Blood Gold and Oil
by Jan Woolf
From the Arab revolt of the First World War, a modern hero is constructed: the complex, flawed figure of Lawrence of Arabia. His legacy is as conflicted as his psyche. Brilliant military commander? Agent of British Imperialism? Vulnerable fantasist? Freedom Fighter?
Set in the present day, as an exhibition of the genuine archaeological finds is set up in a museum, the ghost of Lawrence is summoned through the passions of the archaeologist. Yet reality and agency reside in the more grounded figure who thinks about the future rather than the past.
In Blood Gold and Oil ghost and love stories combine, as Lawrence seeks a release from guilt and fame.
Written for the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Jan Woolf fuses activism with creativity. She started the play while writer in residence with The Great Arab Revolt archaeological dig in Jordan in 2013 where she ‘dug a play out of the desert.’
Performances: 25-29 April at 19:30, 30 April at 16:00
Running Time: TBC
Triggers and advisories:
● References to suicide and self harm
When Belle is feeling down she slips into her grandfather’s basement and discovers his old dusty instruments. But far from being junk, the Instrumentals are pure funk, and they teach Belle to ‘get down’ in a whole new way. Bursting to life with brilliant puppetry and bold music, The Instrumentals is full of love and laughter, about the memories we hold and how we celebrate life.
This is a show for all children with characters, story and inspiration from the African-Caribbean diaspora. It’s full of uplifting original music with soulful sounds and seventies grooves. Combined with innovative puppetry and lots of comedy, this fun musical journey will have audiences dancing in the aisles!
Suitable for ages 4+
Two shows at 11 am and 2 pm.
Blood Gold and Oil
by Jan Woolf
From the Arab revolt of the First World War, a modern hero is constructed: the complex, flawed figure of Lawrence of Arabia. His legacy is as conflicted as his psyche. Brilliant military commander? Agent of British Imperialism? Vulnerable fantasist? Freedom Fighter?
Set in the present day, as an exhibition of the genuine archaeological finds is set up in a museum, the ghost of Lawrence is summoned through the passions of the archaeologist. Yet reality and agency reside in the more grounded figure who thinks about the future rather than the past.
In Blood Gold and Oil ghost and love stories combine, as Lawrence seeks a release from guilt and fame.
Written for the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Jan Woolf fuses activism with creativity. She started the play while writer in residence with The Great Arab Revolt archaeological dig in Jordan in 2013 where she ‘dug a play out of the desert.’
Performances: 25-29 April at 19:30, 30 April at 16:00
Running Time: TBC
Triggers and advisories:
● References to suicide and self harm
Guest speaker: Dan Carrier
Journalist for the Camden New Journal
and previously for the Guardian and
Evening Standard. He is author of Untold
London: Stories from Time Trodden
Streets, Doctor Zipp’s Amazing
Octo-Com and his recent book Locks,
Bolts and Bars – a Life Inside. In his
spare time he is a DJ for Boogaloo Radio.
Doors open at 6.45pm and the meeting will commence at 7pm
ADMISSION FREE
Members and non-members welcome
Jacksons Lane,
269a Archway Road, London N6 5AA
One to one help with computers tablets and phones!
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Save the date for this wonderful event.
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
One to one help with computers tablets and phones!
One to one help with computers tablets and phones!
Three generations of gutsy circus women recast their narrative. This multi award-winning show is feminist and funny. The three women cast off the stereotypes that bind them while performing some downright dangerous acrobatics, talking politics as they balance precariously and support one another.
Three generations of gutsy circus women recast their narrative. This multi award-winning show is feminist and funny. The three women cast off the stereotypes that bind them while performing some downright dangerous acrobatics, talking politics as they balance precariously and support one another.
It’s a sticky situation. A kaleidoscope of circus, acrobatics, dance and live music combine to tell the story of Queen Bee and Worker Bee who must work together to rebuild their hive after being destroyed by a bushfire. But things never quite go to plan. Join the bees in their buzzy adventure.
Suitable for ages 3+
Performances at 11am & 2pm
Inspired by aerial rope artist Heather Parkin’s recovery from a car crash and traumatic brain injury, Epic Minds is a hilarious and disturbing romp through the world of psychosis, mental health diagnosis and recovery, combining aerial rope, juggling, song, dance and physical theatre.
