The Old Red Lion will be reopening its doors this winter with an eclectic season of plays. The North London pub-theatre will be championing new writing and fringe theatre, beginning with an improvised comedy-horror show.
The season will include the world premiere of Saving Britney, a hilariously heart-breaking take on celebrity obsession, and dark comedy Happenings.
A new season of theatre
The Campfire
Written and produced by Big Fan
Friday 18th and Monday 21st December 2020
The Campfire is an improvised comedy-horror show. Campfire is to horror what darts is to sport and what Ed Sheeran is to grime. So, gather around the Christmas Campfire to watch some improvised spooky nonsense.
BARK
Written by Stephanie Dickson and produced by Joseph Blake
Thursday 17th and Saturday 19th December 2020
Helen and Grace, two women who meet in the TV room of a hospital, become unlikely but firm friends. With Christmas coming up, Helen plans something special, only for the night to fall into ruin when she discovers something about her new friend that will change everything. As they battle their illnesses and try to understand their place in the world, they face the ultimate question: What does it mean to live?
Truth/Reconciliation
Written by Matthew Gouldesbrough and produced by Elegy
Monday 28th – Wednesday 30th December 2020
Two people come apart. Two opposing stories. They can’t both be true, right? Performed by a real-life couple, Truth/Reconciliation is a reflective show about the nature of truth, the need to tell stories and theatre itself.
Happenings
Written by John Berry and produced by Printers Playhouse
Monday 4th – Friday 8th January 2021
In these tough times, life’s a struggle. There are unfulfilled expectations. Humdrum existences needing an injection of life. Millions wishing something would happen to them, to fill the void in their lives. Clearly everyone “else” is happy. Online celebrations and holiday pics prove it. Jane can’t take it anymore. She needs that something, anything! But how far is she willing to go to get it?
Saving Britney
Written by David Shopland with Shereen Roushbaiani, and produced by Fake Escape
Wednesday 13th – Saturday 16th January 2021
She was on national TV by the time she was seven. She was an international superstar by sixteen. By 25 she was committed to a mental institution. For Millennials like Jean, they grew up with Britney Spears. They listened to her music. They watched her movies. She was their idol. Over the course of an hour we see the iconic star from Jean’s perspective; why the Princess of Pop influenced her life and how the connections shared between them eventually lead Jean to an unbelievable moment of self-discovery.
The Count of Monte Cristo
Written by Adam Elliot and Oliver Malam and produced by Rather Nifty
Tuesday 26th – Saturday 31st January 2021
Three intrepid actors embark on an ambitious attempt to bring to life the classic novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas. There’s adventure, intrigue, romance and revenge. Like Oceans 11 but live, onstage and with one fewer George Clooneys.
Socially-distanced theatre
To remain Covid-Secure, and ensure social distancing is adhered to, The Old Red Lion, has reconfigured the theatre space to accommodate live audiences. The theatre will run with a reduced capacity of 20 people, offering two performances each evening, at 6pm and 8.30pm. Social distancing will be in effect throughout the venue, with the use of facemasks and the NHS check-in app as mandatory requirements.
The Old Red Lion will be partnering with another local family business, Bombay Burrito, to provide meals to patrons (in line with the latest government regulations). Government guidelines may change, so we’d always recommend checking guidelines before attending shows.
If you’re looking for more theatre shows, head over here.
When: 17th December 2020 – 31st January 2021
Where: The Old Red Lion, 418 St John St, Islington, London EC1V 4NJ
£: Ticket prices vary
More info: www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk