EAST LONDON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL PRESENTS
38 Performances
3800+ tickets sold
760 x 3-11 year olds took part in mask-making workshops
600 students 7-16yrs attended School matinees + pre-show workshops
Community ensemble: 12 local people featured in 10 performances
3 Apprentice/Work experience Schemes
Partnered with 13+ Community Partners & Local Businesses
21 Professional paid roles
Welcome to Verona
East London Shakespeare Festival is committed to bringing high quality and accessible Shakespeare to East London audiences… and our Romeo & Juliet tries to bring a bit of East London to Verona.
Lord Montague can trace his family's lineage and Verona-come-East London heritage back to the 15th Century, whereas Lord Capulet has recently made his many millions in the building trade and bought and renovated the biggest house he could get in Verona. The tensions between the two men have filtered to the next generation, so the air is ripe with the threat of a scrap.
But when they're not fighting, both families love to throw extravagant parties, determined to better the other.
And Capulet is throwing open his doors for a flamboyant, raucous masked ball, set to be the event of the summer and you are all invited!
This swirling tale of love, hate, missed chances and stolen kisses will be set in modern day and include a pumping soundtrack featuring Dizzee Rascal, Shirley Bassey, Gloria Estefan, Lizzo, Zara Larson & Clean Bandit, as well as original music by Patrick Rufey.
We hope you enjoyed the party as much as we enjoyed putting it together.
CREATIVE TEAM
Rosie Ward - Director
As well as being Co-Artistic Director of East London Shakespeare Festival, Rosie is the founder & Company Director of UpFront Theatre Company. She is the Principal of Act Out Performing Arts Schools.
She is a professional actor & singer, and trained in Acting at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
Theatre Credits include: Ariadne Ovid’s Metamorphoses (EdFringe & Vaults Festival, PantsOnFire), Cleopatra Anthony & Cleopatra & Goneril King Lear (Cambridge Shakespeare Festival); Lady Macbeth Macbeth – UK Tour & Viola Twelfth Night – Bloomsbury Theatre + UK Tour (Young Shakespeare Company); Soloist New Musicals Project – Leicester Square Theatre & Soloist British Musical Future Hosted by Stiles & Drewe – The Other Palace (As Told By).
Rosie is based in Leytonstone along with her partner, 18 month old and Darcey the dog!
Director's Note
I am thrilled to be directing this production of Romeo and Juliet. Ursula and I started East London Shakespeare Festival in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic and since then, I have produced, acted and directed our fabulous community cast. So, it is very exciting to be taking on the role of Director, and “Romeo and Juliet” has been such a great one to get my teeth into. It thrills me as a play as there is such an intense range of emotions: love and hate, fear and anticipation, comedy and tragedy.
East London Shakespeare Festival’s strives to break down the ‘traditional Shakespeare’ barrier
and make productions which are relatable, hence the choice to set our version in modern times with the feud of the Montagues and Capulets being fuelled by class, snobbery & ‘new money’ vs. ‘old money.’ Sadly, this is something that is still relatable, and tangible in my area of East London.
It was imperative to me to make sense of some of the extreme choices Romeo and Juliet make, and it has been a real joy to discover these as a company. Their love has to be real and passionate and all-encompassing otherwise, why does the play take such a tragic turn? But also, there are external threats which leaves the couple feeling like they have no choice. I wanted to tap into the darkness, impulsiveness and grit of Romeo and Juliet.
But it wouldn’t be an ELSF show without some fun – and there is so much scope for comedy in Romeo and Juliet. Our creative and playful cast have really tapped into this, as well as creating rich, detailed & relatable characters, who I hope will get you laughing (and crying).
The swirling push and pull of the characters & dynamic movement is the heartbeat of the piece and would not have been possible without our phenomenal Movement Director, Carl Harrison; set to the genius music (original and arranged) of our Musical Director Patrick Rufey. George Thompson has joined the team for the third year running bringing his trademark colour, style and flair; and a huge thank you to our stage manager ‘Ali Bear’ and my co-producer Ursula Early for all the hard and non-glamourous graft that goes on behind the scenes.
I cannot wait to invite you to Verona-cum-East London, to fall in love with this story of woe (& wit) of Juliet and her Romeo.
