Stratford East today announces that it will open up the whole theatre to the public on Saturday 26th October 2024 to host a special day packed full of completely free entertainment, workshops and talks from top industry professionals, arts and crafts, facepainting, theatre tours and many other exciting activities suitable for all ages.
- Workshops include: BSL in Theatre with Deaf actress Caroline Parker; Improvisation Games and Scenes with Lizzie Winkler(Showstoppers, Free Association); Comedy for Kids by Hilarity Academy; Stage Combat from Fight It Out; and Lighting Design with Rob Pell-Walpole, Stratford East’s Head of Lighting.
- Q&A Talks from Jonathan Harvey (Writer,Beautiful Thing), Nadia Fall (Artistic Director), Stewart J. Charlesworth(Designer) and more.
- Heritage tours: A journey behind the scenes at Stratford East to discover the rich history of our much-treasured theatre and an opportunity to see our newly unveiled archive which has received a significant makeover.
- Plus activities throughout the day including facepainting, Disco Loco, Arts and Crafts from Delyth Taylor, a chance to be a part of Stratford East’s 140th Anniversary celebratory short films, live music from Max Runham and patties from Island Vibez Kitchen.
Artistic Director, Nadia Fall, said: “We’re beyond thrilled to open the doors of our cherished Stratford East as we celebrate 140 years of history, creativity, and community. This open day is a chance to take a look behind the scenes of a theatre that has stood proudly in the heart of East London for over a century. We are a theatre for everyone, and this day is all about welcoming both new and familiar faces to experience the magic of how theatre is made. From talks and workshops to food and entertainment, there’s something for everyone—and the best part is, it’s all free!”
Visitors are welcome to simply arrive on the day but are advised to book in advance for some free activities where capacity is limited.
Q&A Talks
Jonathan Harvey – Writer
2pm-3pm
Stratford East is delighted to welcome back the hugely talented and multi award-winning screenwriter, author and playwright, Jonathan Harvey, who recently graced our stage with his hit play Beautiful Thing. Jonathan will be here to discuss his process and journey as a writer, share advice on navigating the theatre and television industries and answer any questions you have.
Nadia Fall – Artistic Director
1.45pm-2.45pm
Stratford East’s Artistic Director Nadia Fall, Director of Abigail’s Party will be teaming up with a Casting Director to deliver this workshop for you. Together they will give you tips and techniques to work on confidence, audition preparation and tackling a script, and as a group you will work together to explore how to tackle the audition room. You are welcome no matter where you are on your acting journey.
Stewart J. Charlesworth – Designer
12pm-1pm
Stewart is a UK based, multi award-nominated Set and Costume Designer, whose work spans plays, musicals, opera and dance, as well as immersive and site-specific productions. He will be here to talk about his process and share his experience of designing, what inspires him and how he chooses his work plus there will be an opportunity to ask questions and hear his advice. You will also see his beautiful designs adorning our stage this Christmas in our pantomime Pinocchio.
Heritage Tours
Tours leaving from main foyer at 11.15am, 1pm and 3pm. Suitable for all ages.
The Heritage Tour does involve some steps, please get in touch to discuss options if needed.
Interested in the theatre and how it all began? Want to experience what it feels like to stand on stage or ever wondered where the actors hang out between scenes? There will be three tours throughout the day which will take you on a journey behind the scenes so you can get a glimpse into how we create our outstanding shows and discover the rich history of our much-treasured theatre. In addition, you will be able to experience the newly unveiled and refreshed images on our theatre walls, showcasing the rich history of Stratford East productions and providing visitors with a visual journey through our most memorable moments.
No need to book – just turn up and you will be directed to the meeting point.
Activities
Disco Loco
12pm-1.30pm. Suitable for all primary school ages.
Please note that the Hedley Rehearsal Room is not accessible for wheelchair users. Please get in touch to discuss options if needed.
Come and join Disco Loco’s wild and wonderful family party transported to our theatre. Since 2006 they’ve been engaging families across East London in a programme of arts, culture and a spirit of togetherness. Their incredible DJs bring quality and magic to everything they do and they celebrate family diversity, and we are very much looking forward to having them. Everyone is welcome – just turn up on the day!
Short Films
11am-5pm. All ages welcome.
We are creating a series of short celebratory films as part of our 140th Anniversary and want to hear from as many of you as possible about what you enjoyed here at Stratford East. If you’ve been to our theatre and experienced one of our shows, whether it’s our legendary pantomime or an exciting new piece of work, we would love to hear what you have to say. We will be filming in the auditorium all day, and there is no need to book – just turn up and you will be directed to our filming area.
Live Music
From 4.30pm.
Max Runham is a singer-songwriter from London. With influences from the great soul, blues and rock & roll music of the 50s & 60s, Max has crafted a unique, modern indie-pop sound with thoughtful lyrics and an infectious rhythm. Max spent his 20s touring in theatre productions, some coming to Stratford East and has since committed to music full-time and has a 3-track EP coming out in November.
Food and Drink
Guests will receive a free patty* from our delicious Island Vibez Kitchen and the bar will be open serving drinks from midday. The kitchen will also be serving other menu options to purchase on the day. Feel free to bring additional snacks for your little ones.
*Subject to availability.
To book, visit here…
This open day has been made possible thanks to the generosity of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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