Inspired by aerial rope artist Heather Parkin’s recovery from a car crash and traumatic brain injury, Epic Minds is a hilarious and disturbing romp through the world of psychosis, mental health diagnosis and recovery, combining aerial rope, juggling, song, dance and physical theatre.
A secret organisation known as the Ancient Guild of TaleTenders are on a mission to save stories – and they need your help. Develop creative and literacy skills through performance, games, and creative play, while exploring Roald Dahl’s extraordinary stories, including The BFG and The Twits along the way.
Suitable for ages 5+
Performances at 11am & 2pm
Alces Productions presents
The Lady With A Dog
The Chekhov story that the writer Vladimir Nabokov called ‘one of the greatest stories ever written’ returns to the UK stage in a full-length bittersweet romantic comedy transported to Jazz Age Britain.
Damian Granville is a banker and devoted family man with an unconventional way of taking his summer holidays: he travels alone and looks for a woman to seduce. This particular year he spots a beautiful young lady walking a white Pomeranian dog. How can he resist? He’s a skillful player and sure of success. Except Anne Dennis isn’t quite what he bargains for.
★★★★★ “Mark Giesser… recognises the responsibilities of taking on Chekhov demands and, with a dancer’s grace, solves them perfectly.” – Broadway World.
Previous shows by Alces Productions at Upstairs at the Gatehouse: Sirens of the Silver Screen; Strike Up the Band; Once Upon a Mattress; Call Me Madam; Luck Be a Lady; How To Build a Better Tulip.
Written and Directed by Mark Giesser
Choreographer: Xena Gusthart
Running Time: 2 hours (TBC)
AIM Theatre presents
Just Barking
by Joe Wiltshire Smith
Performed in rep with That Day on the 18th & 20th October
Stumbling back into her flat drunk at 10:30am, Tammy, a trainee nurse, decides to confess EVERYTHING to camera. To confront some demons, co-workers, postmen… this could take a while… You think you know her, but maybe you don’t know half of it.
Tammy’s life is a frantic mess of drink, insomnia and patient drama, with the usual hangover worse than death the next day – ’til one night, coming home from work, she get’s some self-help advice from the most unlikely of gurus… in fact, he’s a Chihuahua.
A richly black comedy, this one-woman, drastic reimagining of Gogol’s ‘Diary of a Madman’ investigates the strain on healthcare, the toxic cycle of hustle culture, the deafening toll on mental health and the rediscovery of the self.
Running Time: TBC (One act with no interval)
Alces Productions presents
The Lady With A Dog
The Chekhov story that the writer Vladimir Nabokov called ‘one of the greatest stories ever written’ returns to the UK stage in a full-length bittersweet romantic comedy transported to Jazz Age Britain.
Damian Granville is a banker and devoted family man with an unconventional way of taking his summer holidays: he travels alone and looks for a woman to seduce. This particular year he spots a beautiful young lady walking a white Pomeranian dog. How can he resist? He’s a skillful player and sure of success. Except Anne Dennis isn’t quite what he bargains for.
★★★★★ “Mark Giesser… recognises the responsibilities of taking on Chekhov demands and, with a dancer’s grace, solves them perfectly.” – Broadway World.
Previous shows by Alces Productions at Upstairs at the Gatehouse: Sirens of the Silver Screen; Strike Up the Band; Once Upon a Mattress; Call Me Madam; Luck Be a Lady; How To Build a Better Tulip.
Written and Directed by Mark Giesser
Choreographer: Xena Gusthart
Running Time: 2 hours (TBC)
High Steaks is a show about labia-shaming and body lovin’. Through live conversations with her mum and recorded interviews with labia-owners, High Steaks is a call for increased visibility of varied vulvas and a celebration of vulvas of all shapes and sizes.
Suitable for ages 18+
High Steaks is a show about labia-shaming and body lovin’. Through live conversations with her mum and recorded interviews with labia-owners, High Steaks is a call for increased visibility of varied vulvas and a celebration of vulvas of all shapes and sizes.
Suitable for ages 18+
Meet the unlikely duckling hero, and hear the story of a duck who was different! This much-loved classic tale has been adapted by Sandal Sticks Theatre into an interactive storytelling performance, featuring song and puppetry. A heart-warming tale for all the family.