- Rosie Ward - Director
George Alexander – Designer
George is a designer and illustrator working across a wide range of creative industries, specialising in theatre and costume. With a background in sculpture from Goldsmith University, George began working as a scenic painter in 2010 and has worked on a number of films and music videos since. George's style incorporates contemporary themes with a love of historical fashion and traditional making processes. His passion for extremes allows him to generate pieces that can vary from the wildly extravagant to the absurdly minimal. George's recent work includes a giant mural painted in the lobby of the Unicorn Theatre in London Bridge and an illustration collaboration with the Fashion and Textile museum.
George's designs featured in A Midsummer Night's Dream as the cushions in Titania's bower
Pieces are available to purchase:
Carl Harrison – Movement Director
Originally from the north, Carl gained a 1st Class Honours degree at London Contemporary Dance School. He has worked extensively as a performer in dance, cabaret, theatre and film.
He is currently the associate director for PEEP, the cabaret show within Punchdrunk’s The Burnt City. He recently choreographed the drag alien musical ‘Insane Animals’ starring Bourgeois and Maurice and was associate choreographer on the RSC’s ‘Boy in the Dress’. As well as this, he co-founded queer cabaret fundraising night ‘Small Pleasures’ which has delighted audiences in London,Brighton and Shanghai. He is also Mr. CAMP FIT! - an inclusive, online gayrobics class which was voted No. 1 Lockdown workout by The Independent Newspaper.
Previous Credits : Punchdrunk’s ‘Drowned Man’ & ‘Sleep No More’ Shanghai, Aletta Collins, Thick & Tight, Encounter Productions Brokentalkers, ThisisPopBaby, Brokentalkers, Protein Dance.
Patrick Rufey - Musical Director
Patrick trained at the Guildhall school of Music and Drama.
Musical Direction credits Include: Peter Pan, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty (Evolution Productions) NewsRevue 2012-2017 (The Canal Café Theatre, London) An Evening of Jerry Herman (St Pauls, The Actors Church, Covent Garden), Jack & The Beanstalk (The Beck Theatre, QDOS), Jack & The Beanstalk (Buxton Opera House) Cole Porter’s Jubilee (UK Premier, The Tabard Theatre, London), Peter Pan (Paul Holman Associates Pantomime, The Oakengates Theatre, Telford), My Lands Shore (UK Premier Concert Production, The Royal Academy of Music, London) Paprika Crisps (The Unicorn Theatre, London) Days of Hope (St Pauls, The Actors Church, Covent Garden) The Birds (The Leicester Square Theatre, London) Patrick Is also Principle Conductor of The Virtual Theatre Orchestra, formed in 2020 during Covid Lockdown.
As a Composer, Patrick has written for Talkwood Productions; a Musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which was performed at The Charing Cross Theatre in London in 2013, a musical parody of the Stephen Spielberg movie ‘Jurassic Park’ called Jurassic Lark The Musical (from the perspective of the Dinosaurs), which premiered at the Leister Square Theatre April 2015. Most recently He has written 1066 A New Musical and the studio cast album is available on all streaming services.
Meg Matthews - Fight Choreographer
Meg trained at ArtsEd London. Since graduating she has worked on screen, stage and within the music industry, nationally and internationally. Along side acting, she is also a choreographer and fight performer, qualified as an advanced fighter with the BADC. She has worked on a variety of projects as both an actor and fight performer.
Credits include: Secret Cinema’s Guardians of The Galaxy, Shockwaves (Feature Film), Green Shoots (York Theatre Royal), NMS (Pilot Series), Toothfairy V (Feature Film), Frequency (Short Film), Soho Cinders (Union Theatre), Nutcracker: The Musical (Pleasance Theatre).
Creative credits include: Sh*tFaced Shakespeare, Sh*tfaced Showtime, Macbeth (Young Shakespeare Company) Romeo & Juliet (YSC), Viking Revenge (Champ Dog), Kill Them With Kindness (Candid Broads Productions).
During Lockdown, Meg also established Scene Sessions, an online production company where writers can present new work and share script ideas in a safe, online space. On this platform she developed her own series which is currently in pre-production.
