Celebrated today for his groundbreaking romantic poetry and acclaimed intellect, in 1812 Percy Shelley was seen as a dangerous radical by the establishment. Expelled from Oxford for his atheism he then scandalously eloped with Harriet Westbrook and the two of them went to Dublin to campaign for Irish independence.

The play opens with Shelley fleeing Ireland with his young wife, his support for the failed rebellion making him a marked man. Their notoriety has led to constant surveillance by order of the Home Secretary and we meet them in North Devon trying to rebuild their lives and their political ambitions. 

Playwright Richard Bradbury explores the impact of political surveillance on relationships and what we can learn from the past now that we live in a world where we are constantly watched and recorded. Linking the past and present is an ever present theme in his work. Commissioned by the GLA for their commemoration of the two hundred year anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade his play ‘Become a Man’ about escaped slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (London City Hall and the Hackney Empire) explored our contemporary response to slavery in the context of it’s history.

Celebrated today for his groundbreaking romantic poetry and acclaimed intellect, in 1812 Percy Shelley was seen as a dangerous radical by the establishment. Expelled from Oxford for his atheism he then scandalously eloped with Harriet Westbrook and the two of them went to Dublin to campaign for Irish independence.

The play opens with Shelley fleeing Ireland with his young wife, his support for the failed rebellion making him a marked man. Their notoriety has led to constant surveillance by order of the Home Secretary and we meet them in North Devon trying to rebuild their lives and their political ambitions. 

Playwright Richard Bradbury explores the impact of political surveillance on relationships and what we can learn from the past now that we live in a world where we are constantly watched and recorded. Linking the past and present is an ever present theme in his work. Commissioned by the GLA for their commemoration of the two hundred year anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade his play ‘Become a Man’ about escaped slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (London City Hall and the Hackney Empire) explored our contemporary response to slavery in the context of it’s history.

               LEARN TRADITIONAL KUNG FU & TAI CHI

                  from  Three-Time International Gold Medallist

                                DANIEL SHAW-ABULAFIA

             at The Highgate Society, 10A South Grove, London N6 6BS

         Children:  Mondays weekly, 17.45 to 18.30 from September 26th

         Adults:      Mondays weekly, 18.30 to 19.30 from September 26^th

                            COME TO A FREE TRIAL CLASS!

Following a successful showcase at Theatre at The Tabard in 2024, The Crooked Billets brings Peter Mottley’s double bill of forgotten gems to Upstairs at The Gatehouse for a special two week run. Written in the 1980s, these thrilling one-handers use Shakespeare’s Henry V as a framework to explore themes of coming-of-age, class, PTSD, and the real human cost of war.

Before Nell is told through the eyes of a boy actor preparing to take the stage as Nell Quickly AKA Madame Pistol in the first ever production of Henry V. It presents a heart-breaking, darkly comic and meticulously researched insight into the hardships and social dynamics of the time.

After Agincourt is a visceral and brutal recounting of the English invasion of France in 1415. Set in The Boar’s Head Tavern seven years later, a drunk and bitter Pistol details the campaign of bloody battles in vivid modern vernacular at the same time tearing down the heroic picture of King Henry V we’re so familiar with.

Following a successful showcase at Theatre at The Tabard in 2024, The Crooked Billets brings Peter Mottley’s double bill of forgotten gems to Upstairs at The Gatehouse for a special two week run. Written in the 1980s, these thrilling one-handers use Shakespeare’s Henry V as a framework to explore themes of coming-of-age, class, PTSD, and the real human cost of war.

Before Nell is told through the eyes of a boy actor preparing to take the stage as Nell Quickly AKA Madame Pistol in the first ever production of Henry V. It presents a heart-breaking, darkly comic and meticulously researched insight into the hardships and social dynamics of the time.

After Agincourt is a visceral and brutal recounting of the English invasion of France in 1415. Set in The Boar’s Head Tavern seven years later, a drunk and bitter Pistol details the campaign of bloody battles in vivid modern vernacular at the same time tearing down the heroic picture of King Henry V we’re so familiar with.

Following a successful showcase at Theatre at The Tabard in 2024, The Crooked Billets brings Peter Mottley’s double bill of forgotten gems to Upstairs at The Gatehouse for a special two week run. Written in the 1980s, these thrilling one-handers use Shakespeare’s Henry V as a framework to explore themes of coming-of-age, class, PTSD, and the real human cost of war.

