Lockdown can’t stop Greenwich Theatre putting on a performance

We may be back in lockdown but at Greenwich Theatre we remain determined to present some of the most exciting new work around, so the Government’s confirmation that we can work in the building on rehearsal and streamed performances was certainly a welcome one.

Therefore, as part of this latest phase in our Greenwich Connects programme, on Sunday, LAStheatre will be transforming our stage into a fully equipped kitchen for a live theatrical cook-along for ages six and over, inspired by Jeanne Willis and Korky Paul’s Rascally Cake.

Participants will be sent a simple shopping list and an activity pack to prepare for the show, and then in their own kitchens they will be able to cook-along with Rufus, star of the popular book, dressing healthy food up as disgusting dishes that children can be proud of.

At the end everyone will be invited to sit down together and share their meal of brown rat roast and mud pies, bringing some of the communal nature of theatre back to the experience.

Then, later in the month, we will be live streaming the new play NoMad, an autobiographical piece that exposes the challenges faced by writer and actor Nell Hardy as she experienced homelessness and psychiatric hospitalisation.

Originally set to be streamed from Tramshed in Woolwich before the second lockdown forced the venue to close, this true story, told in a powerfully compelling and authentic way by Hardy, promises to take audiences into the chaotic mind of severe mental illness and trauma, while exploring the barriers to treatment and recovery in what many have described as an under-funded and fractious health and social care sector.

Nell said: “Theatre is such a fantastic medium for telling difficult and sensitive stories, ensuring that nuance and authenticity are captured.

“I trust that, through theatre, I can get the message out there to audiences that those of us who struggle with mental illness are individuals, not diagnoses, while at the same time creating a piece of drama to provoke, engage and inspire debate.

“Through my personal experiences it is clear that there is a need for aftercare and early intervention.

“Just as much as there is a need for acute inpatient care.

“And there is no getting away from the fact that health problems and social challenges go hand in hand. They need to be considered in the round – and I hope that NoMad goes at least some way to demonstrating some of the problems we face in society, as well as drawing the audience into a dramatic experience that many people may find hard to understand.”

Streaming on Friday, November 27, the show is supported by Tramshed’s Progression Programme of Artist Development.

Though clearly radically different, these shows demonstrate what Greenwich Theatre is all about – showcasing some of the most innovative emerging artists and providing a home for their work.

We may be forced to reach out to audiences in a virtual way for the next month or so, but that won’t stop us from connecting artists with audiences and giving the stars of tomorrow the support that they deserve.

Main Pic: Nell Hardy in NoMad