MEET THE CAST
URSULA EARLY – NURSE / PRINCE / FRIAR JOHN
Ursula is an East-Londoner – she was born and raised in Hackney and has lived in Waltham Forest for 10 years. She is one of the founders & co-artistic directors of ELSF. She trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her TV credits include: ‘Imperial Leather’ relaunch advert, Eastenders, Doctors, The Bill, Life Begins, The Life Class and several independent films. Stage credits include: Please Right Back (1927), A Midsummer Nights Dream & Twelfth Night (ELSF), The Endings (Soho Theatre & Nottingham Playhouse), Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Elbows, (Arts Theatre/Theatre Royal Stratford East), Powerhouse, Last Manor Standing and The Power Of Love (Pleasance Theatre, London & Edinburgh), Wives As They Were Maids As They Are & Animal Magnetism (Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds and Haymarket, Basingstoke), Much Ado About Nothing & Twelfth Night (Cambridge Shakespeare Company), Guests (Hall For Cornwall), Master Of Mayhem (Eastern Angles), Just For Fun (New End Theatre), Diamond (Kings Head), Blame (Sphinx Theatre Company – Tour), The Glimmer (Bristol Old Vic Studio).
NICK HARDIE - ROMEO / SAMPSON
Nick trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre arts and since appeared in Agatha Christie's ‘Witness for the Prosecution’, BBC’s Doctors, Carte D’Or commercial and Magic FM’s ‘Magic at the Musicals’.
This is be Nick''s professional Shakespeare debut.
EMILIA HARRILD - JULIET / GREGORY
Emilia is an actor, actor-musician and spoken word poet from South East London. She graduated from The Bridge Theatre Training Company in 2020, making her professional debut as Perditia in The Winter's Tale at The Minack Theatre, Cornwall. Other credits include: Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (The Three Inch Fools, national tour), Gwendolen in The Importance of Being Earnest / Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream in rep (OVO, The Roman Theatre), Alice in Carol Churchill's rock musical, Vinegar Tom (The Maltings) and Queenie in This Happy Breed (The Crescent Theatre). In addition to her theatre work, she is a professional cellist and vocalist in several folk/rock bands, and regularly works as a session musician. She has performed at St John's Smith Square, The Barbican Centre, The Royal Festival Hall and internationally in Barcelona and at the Pantheon in Rome.
JAMES HYLAND - LORD CAPULET / APOTHECARY
James Hyland is a multi award-winning actor as well as an acclaimed writer, producer and director. Following his education at the National Youth Theatre and Rose Bruford College, he made his professional acting debut in 'The North Pole', winning the Guardian International Student Drama Award. Since then, he has worked with more than 70 outstanding production companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and his own Brother Wolf Productions, winning an additional 37 awards including Best Performance of the Year (The Actors Awards LA, 2022) for his lead performance in the film 'The Impatient Man' an OffComm Commendation (Off West End Awards, 2023) for his stage production of 'Fagin's Last Hour' an OffComm Commendation (Off West End Awards, 2022) for his stage production of 'Dracula's Guest' and Best Performer in Theatre (Fringe Report Awards, 2012) for his record-breaking one-man show 'A Christmas Carol - As told by Jacob Marley (deceased)'.
CHRIS KNIGHT - MERCUTIO / PARIS / LORD MONTAGUE
Chris is an East-Londoner – born and raised in Loughton.
Chris trained at ALRA South (BA Hons Acting ’22).
Theatre includes: The Southbury Child (Bridge Theatre).
SADÉ PHILPOTTS - BENVOLIO / LADY CAPULET
Sadé graduated from The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
This will be Sadé's and her beautiful bump's professional theatre debut.
ISAMBARD RAWBONE - TYBALT / FRIAR LAURENCE
Isambard is a Walthamstow local. He is a graduate of the University of Kent, with additional training at Identity School of Acting and Raw Academy in Walthamstow.
Theatre work includes: A Midsummer’s Night Dream (Iris Theatre), If This Is Normal (Chatback Theatre/ Edinburgh Fringe, Vault Festival, UK tour), Hamlet and Sense and Sensibility (Aquila Theatre/ US Tour), A Murder Most Foley (Fools Rush in Theatre/ Pleasance Theatre), Newsrevue (Canal Cafe Theatre), and Method In Madness (Entita Theatre/ Edinburgh Fringe/ UK Tour)
CAITLIN STEVENSON - LADY MONTAGUE / ROSALINE / BALTHASAR / PETRA
Caitlin is our wonderful Apprentice Actor.
Originally from Aotearoa/New Zealand Caitlin moved to London in 2019. A proud NYT member she also trained at Rose Bruford on their Foundation Acting course. In 2020 the pandemic triggered a temporary move back to NZ. While in New Zealand Caitlin performed in Third Bear's production of "As You Like It" and toured NZ with The Ugly Shakspeare Theatre Company in "Romeo and Juliet". On her return to London last year Caitlin decided to further her knowledge of the Bard by attending LAMDA's Semester Classical Acting course. Caitlin had a wonderful time being a part of ELSF's community ensemble last year and is thrilled to be back for "Romeo and Juliet."