Before Nell is told through the eyes of a boy actor preparing to take the stage as Nell Quickly AKA Madame Pistol in the first ever production of Henry V. It presents a heart-breaking, darkly comic and meticulously researched insight into the hardships and social dynamics of the time.

After Agincourt is a visceral and brutal recounting of the English invasion of France in 1415. Set in The Boar’s Head Tavern seven years later, a drunk and bitter Pistol details the campaign of bloody battles in vivid modern vernacular at the same time tearing down the heroic picture of King Henry V we’re so familiar with.

Enjoy an evening of swing, grooves and inventive improvisation with Deirdre Cartwright’s ORGANIK.

ORGANIK is a new organ trio led by guitarist Deirdre Cartwright with Pete Whittaker on Organ and Gary Hammond on Congas/percussion. You’ll be treated to the sounds of the classic jazz organ/guitar trios of the 1960s – Kenny Burrell/Jimmy Smith, Grant Green/Larry Young, Wes Montgomery/Melvin Rhyne, plus some original takes on the Beatles, Doors, Curtis Mayfield and Kate Bush.

Deirdre Cartwright is an award winning guitarist and composer who became well known presenting the BBC TV’s ground-breaking series ‘Rockschool’. She also played with Afro Latin Jazz group The Guest Stars, recording three albums and touring in 17 countries. In 1991 she formed the Deirdre Cartwright Group which recorded five albums and played international festivals from Mexico to Warsaw. She has also written and recorded albums with the groups Emily Remembered and LUND. More recently she has toured and recorded four albums with ARQ who won Best UK jazz group in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards and British Jazz Awards in 2018. She won the public vote for Best Guitarist at the 2019 British Jazz Awards and in 2020 was awarded Services to Jazz with Blow the Fuse at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. She also plays with Sea Change, Carol Grimes, PICNIC featuring Annie Whitehead, Electric Landladies and regularly at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho. She has played with legendary guitarist Tal Farlow, studied in America with Mick Goodrick, toured with Jamaican composer Marjorie Whylie, founded Blow the Fuse with Alison Rayner in 1989 and presented on Radio 3.

Pete Whittaker became fascinated with the sound of the Hammond organ after hearing classic 1950s & 60s hard-bop records. Currently involved in projects with some of the UK’s leading musicians including Art Themen and John Etheridge.

Gary Hammond boasts a rich history of performing and recording with The Beautiful South for over a decade. His stellar career includes collaborations with Nina Simone and frequent involvement with various groups across World, Jazz, and Pop genres.

Following a successful showcase at Theatre at The Tabard in 2024, The Crooked Billets brings Peter Mottley’s double bill of forgotten gems to Upstairs at The Gatehouse for a special two week run. Written in the 1980s, these thrilling one-handers use Shakespeare’s Henry V as a framework to explore themes of coming-of-age, class, PTSD, and the real human cost of war.

Before Nell is told through the eyes of a boy actor preparing to take the stage as Nell Quickly AKA Madame Pistol in the first ever production of Henry V. It presents a heart-breaking, darkly comic and meticulously researched insight into the hardships and social dynamics of the time.

After Agincourt is a visceral and brutal recounting of the English invasion of France in 1415. Set in The Boar’s Head Tavern seven years later, a drunk and bitter Pistol details the campaign of bloody battles in vivid modern vernacular at the same time tearing down the heroic picture of King Henry V we’re so familiar with.

Do come along to meet your neighbours, enjoy a good cup of coffee and find out what is happening in Highgate.

The planning committee often have someone on hand to answer planning queries.

Following a successful showcase at Theatre at The Tabard in 2024, The Crooked Billets brings Peter Mottley’s double bill of forgotten gems to Upstairs at The Gatehouse for a special two week run. Written in the 1980s, these thrilling one-handers use Shakespeare’s Henry V as a framework to explore themes of coming-of-age, class, PTSD, and the real human cost of war.

Before Nell is told through the eyes of a boy actor preparing to take the stage as Nell Quickly AKA Madame Pistol in the first ever production of Henry V. It presents a heart-breaking, darkly comic and meticulously researched insight into the hardships and social dynamics of the time.

After Agincourt is a visceral and brutal recounting of the English invasion of France in 1415. Set in The Boar’s Head Tavern seven years later, a drunk and bitter Pistol details the campaign of bloody battles in vivid modern vernacular at the same time tearing down the heroic picture of King Henry V we’re so familiar with.

Following a successful showcase at Theatre at The Tabard in 2024, The Crooked Billets brings Peter Mottley’s double bill of forgotten gems to Upstairs at The Gatehouse for a special two week run. Written in the 1980s, these thrilling one-handers use Shakespeare’s Henry V as a framework to explore themes of coming-of-age, class, PTSD, and the real human cost of war.

