a letter explaining your interest and a copy of your CV to recruitment@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk, addressed to Mr Chris Lawrence, Chair of Trustees. Please also complete and send a monitoring form which can be downloaded here
TRUNKATED SCRATCH NIGHT- Call out for submissions
The Blue Elephant is seeking submissions for its next scratch night, Trunkated, on May 15th at 8pm. Are you developing a live performing arts piece that would benefit from an opportunity to perform it in front of a supportive audience?
The details
Date: Wednesday 15th May (8pm-10pm)
Location: Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Road, SE5 0XT
Payment: £10 per act regardless of number of people involved)
Tickets will be free and the audience will be asked to share feedback.
Guidelines
- The work has to be performative but can be of any genre (new writing, live art, devised, dance, poetry, rap, magic etc.)
- It must be work in progress, no longer than 15 minutes, with minimal technical requirements.
- The main performance space will be the Blue Elephant Theatre, and so selected work will be chosen to suit this space.
Please apply by Friday 19th April.
To find the application form and more information click here here
Special Skills Workshop Facilitator: Call Out
Friday 8th February 2019
Are you an artist with a special skill?
Do you have experience of delivering workshops in your skill?
Do you have experience of working with young people?
If yes, then the Blue Elephant Young People’s Theatre are looking for you!
WHO ARE WE? We are a youth theatre funded by Children in Need providing free drama workshops for young people aged 7-18years in the local Southwark area.
WHAT DO WE DO? Every term we invite specialist practitioners in to share their skills with our young people, who will then use these to create their own devised pieces to perform at the end of each term.
WHEN DO WE DO IT? We run sessions every Saturday 10-6pm. The day has 4 sessions for 3 age groups:
Group A1 (7-11yrs)- 10-11am
Group A2 (7-11yrs)- 11.15-12.15am
Group B (11-14yrs)- 1.30-3.30pm
Young Company (14+ yrs)- 4-6pm
HOW TO APPLY: Email Louise (louise@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk) with details of your skills/experience/ DBS/ and why you’d like to work with us. Please be succinct. This is a one off paid opportunity.
The Blue Elephant Theatre welcomes applications from all sections of the community regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origins, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability or religious beliefs.
The Balancing Act: Call-out for submissions
Our window for submissions is now open for The Balancing Act Scratch Night; held in the run up to International Women’s Day in March to celebrate the achievements of women.
This is a call out for emerging artists based in or with a strong connection to Southwark, who have material that they would like to showcase which responds or relates to the aims and impetus of International Women’s Day. The Balancing Act is particularly interested in work along the themes of taking action against gender inequality around the world #balanceforbetter. The Balancing Act will take place in Blue Elephant Theatre; this is an opportunity for you to try out new ideas in front of an audience and get a bit of feedback to help you develop your work in the future.
We are particularly seeking artists at the very early stages of their career. Artists of all genders are welcome to apply.
The details
Date: Tuesday 5th March (8pm-10pm)
Location: Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Road, SE5 0XT
Expense: Partial travel bursaries available (£10 per act regardless of number of people involved)
Space: There will be a rehearsal space available on Monday 4th from 10- 6pm and before Tech rehearsals on Tuesday 5th to be shared amongst all acts. Tech will begin at approximately 3.30pm.
Tickets will be free and the audience will be asked to share feedback.
Guidelines
- The work has to be performative but can be of any genre (new writing, live art, devised, dance, poetry, rap, magic etc.)
- It must be work in progress, no longer than 15 minutes, with minimal technical requirements.
- The main performance space will be the Blue Elephant Theatre, and so selected work will be chosen to suit this space.
To apply
Please write no more than two pages including the following information:
- Name and contact details
- Location
- Brief summary of the work you would like to present
- Technical Requirements (as much as you know/think at this point)
- Brief summary about you and your previous work (links and examples are welcome)
Deadline
Please apply by 12pm on Friday 1st February
Please send applications to: Elizabeth Adejimi, Trainee Producer & Events Manager at submissions@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk
If you have any questions about the event please do not hesitate to ask via email.
New Artist Opportunities at Blue Elephant
Blue Elephant is offering further support to emerging artists in the new year - one project commission and two residencies.
The brief for the commission has been set by our Youth Board and allows for two weeks of paid work for four artists in March. It will be a very collaborative process with the Blue Elephant. To apply and for more information, please download the BET Commission Information & Application Form. The deadline for applications is December 16th at noon.
We are also offering two projects week-long residencies at Blue Elephant in February. To apply and for more information, please download the BET Residency Information & Application Form. The deadline for applications is December 13th at noon.