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ALISTAIR BROWN - STAGE MANAGER
Alistair graduated with a drama degree from Aberystwyth University, and has worked on and off stage. As company manager for Quantum Theatre he was responsible for directing and supporting their touring productions including ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ ‘The Tempest’ and ‘The Snow Queen.’ He has manged theatres including the Omnibus in Clapham and has toured with The Down for the Count Swing Orchestra as front of house/ tour manager. His favourite on stage roles include Orsino (‘Twelfth Night’), Neal (‘Love and Understanding’) Peter Rabbit, Mr Toad (‘The Wind in the Willows’) and ‘Straight to the Heart’ (Arts Theatre.)
Alistair also works in television production as a researcher and assistant producer, with credits including ‘Tipping Point’, ‘Who Wants to Be A Millionaire’, ‘The Wheel’ and BT Sport.
He is delighted to be joining the team at ELSF this summer and is ready for whatever the Great British weather has to offer!
MICHAEL JORDON - FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER
Michael is a young actor and director born in East London. He has been trained by the National Youth Theatre and RAW Academy. He has previously written and directed his own play. Michael is excited to pursue more directorial roles in the future.
Each year, ELSF employs talented young professionals to join the team. Our aim is to discover and nurture new talent. In addition to a professional credit, ELSF provides mentoring and training.
Joining the team this year will be an Apprentice Actor and Work experience placements.
APPRENTICE SCHEME
COMMUNITY ENSEMBLE
Joining the company onstage for a selection of performances will be our wonderful Community Cast
Citizens : Chris Holland, Greg Madden, Ruby Madden
Capulet Servants: Raif Amlani, Melissa Cleary, Nadia Garay-Jackson, Chris Holland, Greg Madden, Ruby Madden, Tom Roberts, Olivia Savill, Scarlett Sheen, Mina Sigg-Horan, Kit Watson, Grace Woodhead
Officers: Tom Roberts, Mina Sigg-Horan, Scarlett Sheen
This opportunity was open to all: residents and participants joined us in rehearsals, as well as a workshop facilitated by industry professionals.
SYNOPSIS
Act 1
Verona is gripped in a bitter feud between 2 of it's wealthiest families, the Montagues and the Capulets. Honour dictates that they cannot pass one another in the street without a fight, and both families have lost friends and loved ones.
Wealthy Montague has a son, Romeo, who is desperately in love with a girl called Rosaline, but she is not interested, which makes Romeo miserable, not even his cousin Benvolio can cheer him up.
& minted Capulet has a daughter, Juliet who is keen to marry his rich pal, Paris. Capulet throws a lavish masked ball, everyone is invited (except the Montagues) but Romeo sneaks in with Benvolio and his best mate, Mercutio, because he's heard that Rosaline is going to be there. However, Romeo bumps into Juliet and it's love at first sight. The couple spend the night dancing, getting to know each other and by the end of the night, they're smitten. But Juliet's fiery cousin, Tybalt, spots Romeo at the party and is furious. He vows to fight Romeo the next time they run into one another.
Flying high on the romance of the night, Romeo hides from Mercutio and Benvolio, and climbs over the Capulet's wall to see Juliet. They declare their love for one another and agree to get married.
Romeo finds the town's Friar, Friar Laurence and asks him to marry them. Friar Laurence thinks it may heal the rift between the 2 families, so he agrees. & Juliet confides in her Nurse, who is like a mother to her. Together the 4 of them hatch a plan and Romeo and Juliet are secretly married.
Act 2
Benvolio and Mercutio meet Tybalt who is still furious at Romeo for sneaking into the party. Romeo arrives and Tybalt tries to fight him, but Mercutio defends Romeo and is killed in the fray. Heartbroken at his friends' death, Romeo murders Tybalt. The Prince of Verona arrives and banishes Romeo. Romeo and Juliet spend one final night together before Romeo runs away to Mantua.
Lord and Lady Capulet decide that Juliet should marry Paris, which of course she cannot do as she is already secretly married to Romeo. She goes to Friar Laurence to beg for help. Friar Laurence gives her a potion which if she drinks, will make her appear dead. Juliet bravely drinks the potion, to avoid marrying Paris and all her family believe she has died.