Before Nell is told through the eyes of a boy actor preparing to take the stage as Nell Quickly AKA Madame Pistol in the first ever production of Henry V. It presents a heart-breaking, darkly comic and meticulously researched insight into the hardships and social dynamics of the time.

After Agincourt is a visceral and brutal recounting of the English invasion of France in 1415. Set in The Boar’s Head Tavern seven years later, a drunk and bitter Pistol details the campaign of bloody battles in vivid modern vernacular at the same time tearing down the heroic picture of King Henry V we’re so familiar with.

Monday 6 Nov coffee computers 10 30

               LEARN TRADITIONAL KUNG FU & TAI CHI

                  from  Three-Time International Gold Medallist

                                DANIEL SHAW-ABULAFIA

             at The Highgate Society, 10A South Grove, London N6 6BS

         Children:  Mondays weekly, 17.45 to 18.30 from September 26th

         Adults:      Mondays weekly, 18.30 to 19.30 from September 26^th

                            COME TO A FREE TRIAL CLASS!

Following a successful showcase at Theatre at The Tabard in 2024, The Crooked Billets brings Peter Mottley’s double bill of forgotten gems to Upstairs at The Gatehouse for a special two week run. Written in the 1980s, these thrilling one-handers use Shakespeare’s Henry V as a framework to explore themes of coming-of-age, class, PTSD, and the real human cost of war.

Before Nell is told through the eyes of a boy actor preparing to take the stage as Nell Quickly AKA Madame Pistol in the first ever production of Henry V. It presents a heart-breaking, darkly comic and meticulously researched insight into the hardships and social dynamics of the time.

After Agincourt is a visceral and brutal recounting of the English invasion of France in 1415. Set in The Boar’s Head Tavern seven years later, a drunk and bitter Pistol details the campaign of bloody battles in vivid modern vernacular at the same time tearing down the heroic picture of King Henry V we’re so familiar with.

Following a successful showcase at Theatre at The Tabard in 2024, The Crooked Billets brings Peter Mottley’s double bill of forgotten gems to Upstairs at The Gatehouse for a special two week run. Written in the 1980s, these thrilling one-handers use Shakespeare’s Henry V as a framework to explore themes of coming-of-age, class, PTSD, and the real human cost of war.

Before Nell is told through the eyes of a boy actor preparing to take the stage as Nell Quickly AKA Madame Pistol in the first ever production of Henry V. It presents a heart-breaking, darkly comic and meticulously researched insight into the hardships and social dynamics of the time.

After Agincourt is a visceral and brutal recounting of the English invasion of France in 1415. Set in The Boar’s Head Tavern seven years later, a drunk and bitter Pistol details the campaign of bloody battles in vivid modern vernacular at the same time tearing down the heroic picture of King Henry V we’re so familiar with.

Following a successful showcase at Theatre at The Tabard in 2024, The Crooked Billets brings Peter Mottley’s double bill of forgotten gems to Upstairs at The Gatehouse for a special two week run. Written in the 1980s, these thrilling one-handers use Shakespeare’s Henry V as a framework to explore themes of coming-of-age, class, PTSD, and the real human cost of war.

Before Nell is told through the eyes of a boy actor preparing to take the stage as Nell Quickly AKA Madame Pistol in the first ever production of Henry V. It presents a heart-breaking, darkly comic and meticulously researched insight into the hardships and social dynamics of the time.

After Agincourt is a visceral and brutal recounting of the English invasion of France in 1415. Set in The Boar’s Head Tavern seven years later, a drunk and bitter Pistol details the campaign of bloody battles in vivid modern vernacular at the same time tearing down the heroic picture of King Henry V we’re so familiar with.

Following a successful showcase at Theatre at The Tabard in 2024, The Crooked Billets brings Peter Mottley’s double bill of forgotten gems to Upstairs at The Gatehouse for a special two week run. Written in the 1980s, these thrilling one-handers use Shakespeare’s Henry V as a framework to explore themes of coming-of-age, class, PTSD, and the real human cost of war.

Before Nell is told through the eyes of a boy actor preparing to take the stage as Nell Quickly AKA Madame Pistol in the first ever production of Henry V. It presents a heart-breaking, darkly comic and meticulously researched insight into the hardships and social dynamics of the time.