These opportunities are open to emerging UK-based artists only.
These opportunities are possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England and Southwark Council.
Call Out for Mistletoe and Try! Scratch Night by Blue Elephant Theatre
_0.png)
Scratch that Itch in time for Christmas!
Blue Elephant Theatre bare good tidings with an end of year scratch night. Taking place in Blue Elephant Theatre, this is an opportunity for you to try out new ideas in front of an audience and get a bit of feedback to help you develop your work in the future. This is an open call out for emerging artists who have material they would like to try-out. We particularly encourage artists from Southwark to apply but we also welcome those from all other boroughs.
The details
Date: Wednesday 5th December (8pm-10pm)
Location: Blue Elephant Theatre
Expense: Partial travel bursaries available (£10 per act)
Space: Due to our very busy schedule during this festive season, rehearsal space availability will be extremely limited. Any rehearsal space offered will be weekday daytimes. Tech rehearsals will be on December 5th from approximately 3.30pm.
Tickets will be free and the audience will be asked to share feedback.
Guidelines
- The work has to be performative but can be of any genre (new writing, live art, devised, dance, Poetry etc).
- It must be work in progress, no longer than 15 minutes, with minimal technical requirements.
- The main performance space will be the Blue Elephant Theatre, and so selected work will be chosen to suit this space.
To apply
Please write no more than two pages including the following information:
- Name and contact details
- Location
- Brief summary of the work you would like to present
- Technical Requirements (as much as you know/think at this point)
- Brief summary about you and your previous work (links and examples are welcome)
Deadline
Please apply by Thursday 15th November (hurry!)
Please send applications to: submissions@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk
If you have any questions about the event please do not hesitate to ask via email.
Work with Blue Elephant Theatre!
As the Blue Elephant gears up to celebrate its twentieth year in 2019, now is a very exciting time to join the energetic and busy theatre.
We're looking for:
Deputy Theatre Manager
This is a vital role within the organisation, providing essential support to the safe and efficient running of the theatre as an organisation, venue and community hub.
Download Deputy Theatre Manager Information and Application Form
Closing date for applications: 10am 1st October (Interviews second week of October)
Please note interview dates are indicative and may be subject to change.
Interview with Trojan Horse co-writer Helen Monks
In just one week, LUNG come back to our stage with the Edinburgh Preview of Trojan Horse, that follows the real life stories of Muslim teachers and governors who were accused of plotting extremism in Birmingham schools. We sat down with co-writer Helen Monks to talk about the show and why it is so important for now.
1) Describe the show in one sentence.
Explosive!
2) What is your favourite thing about the show?
The amount it stretches your brain and challenges your perceptions. You will be pushed, pulled and outraged. As well as a play, this is a piece of investigative journalism. Ultimately, my favourite thing about this show is how much it uncovers.
3) Who should come to see this show?
This is a story that affects all of us. So anyone and everyone! But brummies are especially welcome.
4) Why is this show important for now?
In the current culture of prevent and 'British Values', we need to be challenging the narratives that are put out, particularly about Muslims. The UK is becoming increasingly divided, and Trojan Horse is just one example of how a story can be hijacked by the media, and certain voices get left out. We believe there is so much power in retelling these stories, with new voices and new perspectives at the forefront.
Trojan Horse will run on Thursday 26th & Friday 27th July at 8pm at Blue Elephant Theatre. Tickets available now: http://www.blueelephanttheatre.co.uk/trojan-horse
Refugee Week and beyond at the Blue Elephant
As Refugee Week begins, the Blue Elephant is delighted to be taking part in the celebration of the contribution refugees make to the UK and to join in encouraging better understanding between communities, both this week and beyond.
On Friday June 22nd, the Blue Elephant is hosting A Very Elephant Afternoon from 3.30pm! Our Participation Officer Louise Dickinson is running a fun drama session for all the family. There’ll be the opportunity to play games, make up stories, laugh and have fun together. This workshop is particularly aimed at families from refugee backgrounds but all are welcome. Find out more here.
On July 1st, Maya Productions’ The Croydon Avengers asks how three teenage refugees can become the saviours of a doomed nation? A freak accident at Gatwick deportation centre gives three friends powers beyond their wildest dreams. This trio of masked vigilantes send Croydon’s crime rate plummeting, but Regina Rump and her media proclaim them to be a threat to British identity! Maya Productions find stories that don’t often get told and look for new ways of telling them. The Croydon Avengers/strong> is a vibrant, action packed and funny new play for young people aged 8-14, written by Oladipo Agboluaje.
