The Bunker Theatre will close in the new year ahead proposed redevelopment of its London Bridge site. The Bunker will present its final show at 53a Southwark Street on Saturday 28 March 2020, three-and-a-half years after it opened in a converted car park beneath the Menier Chocolate Factory.
‘Powerful play’: JADE CITY – Bunker Theatre
Jade City is a powerful play confronting the consequences of the UK’s lack of social mobility and opportunity.
NEWS: Chris Sonnex announces Bunker Theatre autumn season
Following the success of his first season at The Bunker, artistic director Chris Sonnex’s new season cements his vision for the theatre, representing and sharing the stories of its community.
‘Fusing vigorous theatre with the energy of a live rock band’: David Furlong directs The Flies at the Bunker Theatre
Exchange Theatre artistic director David Furlong chatted to Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon about his production of Jean-Paul Sartre’s play The Flies. His tenth-anniversary revival of the Exchange’s first production runs at London’s Bunker Theatre from 11 June to 6 July 2019.
‘Important story for our times’: FUNERAL FLOWERS – The Bunker Theatre
Angelique’s story in Funeral Flowers at The Bunker Theatre is one that demands action and puts accountability on adults who work with young people. An excellently written, important story for our times.
‘Emotional, engaging & vital piece of theatre’: WELCOME TO THE UK – Bunker Theatre
Welcome to the UK is an emotional, engaging and – most importantly – vital piece of theatre. If only the government could be made to watch this, perhaps it will see that its inhumane policies are hurting real, actual people full of life, love and dreams.
‘The script is tight & provocative’: WAR WITH THE NEWTS – Bunker Theatre
This adaptation of Karel Čapek’s 1936 novel War with the Newts is set in a dystopian near-future where an intelligent animal species is first exploited by mankind, then rebels against their masters.
‘The staging is sharp & fun’: ERIS – Bunker Theatre
John King’s script for Eris at the Bunker Theatre has some Greek myth references that give it a nice touch but doesn’t add much to the totally contemporary story.
‘An interesting piece of new writing that is full of potential’: BREATHE – Bunker Theatre ★★★
Breathe looks at teen suicide, considering both the people who die and those who are left behind; the company have worked with organisations such as Childline to learn more about what they cover in the play.
‘Such a refreshing concept’: KISS CHASE – Bunker Theatre ★★★★
The songs which open and close the show (explaining the night and the rules) are simple and funny, the cast is strong and believable, and the two presenters create a comfortable atmosphere for everyone in the room.
INTERVIEW: Section 2’s Alex Da Silva & Esmé Patey-Ford
It’s now just under a month to go until the Breaking Out season begins at The Bunker Theatre, so I took the opportunity to chat to Alex Da Silva (Kay) and Esmé Patey-Ford (Rachel) who will be appearing in Paper Creatures’ Section 2.
‘Some great moments between characters’: GROTTY – Bunker Theatre
There are some great moments between characters, and some laugh-out-loud dialogue – Izzy Tennyson certainly has a way with words. The cast is strong and characters engaging, but as a whole, Grotty lacks purpose and shape.
‘Punchy, highly intelligent & at times laugh out loud funny’: DEVIL WITH THE BLUE DRESS – Bunker Theatre
In his audacious new play Devil With The Blue Dress, Kevin Armento examines five women’s accounts leading up to – and resulting in – President Clinton’s impeachment in 1998.
‘Everyone’s going through something’: Interview with Paper Creatures about new play Section 2
“You worry (especially with fringe theatre): are you going to put bums on seats? Is it going to be able to portray the message you want? Will the audience get much out of it?”
NEWS: Six shows selected for The Bunker’s new Breaking Out initiative
The Bunker’s Summer 2018 season celebrates exciting work from both emerging and established companies. A highlight of this season is Breaking Out – a new initiative introduced by Artistic Director Joshua McTaggart – which champions the most ambitious and innovative theatre companies who are embarking on their theatrical journey.
From The Country Wife to Olivier Award nominations: What to look out for in March
Lots of different things opening across the country in March. In London there are a lot of Fringe and Off West End productions coming your way.
‘Nice for an introduction’: KEN – Bunker Theatre
Terry Johnson’s Ken serves as a nice introduction to Ken Campbell or for those that knew him it’s a reminder of the impact his work had on many performers, writers and directors, but he deserves a better tribute that is as risky and daring as he was.
‘Hilarious & touchingly personal’: KEN – Bunker Theatre
What makes KEN really work is the feeling that we have been granted a genuine glimpse of the real Ken Campbell, a rare insight into why he mattered. Johnson’s play at The Bunker does not just tell us that he was special, he convinces us.
Never Mind The Blog, here’s January’s theatre news
Lots & lots of shows have their first performances in London and across the country this month, including new productions of Pinter’s The Birthday Party, Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan, and Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well.
FCUK’D – Bunker Theatre ❄❄❄❄
My verdict? A superlative debut play by Niall Ransome that taps into a very important issue, brilliantly written in verse – a must-see alternative Christmas production.