Risking life and death for the opportunity of a new life in Kent might not seem all too appealing to many. But for the thousands of refugees escaping war torn countries it is a journey that they can only hope to achieve. The Jungle, newly transferred to the Playhouse Theatre from the Young Vic maps out the complexities of the European migrant crisis that led to upwards of 8,000 people living in squalor on a former landfill site.
Sting’s personable journey to stardom, and early years as a kid growing up during major industrial upheaval within his childhood community, are explored in this charming, yet hard hitting, piece of musical theatre. The Last Ship tells a story of financial instability, social turmoil and the question of local identity throughout ever growing change. The musical repertoire blends deep rooted traditional chanting with a Mumford and Sons folk friendly flavour, with impactful lyrics that set one on a patriotic singalong.
Curated by musician and theatre maker Kim ‘Busty Beatz’ Bowers and dance/theatre company co – founder and choreographer Lisa Fa’alafi, Hive City Legacy will boldly take over North London’s Roundhouse with a line up of 9 talented acts of colour. A female led line up, the evening’s aim is to create a ‘fierce and political homeage to London’. Acts range from circus artists to beatboxers, spoken word artists to cabaret performers – showing off the capital’s diverse talent. One of this year’s chosen acts; dancer, choreographer, photographer, videographer, and writer Shakaiah Perez tells us more about her varied career and what to expect from the evening.
The Verity Bargate award winning play – The One, received critical acclaim when it debuted in 2013. Five years later, and Vicky Jones’ debut play about love, lust and destruction returns to Soho Theatre from early July. Taking on the role of Jo, one half of the show’s duo, actress Tuppence Middleton tells us more about how she’s approached the role, what to expect and working alongside fellow actor John Hopkins.
Curated by musician and theatre maker Kim ‘Busty Beatz’ Bowers and dance/theatre company co – founder and choreographer Lisa Fa’alafi, Hive City Legacy will boldly take over North London’s Roundhouse with a line up of 9 talented acts of colour. A female led line up, the evening’s aim is to create a ‘fierce and political homeage to London’. Acts range from circus artists to beatboxers, spoken word artists to cabaret performers – showing off the capital’s diverse talent. One of this year’s chosen acts, singer/songwriter Sherika Sherard has sang with the legendary Seal and also been acknowledged by iconic filmmaker Spike Lee. Sherika tells us more about her music career and what to expect from the evening.
Facing the potential prospect of deportation to an environment once fled in the hope of achieving a better quality of life must be one of the most distressing experiences an individual could go through. To have your concept of ‘home’ shaken by the very land in which you were born in, a devastating reality for many; as is evident with the shocking revalations of the Windrush Scandal. The term ‘home’ although seemingly simple, a complex one. Tolu Agbelusi’s Ilè La Wá delves into this multifaceted term, drawing out underrepresented crucial conversations that currently echo within the macrocosm.
Having entertained audiences for 25 years, UniverSoul have gone on to diversify and redefine the art form of circus by celebrating the complexity of Caribbean and African culture. With cast members from South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Cuba, the US, Guinea, Gabon, and Ethiopia, UniverSoul are renowned for producing shows with an international vibe. Having built up a reputation for their fusion of the traditional and the contemporary – UniverSoul contribute to Hip Hop culture with their championing of the brightest dance talent and showcasing of bold tricks. Company founder and former tour promotor Cedric Walker tells us more about what to expect from the company’s European Premier.
Welcome to class and welcome back to 1997. A nostalgic trip to a time that promised change with Blair’s declaration of ‘Education, Education, Education’. Find your tamagotchi, fangirl over Take That and dig out those baggy jeans, Wardrobe Ensemble bring you the nineties.
An idea formed by a group of East 15 graduates, Rooted Moon debuted in 2015 with the intention of creating a platform for artists to perform their works to an international audience. Based on the beautiful Italian Island of Sardinia, Rooted Moon cleverly combines theatre and travel to produce a festival worth putting on your to do list. Co-Founder Salv Scarpa tells us more about what to expect from this year’s festival.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ satire of Dion Boucicault’s 19th Century play An Octoroon brings the audience to confront questions of race, labels about race and how we represent them in theatre both in the past and today.
Courtesy of Helen Murray.