Suitable for ages 3+
Performances at 11am & 2:30pm
Alces Productions presents
The Lady With A Dog
The Chekhov story that the writer Vladimir Nabokov called ‘one of the greatest stories ever written’ returns to the UK stage in a full-length bittersweet romantic comedy transported to Jazz Age Britain.
Damian Granville is a banker and devoted family man with an unconventional way of taking his summer holidays: he travels alone and looks for a woman to seduce. This particular year he spots a beautiful young lady walking a white Pomeranian dog. How can he resist? He’s a skillful player and sure of success. Except Anne Dennis isn’t quite what he bargains for.
★★★★★ “Mark Giesser… recognises the responsibilities of taking on Chekhov demands and, with a dancer’s grace, solves them perfectly.” – Broadway World.
Previous shows by Alces Productions at Upstairs at the Gatehouse: Sirens of the Silver Screen; Strike Up the Band; Once Upon a Mattress; Call Me Madam; Luck Be a Lady; How To Build a Better Tulip.
Written and Directed by Mark Giesser
Choreographer: Xena Gusthart
Running Time: 2 hours (TBC)
A double bill of contradictions. First an acrobatic presentation, complete with graphs, about the state of the world in 60% Banana, followed by a mime and acrobat duo, life-long friends who are polar opposites but joined in their need to be ready for anything.
Craftsmanship meets circus in a spellbinding exploration of the human desire to create. On a custom-built stage, obsessed characters discover and transform their space and themselves as they take the audience into a unique DIY experience. Silly, surreal and completely captivating.
In this capricious game between two acrobats, nothing is fixed. Feel welcome to take a seat on one of the rolling stools and be an actor in this moving composition. The performance invites to make contact, to touch, to be part of and to influence. Or none of this, you can stay invisible in the group.
Performances at 11am, 1pm & 3pm.
Alces Productions presents
The Lady With A Dog
The Chekhov story that the writer Vladimir Nabokov called ‘one of the greatest stories ever written’ returns to the UK stage in a full-length bittersweet romantic comedy transported to Jazz Age Britain.
Damian Granville is a banker and devoted family man with an unconventional way of taking his summer holidays: he travels alone and looks for a woman to seduce. This particular year he spots a beautiful young lady walking a white Pomeranian dog. How can he resist? He’s a skillful player and sure of success. Except Anne Dennis isn’t quite what he bargains for.
★★★★★ “Mark Giesser… recognises the responsibilities of taking on Chekhov demands and, with a dancer’s grace, solves them perfectly.” – Broadway World.
Previous shows by Alces Productions at Upstairs at the Gatehouse: Sirens of the Silver Screen; Strike Up the Band; Once Upon a Mattress; Call Me Madam; Luck Be a Lady; How To Build a Better Tulip.
Written and Directed by Mark Giesser
Choreographer: Xena Gusthart
Running Time: 2 hours (TBC)
The stage is a mess. Laundry spans floor to ceiling. Out of the chaos rises the aerial silk. In this highly physical solo show about motherhood, circus, theatre and spoken word combine to unravel the mysteries of the mother trees which hold the forest together.
Anything is possible with the incredible power of the collective. Build a human tower, catch one another with precision and perform jaw-dropping acrobatics, all accompanied by original music performed live on stage. Teamwork makes light work of the most challenging feats.
Garden Suburb Theatre presents
Murder With Ghosts
12 – 15 October
A spine tingling, rollercoaster of suspense, spooks and laughter as eerie encounters unfold at Quittendon Manor in this hilarious murder mystery spoof.
A killer is on the loose at Lady Cholmondley’s weekend house party and only the spirits can save her in this ghastly ghostly comedy. …You’ll die laughing!
Running Time: TBC
Garden Suburb Theatre presents
Murder With Ghosts
12 – 15 October
A spine tingling, rollercoaster of suspense, spooks and laughter as eerie encounters unfold at Quittendon Manor in this hilarious murder mystery spoof.
A killer is on the loose at Lady Cholmondley’s weekend house party and only the spirits can save her in this ghastly ghostly comedy. …You’ll die laughing!
Running Time: TBC