After Agincourt is a visceral and brutal recounting of the English invasion of France in 1415. Set in The Boar’s Head Tavern seven years later, a drunk and bitter Pistol details the campaign of bloody battles in vivid modern vernacular at the same time tearing down the heroic picture of King Henry V we’re so familiar with.

Do come along to meet your neighbours, enjoy a good cup of coffee and find out what is happening in Highgate.

The planning committee often have someone on hand to answer planning queries.

Following a successful showcase at Theatre at The Tabard in 2024, The Crooked Billets brings Peter Mottley’s double bill of forgotten gems to Upstairs at The Gatehouse for a special two week run. Written in the 1980s, these thrilling one-handers use Shakespeare’s Henry V as a framework to explore themes of coming-of-age, class, PTSD, and the real human cost of war.

Before Nell is told through the eyes of a boy actor preparing to take the stage as Nell Quickly AKA Madame Pistol in the first ever production of Henry V. It presents a heart-breaking, darkly comic and meticulously researched insight into the hardships and social dynamics of the time.

After Agincourt is a visceral and brutal recounting of the English invasion of France in 1415. Set in The Boar’s Head Tavern seven years later, a drunk and bitter Pistol details the campaign of bloody battles in vivid modern vernacular at the same time tearing down the heroic picture of King Henry V we’re so familiar with.

Following a successful showcase at Theatre at The Tabard in 2024, The Crooked Billets brings Peter Mottley’s double bill of forgotten gems to Upstairs at The Gatehouse for a special two week run. Written in the 1980s, these thrilling one-handers use Shakespeare’s Henry V as a framework to explore themes of coming-of-age, class, PTSD, and the real human cost of war.

Before Nell is told through the eyes of a boy actor preparing to take the stage as Nell Quickly AKA Madame Pistol in the first ever production of Henry V. It presents a heart-breaking, darkly comic and meticulously researched insight into the hardships and social dynamics of the time.

After Agincourt is a visceral and brutal recounting of the English invasion of France in 1415. Set in The Boar’s Head Tavern seven years later, a drunk and bitter Pistol details the campaign of bloody battles in vivid modern vernacular at the same time tearing down the heroic picture of King Henry V we’re so familiar with.

               LEARN TRADITIONAL KUNG FU & TAI CHI

                  from  Three-Time International Gold Medallist

                                DANIEL SHAW-ABULAFIA

             at The Highgate Society, 10A South Grove, London N6 6BS

         Children:  Mondays weekly, 17.45 to 18.30 from September 26th

         Adults:      Mondays weekly, 18.30 to 19.30 from September 26^th

                            COME TO A FREE TRIAL CLASS!

How Margaret Thatcher first won and then lost the Conservative leadership.

The play concentrates on the personalities, rivalries and machinations involved in the leadership battles and does not set out to take a pro- or anti-Thatcher stance.

Mrs Thatcher blamed her loss of office on the deceitful treachery of Geoffrey Howe, the irresponsible ambition of Michael Heseltine, tawdry Cabinet disloyalty and contemptible backbench weakness. But was that the whole story?

Retrofitting Old Buildings

How Margaret Thatcher first won and then lost the Conservative leadership.

The play concentrates on the personalities, rivalries and machinations involved in the leadership battles and does not set out to take a pro- or anti-Thatcher stance.

Mrs Thatcher blamed her loss of office on the deceitful treachery of Geoffrey Howe, the irresponsible ambition of Michael Heseltine, tawdry Cabinet disloyalty and contemptible backbench weakness. But was that the whole story?

How Margaret Thatcher first won and then lost the Conservative leadership.

The play concentrates on the personalities, rivalries and machinations involved in the leadership battles and does not set out to take a pro- or anti-Thatcher stance.

Mrs Thatcher blamed her loss of office on the deceitful treachery of Geoffrey Howe, the irresponsible ambition of Michael Heseltine, tawdry Cabinet disloyalty and contemptible backbench weakness. But was that the whole story?

Join us for a joyous celebration of the blending of Brazilian rhythms, jazz attitude and the majestic compositions of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joao Donato and Sergio Mendes.

Jazz Samba takes its inspiration and name from Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd’s ground-breaking 1962 album, the first ever fully-fledged bossa nova album recorded by American jazz musicians which topped the LP charts on its release and produced its own pop hit single – ‘Desafinado’.

Led by John Wilson’s star soloist Mark Crooks on sax and clarinet and the award-winning guitarist Nigel Price (as you’ve never heard him before!), with John Cervantes (piano), Marianne Windham (double bass) and Demi Garcia Sabat (drums/percussion).