Meanwhile the Friar writes to Romeo to tell him that Juliet isn't really dead. However, Friar Laurence's letter gets lost and instead, Romeo receives the news that Juliet has died. He travels back Verona, visiting an apothecary on the way to buy poison. Romeo breaks into Juliet's family crypt. Believing his beloved Juliet is dead, Romeo cannot bear to live without her and drinks the poison. As he dies, her potion wears off and Juliet wakes up. Heartbroken, Juliet takes Romeo's dagger and stabs herself. The two lovers die in each others arms.
The Prince, Capulets & Montagues arrive, along with the Friar, who tells the story of Romeo and Juliet's secret love and marriage. Realising that love is stronger than hate, Lord Capulet and Lord Montague vow to end the feud in honour of their children.
If you have seen the show & enjoyed it, please share & tag us on social media
PRODUCERS - URSULA EARLY & ROSIE WARD
Ursula
Producing and Directing: Alongside being one of the founders and directors of ELSF she is director for Waltham Forest based theatre and community company Blackhorse Arts. She is also Producer and Programmer for Walthamstow’s performance venue CentreE17.
Rosie
Founder and Company Director of UpFront Theatre Company, touring educational PSHE workshops and plays around UK Schools. Principal at Act Out Performing Arts and co-founder and co-director of East London Shakespeare Festival.
The East London Shakespeare Festival aims to bring joyful, contemporary and professional productions to outdoor community spaces. We want to make Shakespeare accessible to all, be that creatively, financially or logistically. Alongside our fantastic productions, we are running a Community Programme including an Apprentice scheme for aspiring actors/directors; Community Ensemble for local people to get involved; Performances & Workshops for Local Schools and plenty of Volunteer opportunities. We have partenered with local companies and aim to support other local businesses though our productions.
MARKETING - ELODIE FORAY
Elodie Foray works in all aspects of theatre, from the stage, as an actor, backstage as a director, some way away from the stage as a playwright and in graphic designing and marketing. Some jobs are dull but there are few briefs that are more fun than “it’s Shakespeare and it’s 80s inspired, go!”.
PHOTOGRAPHER - ELEANOR JACKSON
Eleanor is a London-based actor, writer and photographer. She trained at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and has worked for the past 6 years as an actor on stage and screen. Her recent credits include Princess Irene in The Royal Mob (Sky) and Marie Curie in Marie Curie (Aria Entertainment). As a writer she is currently developing a bi-lingual series and studying for an MA in Screenwriting at Raindance Film School. Outside of this she works as a wedding and portrait photographer. For more information please visit www.eleanorjackson.co.uk
REHEARSAL PHOTOGRAPHER - YIODA NICHOLAOU
Yioda Nicholaou is a freelance photographer. Yioda (pronounced Yodda) is born and bred in East London; she studied fashion and after spending more than two decades in the industry as a luxury branded fashion buyer, Yioda decided she wanted a new direction and challenged herself to do something that aligned with connecting with people in a creative capacity, she decided to pursue her first love, photography. Whilst Yioda was already a proficient photographer she enrolled on a full-time professional photography course at the London Institute of Photography, LIOP and she hasn't looked back. Yioda is available for a variety of photography genres.
Our Venues
As an outdoor production, it was really important that our venues were as magical as our story. We have found some East London gems, that truly reflect the East London Shakespeare Festival vibe.
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HIGHAM HILL HUB
Thank you to Lillian Gerber for allowing us to use the magical outdoor space at Higham Hill Hub.
Higham Hill Hub is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation based within Higham Hill Park whose social purpose is to facilitate, host and deliver a diverse range of activities & seasonal events for all generations of the community.
Higham Hill Hub’s facilities include a hall, small kitchen, toilets (including disabled toilet), and limited storage. The 6m x 12m hall includes a sprung dance floor and mirrors.
The building is wheelchair accessible and we also have a large, private lawn.
The Hub is affordable to hire for everything from classes and events, to meetings and birthday parties.
MEMORIAL SQUARE AT FELLOWSHIP SQUARE
Thank you to Kirsten Paterson, Sid Patrick, Carol Moloney at the Fellowship Funding Scheme.
The sensational Fellowship Square in Walthamstow, which has undergone an extensive renovation. Based outside the iconic town hall, Fellowship Square has become a vibrant new cultural hub for residents and families to enjoy, complete with colourful power-jet fountains and music. ELSF’s Twelfth Night will be central to Fellowship Square’s summer events programme, making us the first theatre production to transform this exciting space into a theatre.