Finally, Flugelman Productions’ Boxman offers another perspective, as Reice Weathers plays Ringo in this one man show by Daniel Keene. Displaced from his homeland, Ringo is sheltering in a cardboard box in an inner city park. Inside his makeshift ‘home’, Ringo lives a life rich with stories and songs of a childhood far away, a family tragically lost and the complicated promise of a new beginning. Flugelman Productions will be collecting for the Refugee Council after their performances from July 4th to 6th at 8pm.
★★★★★ This is my pick of the Fringe by a country mile. If I could give it six stars, I would. – Simon Lovat, Broadway Baby at Brighton Fringe 2018
Booking for all three of these events is still available. If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to get in touch by calling us on 020 7701 0100 or emailing info@blueelephanttheatre.co.uk.
Award Nominated Local Performer Brings His Latest Show to Blue Elephant Theatre
Brain Rinse is a madcap, bizarre comedy sketch show that tackles all the big themes in life. But what makes this show really different is that local comedy actor Mike Raffone doesn’t perform to the audience; he performs with the audience in the ultimate immersive show with a cast of thousands. There’s war, mountaineering, a sex cult where the members are not allowed to touch each other, and a spiritual journey to discover one’s ‘inner ninja’. It’s all in there in this one-man show, which makes its London début at Blue Elephant Theatre in June.
You may know Walworth based Mike as the compère and brains behind the area’s monthly Cabaret Night Cabaret Rinse, but Mike has spent the last few years developing work for theatre audiences and Brain Rinse is the result. As an artist, he relishes facing new challenges and has always wanted to move his work into different areas. This cabaret promoter and ex-street entertainer has, however, not forgotten his roots. The show retains all of the energy, edginess and unpredictability of his former work and this is what makes it unique. Many comedy shows have interactive elements but this experienced and accomplished performer has decided to go the whole hog and do the whole thing not to, but with the audience.
Sure, the idea of joining in may fill you with more dread than the thought of two hours in the dentist's chair with Dr Josef Mengele, but you are in safe hands with Mike. He has over three decades experience, entertaining audiences all over the world with his interactive street comedy and cabaret.“Now I know”, says Mike, “that asking the audience to do the entire show is a big ask, but I’ve learned that if the audience are treated with respect they will almost always give more than they imagine they ever could.”
And as for performing his show at Blue Elephant Theatre, Mike says he’s really excited at the prospect. “It’s amazing to have such a vibrant, energetic and interesting theatre just down the road from where I live. Not only that, it’s a theatre that’s committed to putting on new and fresh work. Not many places outside of Central London can boast that, so it was the obvious choice when I was thinking about theatre venues for my latest show. It’s a chance to reach out to local audiences who would like this unique and fun comedy theatre show.”
You can catch Brain Rinse at Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Road, SE5 0XT on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd June at 8pm. Tickets are £10 (£8.50 concessions), £7.50 for Southwark residents and there is an earl bird offer of £6.25 if you book before 28th May. The show lasts about in hour with no interval.
‘I guarantee you will be in safe hands if you turn up to the hilarious Brain Rinse. He (Mike Raffone) had a fantastic presence on stage and supreme ability to get the best out of us all.’ Stephanie Billen, Buxton Festival Review
‘Top notch audience psychology, all hail!’ John Fleming
Talking Prune with Serena Flynn
We caught up with Serena Flynn ahead of her latest work in progress showing, Prune in Progress.
1) What’s your favourite thing about your show?
This creature I've created (Prune) doesn't follow social rules and norms, so she's permitted to do and say things that I (as Serena) would never have the guts to. She's the product of a break up, so she's shriveled and bitter but also brave and fearless. She luxuriates in the drama and pain of heartbreak in a way that I never would have allowed myself to do.
2) What’s the best thing about Meadow’s show?
Meadow is pure pink, fluffy joy - she's an all-singing, all-dancing entertainer.
3) Who should come see your show?
Anyone who's ever had their heart broken.
4) The important question: cats or dogs?!
Dogs. Obviously. No comparison.
5) If you could describe your show in one sentence, what would it be?
Anarchic, grotesque and a bit nuts.
Split Bill: Meadow by Meadow and Serena Flynn: Prune in Progress shows on 22nd and 23rd February. More information and book tickets here: http://blueelephanttheatre.co.uk/split-bill-meadow-meadow-serena-flynn-p...
Our Resident Artists for 2018!
Blue Elephant Theatre Announces Artists for 2018 Residencies
Blue Elephant Theatre is delighted to announce the artists chosen to be part of its inaugural residencies scheme. The residencies will support the research and development of four new pieces of theatre, chosen from nearly two hundred applications. These are possible thanks to a grant from the Idlewild Trust, which seeks to improve opportunities for young professionals working creatively in the arts at an early stage in their careers.