How Margaret Thatcher first won and then lost the Conservative leadership.

The play concentrates on the personalities, rivalries and machinations involved in the leadership battles and does not set out to take a pro- or anti-Thatcher stance.

Mrs Thatcher blamed her loss of office on the deceitful treachery of Geoffrey Howe, the irresponsible ambition of Michael Heseltine, tawdry Cabinet disloyalty and contemptible backbench weakness. But was that the whole story?

Do come along to meet your neighbours, enjoy a good cup of coffee and find out what is happening in Highgate.

The planning committee often have someone on hand to answer planning queries.

How Margaret Thatcher first won and then lost the Conservative leadership.

The play concentrates on the personalities, rivalries and machinations involved in the leadership battles and does not set out to take a pro- or anti-Thatcher stance.

Mrs Thatcher blamed her loss of office on the deceitful treachery of Geoffrey Howe, the irresponsible ambition of Michael Heseltine, tawdry Cabinet disloyalty and contemptible backbench weakness. But was that the whole story?

How Margaret Thatcher first won and then lost the Conservative leadership.

The play concentrates on the personalities, rivalries and machinations involved in the leadership battles and does not set out to take a pro- or anti-Thatcher stance.

Mrs Thatcher blamed her loss of office on the deceitful treachery of Geoffrey Howe, the irresponsible ambition of Michael Heseltine, tawdry Cabinet disloyalty and contemptible backbench weakness. But was that the whole story?

               LEARN TRADITIONAL KUNG FU & TAI CHI

                  from  Three-Time International Gold Medallist

                                DANIEL SHAW-ABULAFIA

             at The Highgate Society, 10A South Grove, London N6 6BS

         Children:  Mondays weekly, 17.45 to 18.30 from September 26th

         Adults:      Mondays weekly, 18.30 to 19.30 from September 26^th

                            COME TO A FREE TRIAL CLASS!

Do come along to meet your neighbours, enjoy a good cup of coffee and find out what is happening in Highgate.

The planning committee often have someone on hand to answer planning queries.

               LEARN TRADITIONAL KUNG FU & TAI CHI

                  from  Three-Time International Gold Medallist

                                DANIEL SHAW-ABULAFIA

             at The Highgate Society, 10A South Grove, London N6 6BS

         Children:  Mondays weekly, 17.45 to 18.30 from September 26th

         Adults:      Mondays weekly, 18.30 to 19.30 from September 26^th

                            COME TO A FREE TRIAL CLASS!

Featuring over 30 hits from the 1960s, SHOUT! the smash-hit Mod Musical bursts onto the stage with colour, glitz and energy in this all-new production

Journey back to the liberating days of 1960s’ London and explore the infectious pop anthems that made household names of stars such as Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, Lulu and Shirley Bassey!

Hip swivel-ling hits include YOU’RE MY WORLD, SHOUT, DOWNTOWN, GOLDFINGER, TO SIR WITH LOVE, THOSE WERE THE DAYS, SON OF A PREACHER MAN, THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKIN, ONLY WANT TO BE WITH YOU, WISHIN’ & HOPIN, DON’T SLEEP IN THE SUBWAY, and YOU DON’T HAVE TO SAY YOU LOVE ME, by writers such as Burt Bacharach, Carole King, Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley, and Tony Hatch & Jackie Trent!

Join us as we track the lives of five women as they come of age in this psychedelic, eye-popping, fun-filled musical comedy, which will make you want to throw your head back and SHOUT!

What is the Soundtrack of your life?

Featuring over 30 hits from the 1960s, SHOUT! the smash-hit Mod Musical bursts onto the stage with colour, glitz and energy in this all-new production

Journey back to the liberating days of 1960s’ London and explore the infectious pop anthems that made household names of stars such as Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, Lulu and Shirley Bassey!

Hip swivel-ling hits include YOU’RE MY WORLD, SHOUT, DOWNTOWN, GOLDFINGER, TO SIR WITH LOVE, THOSE WERE THE DAYS, SON OF A PREACHER MAN, THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKIN, ONLY WANT TO BE WITH YOU, WISHIN’ & HOPIN, DON’T SLEEP IN THE SUBWAY, and YOU DON’T HAVE TO SAY YOU LOVE ME, by writers such as Burt Bacharach, Carole King, Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley, and Tony Hatch & Jackie Trent!

Join us as we track the lives of five women as they come of age in this psychedelic, eye-popping, fun-filled musical comedy, which will make you want to throw your head back and SHOUT!

What is the Soundtrack of your life?