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THE TEMPLE AT WANSTEAD PARK
Many thanks to Ben Rosendale, the Visitor Experience Manager for Epping Forest.
We are very excited to venture from Waltham Forest to Redbridge to the stunning Wanstead Park.
Wanstead Park was once a sculpted landscape surrounding the great Wanstead House, often compared to Blenheim Palace. Though the house is gone, the park remains and provides a perfect venue for relaxing and escaping the urban sprawl.
The park is also home to The Temple, one of our Visitor Centres - once a rich man's folly, and nowadays home to art and history exhibitions and the story of Wanstead House.
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KUKOOLALA CAFE GARDEN AT LEYTON JUBILEE PARK
Thank you to Joy at KukooLaLa Cafe & Chris Bonney from Greenspace, for allowing us to use the lovely space behind the cafe.
KukooLala has charm by the bucket load, and we can't wait to add some fairy magic into the mix.
We have been awarded the permanent contract to run the community cafe in Leyton Jubilee Park. It is our hope to make the cafe a meeting point for local residents to come together in a diverse warm space. Whether you need a formal, but light & airy meeting room or a magical garden, we can make your event a success. Just feeling lonely? Come for a chat. Are you a new parent or carer & looking to meet others? Check out our events or just head on down anytime & let the little one(s) have a go at our toybox for a well deserved break.
HOXTON COMMUNITY GARDENS
Thank you to Max Mason & Paul Fleming at Hoxton Trust.
The Hoxton Trust exists to make the area of Hoxton and Shoreditch a better place for everyone who lives or works there.
We do this by supporting those most economically and socially disadvantaged with opportunities to build their levels of skills, knowledge and confidence; by providing free legal advice and assistance to those without the means to otherwise obtain it; and by managing and maintaining a community garden for the health, wellbeing and general enjoyment of everyone.
Our award-winning garden is a private space for the benefit of everyone who lives and works in the area. It is maintained by our volunteers and is not a council-run park. The garden provides an oasis of beautiful green space in a densely populated urban area where more than 80% of people rent a flat (3 times the national average), most without their own garden. As well as a place to be, the garden hosts numerous groups and community events that help reduce isolation, break down barriers and boost social cohesion.
HIGHAMS PARK
Thank you to Gordon Turpin and Toni Hanshaw from the wonderful Humphry's Cafe
Set in the beautiful park “The Highams Park” and surrounded by nature with stunning views of Highams Park Lake, Humphry’s is a vibrant but relaxing café and community space.
Humphry’s is also home to many community based activities and is used as an exhibition space for work by local artists
VALENTINES PARK
Thank you to Janice Hunte from Vision and the wonderful Charlie & Miranda at Valentine Park's Gardeners Cottage Cafe.
Valentines Park is our premiere award winning park. It has been given a Green Flag Award and has been voted top 10 in the country in the People's Choice Award on 5 occasions.
The park was originally the parkland to Valentines Mansion and Gardens.
Valentines Mansion was built in around 1696 - the Council acquired the house in 1912. Since then, the mansion has been home to wartime refugees, a hospital, a public health centre, and a council housing department.
After standing empty for 15 years, Valentines was restored in 2009 with Redbridge council and Heritage Lottery funds, and strong community support to create the historic but contemporary venue it is today.
Gardener's Cottage Cafe
Nestled in the Kitchen Garden you’ll find the Gardener’s Cottage Cafe. Open everyday, the cafe has ample indoor and outdoor seating, Choose from a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks, cakes, soups, sandwiches and other lunch options.
The Old Bowling Green in SPRINGFIELD PARK
Thank you to Amarah White from Hackney Council.
Springfield Park officially opened as a public park in 1905 and takes its name from its unique geology. The park was formed from the grounds of three private houses, of which only Springfield House (The White House) remains.
The park is 14.73 hectares in size, with formal gardens and conservation areas and has extensive views across Walthamstow Marshes.
The park holds a Green Flag award. Green Flags are given to the best green spaces in the country and are awarded each year to make sure the quality of the green space remains high.
CLISSOLD PARK
Thank you to Amarah White & Kimberley Jacobs
One of Hackney’s best loved traditional parks, Clissold Park was opened in 1889 and has held a Green Flag award since 2006. Green Flags are awarded annually to the best green spaces in the country.
