Prompted by the recent retirement of their artistic director – the visionary Lou Stein – I decided to opt for Chickenshed’s latest to video release Rapunzel which turned out to be one of the first shows that Lou wrote and directed at the venue himself and thus the release of the production neatly bookends his time there.
‘Nice to see them letting their hair down’: ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND – Chickenshed Theatre
Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland is being freestreamed by Chickenshed, the north London youth-oriented community theatre, and is the latest in a long line of releases from them this year.
‘The show charts the experience of migration through six phases’: WAITING FOR THE SHIP TO SAIL – Chickenshed Theatre (Online review)
Waiting For The Ship To Sail is a worthwhile reminder that while our minds and our media may currently be focused on one crisis, that doesn’t mean other, equally urgent, issues have gone away.
‘Definitely brightens up the festive period’: SNOW WHITE – Chickenshed Theatre ★★★★
This wonderfully inclusive Snow White has been adapted and brought up to date, resulting in a clever and interesting social commentary on the power of people’s vanity.
‘Guaranteed to warm your heart’: SNOW WHITE – Chickenshed Theatre
As always, Chickenshed’s Christmas show Snow White is a festive treat that’s guaranteed to warm your heart and send you home feeling a little bit better about the world. Who can say no to that?
‘Practically bursts with creative talent’: 100% CHANCE OF RAIN – Chickenshed Theatre
This time around Chickenshed’s inclusive theatre company is exploring mental health in new show, 100% Chance of Rain.
Varied, thought-provoking & entertaining’: MONOLOG 2 – Chickenshed Theatre
Monolog makes a dramatic contrast to Chickenshed’s recent Christmas production, which – as is traditional – featured a cast of hundreds. But despite the simple staging and intimate venue, there’s just as much diversity, talent and food for thought to be found in this very enjoyable showcase championing powerful new writing.
Christmas shows and all who sail in them
This year, for the first time in decades, I decided that I’d choose my own Christmas shows and arrange to review them rather than waiting for editors to impose them on me. And I’m having a lovely December so far.
‘Joyously festive to experience’: A CHRISTMAS CAROL – Chickenshed Theatre
A Christmas Carol at Chickenshed is theatre for everyone, by everyone – and if it doesn’t get your Christmas spirit going, then frankly I suspect nothing will.
‘Feels particularly resonant today’: JEKYLL & HYDE – Chickenshed Theatre
With this production of Jekyll & Hyde, Chickenshed proves once again that it knows how to entertain audiences with a good story. But the show also asks us to consider some pertinent and rather topical questions about the importance of the choices we make – for ourselves, for others and for society as a whole.
Inspired by how theatre changes lives & the companies that nurture the process
Last week I revisited two examples of theatre changing the lives of young people. Everyone in this industry – and those who directly or indirectly manage funding for such organisations – really should get into these places to marvel at what theatre can achieve.
‘Colourful, funny & thought-provoking show for all ages’: MR STINK – Chickenshed Theatre
Chickenshed is a company that celebrates diversity in all its forms. Mr Stink is a story about a homeless man who’s befriended by a 12-year-old girl – the only person who bothers to talk to him. It’s pretty much a perfect fit.
‘A diverse cast brings Kesey’s characters to life’: ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST – Chickenshed Theatre
Ove Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a poignant and still relevant story about the way society treats those who don’t fit the mould and it feels like an appropriate choice for a theatre company that prides itself on making everyone welcome.
‘Big, bold & visually stunning’: DON’T STOP THINKING ABOUT TOMORROW – Chickenshed Theatre
Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow is a powerful call to arms that looks and sounds great, and also makes you stop and think about the careless way we treat our planet, and what the impact of that might be.