Press releases

Beyond the West End: Theatres to put outer London ‘On the Map’

Five London theatres will be taking part in Arts Council England’s On the Map festival, which will feature a dazzling array of activities for children; new writing and performance premieres; and work that explores cultures from around the world.

Over the weekend of 14 November, the Broadway Barking, Croydon Clocktower, Millfield Arts Centre, Redbridge Drama Centre and Stratford Circus will present events that celebrate the vitality of local theatres, with a programme that offers something for everyone.

Highlights include…

Always wanted to see a wild balloon tamer in action? Well now’s your chance with ‘Lighter than Air’ at Stratford Circus – a performance that combines both circus and comedy in a weird and wonderful show. The venue will also host the world’s only stand up comedian for children, James Campbell, who will be performing his show Comedy 4 Kids.

There will be a sparkling procession of lanterns and aerial acrobatics in the evening at the Croydon Clocktower. During the daytime, everyone is welcome to make their own lantern for the parade, while children can try their hand at circus skills in the trapeze workshop.

Theatre meets circus in a new performance especially for the On the Map festival. ‘The Map’ will premiere on 14 November at Redbridge Drama Centre, and promises to be an innovative piece of physical theatre that’s not to be missed.

Millfield Arts Centre launched a competition to find local talent and found seven writers, whose work will be produced professional in ‘Tales of Edmonton’. The series of works will explore life in the south east corner of Enfield, including a piece by 60 year old Andrew Bradford, who has written The Window in dedication to his parent’s campaign for disability rights in the 1930s. While teenager Joshua Astarita has penned a piece that offers a positive riposte to any critics of the ‘youth of today’.

A taste of the Orient and Africa will be coming to theBROADWAY, Barking on the festival weekend, with new performances of traditional Japanese and African tales. There is also the chance to get involved and have a go at African drumming and dancing, as well as a workshop in the art of Japanese origami.

Moira Sinclair, Executive Director of Arts Council England, London said:

‘London has a vibrant theatre scene that is the envy of the world. Alongside the venues in central London, there are theatres across the capital which offer work that is diverse, exciting and innovative.

‘On the Map is a great opportunity for people to see some of this work and a chance to get involved with it. We hope that the weekend will provide a small taster of what local theatre is all about and show people that theatres beyond the West End have a lot to offer.’