Clissold Park and House were renovated in 2011 as part of an £8.9 million Heritage Lottery Fund restoration project.
Situated in the beautiful Clissold House, Park Life Café is the perfect place to unwind.
Enjoy locally roasted barista crafted Coffee which pairs excellently with tempting cakes and bakes that are made right here in Hackney.
Freshly made ‘to go’ food options are available for a tasty bite to eat on the move, as well as signature hot dishes from the kitchen. With a wide range of options available to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, there’s something for everyone.
HORNSEY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Thank you to Kuljit Rahelu, Head teacher of Hornsey School for Girls
We will be performing in the beautiful grounds of Hornsey School for Girls. We will be working with the students to create a Community Cast.
Hornsey School for Girls is a dynamic and exciting learning environment with creative teaching and learning as the norm. We are a unique school in Haringey, and therefore uniquely placed to ensure that your daughter achieves her potential.
We have been hugely lucky to have our fair share of fairies, who have made this project possible.
Our Partners
WALTHAM FOREST COUNCIL
This project has been funded by Community Ward Funding from Higham Hill.
Special thanks to Cllr's Karen Bellamy. Thanks to Simon Miller, Paul Douglas, Grace Williams & Stella Creasey for sharing the project.
They have been on board from the very early stages of this project and their continuing support and guidance has been invaluable.
FELLOWSHIP FUNDING
Many thanks to Sid Patrick, Kristen Paterson and all at the Fellowship Team for allowing us to use their historic space.
HACKNEY COUNCIL
Many thanks to Hackney Council, who have been sharing the project and engagement opportunities. As well as all their help securing some beautiful performance venues.
VISION & REDBRIDGE COUNCIL
Many thanks to Vision who have been sharing the project and engagement opportunities. As well as all their help securing some beautiful performance venues.
A huge thank you to Stow Brothers for generously covering our print. They have supported the project and have been sharing and spreading the word!
Established in 2014 in the heart of one of London’s most diverse and energetic areas,t they are estate agents with a real desire to redress the balance and do things differently.
Many thanks to Toni from Humphry's Cafe who is kindly providing storage space.
Food & refreshments will be available during the show and all of it is delicious!
Joy at KukooLala Cafe has been a huge supporter of the project when we first shared our idea in 2020!
Kukoolala is kindly donating rehearsal & storage space.
Food & refreshments will be available during the show and all of it is delicious!
Lillian Gerber at Higham Hill Hub was one of the first people to hear about our idea for the festival and has been an invaluable support since then. They are kindly donating performance, storage and rehearsal space.
The outdoor space at Higham Hill Hub is truly magical; and hosts a huge array of projects for the community, including fantastic charitable work with PinPoint Inc & COG.
An enormous thank you to Max and Ruth Peters at CentrE17, which has been our main home for rehearsals.
If you enjoy our show, be sure to check out CentrE17's amazing programme of theatre, which spans from new writing, Children's Theatre and plenty of opportunites to get involved.
Many thanks to John Walker at Crate for sharing opportunities with their network.
Introducing an exciting business community for creatives, retailers, food outlets and service businesses in the heart of Waltham Forest, E17. CRATE also offers all businesses accross the UK business support with the CRATE BOOST platform: boost.crateuk.com
ELSF partnered with BCE to share opportunities for students to get involved. We have had a blast working with these talented young people, who have conducted cast interviews, photographed rehearsals and helped with social media & ushering.
Huge thanks to Graham Goddard for organising.
SWIRE CHARITABLE TRUST
This project received support from Swire Chartiable Trust.
The Swire Charitable Trust is an independent UK grant making trust. Since 1975 we have been supporting charities that share our commitment to delivering positive and lasting change to UK society. We receive our funding from John Swire & Sons Ltd, the parent company of the Swire Group.
UpFront Theatre Company is kindly lending us their tour vehicle for the run. They have also provided assistance in writing the schools workshop.
UpFront Theatre Company is an educational theatre company providing interactive PSHE workshops for KS2-5.
Special thanks to Lizzy Renihan at Natural Voices, Sammy at RAW Academy, Ian Noble at Redbridge Drama Centre, UpFront Theatre Company, Act Out Performing Arts, Mary Dunne Theatre School for spreading the word about the project and sharing our opportunities to get involved.
Thanks to Joe & Emma Ward, Jack Bence & Rob Dent for their assistance with transport and kit.
London Theatre1 have kindly
shared the project
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East London based theatre company