Decoupage Collective - @decoupageco
Découpage Collective explore the territories between the conscious and the subconscious, working with new writing, live music and physical performance practices to create theatre that is intimate, visceral and poetic. Outside deconstructs a singular character into multiple beings who together try to articulate the complexity of sex workers condition and the perception of such condition by themselves. This sensitive subject matter will be explored through music, images and writing drawn from statements from these women.
Grace Duggan - @GraceDuggan
Grace Duggan is a working class artist, born in East London who recently graduated from East 15 Acting School. Driven by local communities and their diversity, Grace has previously worked with vulnerable adults, children and young people. The Average Project interrogates our cultural double standards of 'body image' as we enter a new era of how our body image affects ourselves, our class, our diversity and our outlook on others. If we objectify men the same way we’ve objectified women, what does this mean for our future?
Monument Theatre Company - @MonumentTC
Monument Theatre Company is influenced by the work of Simon McBurney, Jacque Lecoq and Philippe Gaulier. They aim to bring untold stories to life with passion, vision and imagination. Windrush Square takes us back to 1980's, Brixton. When a young black man dies in police custody, racial tensions are at an all-time high. At the heart of this story we meet a young couple in an interracial relationship whose love blossoms as the tension increases. How do their families deal with this? Does their love outweigh conflict?
Maeve O'Sullivan and Cait O’Sullivan - @OoMaeve
Maeve and Cait are Geordie-Irish sisters. Maeve is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and although she has worked a lot in theatre, this is her first exploring original writing where she is integral to the process. Cait recently graduated from her Masters in Creative Writing from The University of Manchester, and is excited to be writing this as her third play. Living With a Dark Lord is a precious and personal story told from siblings growing up with a Dark Lord for a brother. A very real insight into the world of autism.
Niamh de Valera, Executive & Co-Artistic Director of Blue Elephant Theatre, says
“We are so excited to be offering formal residencies at the Blue Elephant – it’s been a dream for so long! We were blown away by the quality and dynamism of the applications we received so deciding on the final four was incredibly tough. We can’t wait to see what comes of their time at Blue Elephant and hope it’s only the start of our working relationships with each other.”
Blue Elephant Theatre aims to continue offering residencies in future to nurture companies in their infancy. It recognises importance of providing opportunities to support emerging artists and the difficulties caused by increased competition for funds and space. Previous examples of companies supported by BET include Theatre Temoin and On the Run.
Strawberry Starburst & MHAW 2016
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and we’re showing Strawberry Starburst at the Blue Elephant.
Strawberry Starburst is a fierce new play about a teenager developing and battling an eating disorder. When Bram Davidovich first sent us his script, it hit a chord with us which has only strengthened as he has developed the play to include a more medically accurate description of Shez’ recovery process.
The Blue Elephant has had a strong focus on mental health and well-being for some time. Our forum theatre project, Speak Out, which tours to schools around Southwark has long focused on supporting young people to better understand their own mental health and how to cope in overwhelming situations and where to go to ask for help. We run 2BScene, an adult drama group predominantly made up of those with lived experience of mental health problems, which produces theatre pieces addressing the stigma attached to poor mental health and highlighting the isolation and vulnerabilities that can be both a cause and effect of mental health problems.
It follows that we were very receptive to Bram’s script and the story it contained. As a theatre, we try to address big issues and one of the strongest aspects of Strawberry Starburst, in our opinion, is that it doesn’t give a single reason for Shez becoming ill. There is a lot going on in her life; her dad leaving, her unfaithful boyfriend, her unwittingly harsh mother expecting certain things of her. But there are also chance remarks, certain memories, insidious thoughts, her own perseverance and her strength of character turning back on itself. Somewhere in this melting pot of reasons may lie the cause of her illness but the play isn’t going to give us an easy answer on that.
At the end of the play, Shez is in recovery and it’s tough. It’s not a happily-ever-after ending, but a step on a long road. Our mental health is fragile and recovering from bad times isn’t a simple thing. It can take a lot of time and effort and there may be setbacks and relapses – it’s not fair to make that look pretty or easy because it belies just how much strength goes into recovering from, and indeed living with, a mental health problem.
Strawberry Starburst runs at Blue Elephant Theatre until 28 May. For tickets, book here.
Eating Disorder charity Beat has helplines and an email service for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders and difficulties with food, weight and shape. We also have an email service and an online one to one service.
Adult Helpline: 0345 634 1414 or email help@b-eat.co.uk
Youthline: 0345 634 7650 or email fyp@b-eat.co.uk
