How does a festival of puppetry, silly games and a theatrical challenge sound? These quirky events are all part of The Rosemary Branch Theatre’s reopening season this autumn.
The Rosemary Branch Theatre is a performance space on the border of Islington and Hackney. It offers a patchwork of informative, joyful and inspiring events. And their opening season, UNLOCK, aims to throw open the doors and welcome you to experience fresh ideas. You’ll be able to see an eclectic line-up, from one-person-shows and stand-up to drag and cabaret. There’ll also be children’s events and podcasts to enjoy, so there’s something for everyone.
Along with this new season of events, the theatre will be celebrating 25 years of female leadership, under direction of recently-appointed artistic director, Laura Killeen. So, there’ll be a host of women-led companies and creators on the programme, including Sarah Wright of Kneehigh and Curious Puppets, award-winning theatre maker Haley McGee and Edinburgh Festival Best Show Nominee Elf Lyons.
A new season of entertainment at The Rosemary Branch Theatre
This new theatre season kicks off on Friday 15th October with The Dirty Thirty, which is a valiant attempt by the Degenerate Fox company to perform 30 plays in just one hour. After the opening night, it will run fortnightly on Fridays and Saturdays.
Then, on 16th October is Topsie Tells Tales. This free, fun event offers an uplifting hour of entertainment for the under 7s and their grownups. It’s hosted by drag princess Topsie Redfern (aka West End actor Nathan Kiley). And it features stories, songs and activities that celebrate diversity. This is followed by Topsie Redfern’s Crystal Balls on 21st and 22nd October. It’s a cabaret show with the drag queen and party princess, featuring her musical roots, her grey roots, and her family roots.
On 27th October, enjoy a totally improvised James Bond film in Shaken Not Stirred and a macabre comedy from Haley McGee on 23rd and 24th October. Next up is The Zimmer Games, offering you something that little bit different on 28th October and 2nd December. And if you’re wondering what these games are, it’s basically like Taskmaster but set in a nursing home. So, expect lots of fun and games.
Dark comedy and puppet shows
Elf Lyons floats to the theatre on 30th and 31st October with her new, horrifying dark comedy, Raven. It’s inspired by Stephen King, so it’s perfect for your Halloween outing. Grab a glass of red rum and laugh with Elf forever and ever.
November sees the arrival of the Curious Puppets Festival, from 11th to 14th. Shows will include Anansi The Trickster, a family puppet show celebrating African-Caribbean culture.
Fancy a bit of theatre? From 18th to 20th November is Outside. Willa hasn’t left her house for 30 years, until now. A dark secret is about to come to light and Willa’s attempt at freedom can lead to nothing but more horrific revelations. And on 21st and 26th November is Not Our Play. And you’ll get to anonymously write this play. Anything written will be included and performed live, no matter what!
Find more London theatre suggestions here!
When: From 15th October 2021
Where: The Rosemary Branch Theatre, 2 Shepperton Road, London N1 3DT
£: Tickets cost from £0 to £22, depending on the show
More info: www.rosemarybranchtheatre.co.uk