Season diary

As a registered charity, each year Half Moon’s small, dedicated team works hard to raise around two thirds of our turnover through donations and grants – everything raised is used to support our various activities and keep our prices affordable. Now more than ever, we need your help.

halfmoon.org.uk/support-us

Online: Donate securely via our website: halfmoon.org.uk You can also make a donation when you book tickets

By standing order: Set up a standing order with your bank, then complete our online form (or pick one up from the foyer) so we have all the details

Easyfundraising: A free way to raise much needed funds for Half Moon, just by shopping online!

Fundraising challenge: Take part in a sponsored event and run, walk or cycle for Half Moon

A very warm welcome to Half Moon’s new season of theatre for young audiences featuring live music, puppetry, dance, storytelling, comedy and immersive theatre. We’re continuing the conversation about the environment and welcoming exciting new companies to perform, plus we’ve two shows with fully integrated British Sign Language (BSL) – must-sees for hearing and d/Deaf young people.

We’re excited to be working with Amal Khalidi and Tatenda Naomi Matsvai on Hot Orange, our new immersive show for teenagers and adults that opens 9 November before touring the country. Our Fun Palaces free community event returns on 7 October for its eighth outing, plus we’re thrilled to host The Big Family Art Event on 9 December.

Can’t make it to Half Moon? Don’t forget that our On Demand streaming platform allows you to watch a range of theatre for young audiences in the comfort of your home. We’ve just added three new shows, so take a look at halfmoon.org.uk/on-demand

See you soon.

Chris Elwell, Director

By Children’s Writers and Illustrators for Stories and Literacy (CWISL)

14 September – 22 December 2023

A vibrant exhibition that shines the spotlight on the creative and innovative world of children’s book illustration.

Colourful, diverse, wry and amusing, Picture a Story brings together a collection of illustrations by artists whose published work covers an array of genres, from babies to teenagers.

As part of the exhibition, we are working with local schools to deliver workshops and online activities with authors and illustrators. We also provide a gallery trail for children, schools and community groups to support young people in gaining Arts Award Discover and Explore. Contact Androulla on 020 7709 8908 or androulla@halfmoon.org.uk

Alongside our exhibition, we have an interactive family event on Saturday 9 December, various times from 11am–3.15pm, with some of the award-winning authors and illustrators featured in Picture a Story. Explore the bright and imaginative world of visual storytelling through live drawing and storytelling sessions, shows, activities and lots of joining in!

Full details on our website: halfmoon.org.uk

Thu 21 & Fri 22 Sep

20 min slots continuous

Thu from 10.40am, last show 3.40pm

Fri from 10.20am, last show 2.40pm

Ages 0–18 months 15 mins

DANIEL NADDAFY AND MARTY LANGTHORNE PRESENT

Bathe in sound and light with your baby as you explore the wonders of how their senses develop. Sit, lie down or stand while sharing this intimate and immersive experience together.

Inspired by babylab research into the expanding vision of children from birth until 18 months, this 15-minute installation distils the world of awakening perception into a unique experience. Real-life soundscapes and harmonies echo a newborn’s hearing, as lights twinkle and colour slowly fills the performance pod.

Early booking is advised as this show has extremely limited capacity.

Sat 23 Sep 11am & 2pm

Ages 5+ 45 mins

Enter the world of the Lazurr Tuts, a guitar-wielding, foot stomping punk band made up of misfits and outcasts. They’re in the business of making music and speaking out, and you’ve been invited to an exclusive, acoustic rehearsal.

Come on a journey of self-expression in this loud, wild and unapologetic joyride of live original punk music and high-energy dance. No matter how loud or soft, the Lazurr Tuts want you to discover that what you have to say is important.

This show is British Sign Language (BSL) integrated.

Sat 30 Sep 11am, 1pm & 3pm

Ages 3–7 65 mins

GROOVE BABY PRESENTS

Join a bunch of merry buccaneers on a funk and jazz-fuelled musical adventure across the seas to find some treasure. Meet monsters and mermaids, take musical challenges and strut your stuff on the gangplank.

This swashbuckling tale of friendship, loyalty and a magic chest features a fun mixture of animation, interactive music making and solid groove from the Groove Baby Organ Trio. High-energy interactive theatre meets hard grooving gig.

Sat 7 Oct 10am–4pm

All ages

Our Fun Palaces free family fun day returns for an eighth year with another selection of fun community events to get involved in.

Throughout the day we will have pop-up storytelling performances, music and movement workshops, plus art and craft activities for everyone to get involved with. We’ll also have tea, cake and a few surprises along the way. Dip into one or two events or stay for the whole day!

All events are free. Refreshments are available to buy throughout the day.

Sat 14 Oct 11am, 1pm & 3pm

Ages 0–2 30 mins

This new story for babies and their grownups begins with a red moon rising. But why is the moon red? Now it’s turned blue and it’s crying. Do the ladybirds know why? Perhaps the little pond can tell us? Or maybe the rabbits have the answer. Made in consultation with paediatricians, English Touring Opera’s Under the Little Red Moon explores the development of language with the help of music and movement.

Early booking is advised as this show has limited capacity.

Sat 21 Oct 11am, 1pm & 3pm

Ages 3–11 30 mins

An immersive dance show that follows four performers on a journey into the world of packaging materials, exploring the impact of online shopping on the environment.

In a visually engaging spectacle, parcels and cardboard boxes are built and dismantled to create temporary sculptures and shifting landscapes. Children and their families can actively participate in the show by building new structures and learning about waste production, inspiring a new generation of eco-consciousness.

Early booking is advised as this show has limited capacity.

Sat

Ages 3+ 45 mins

Bored at home with nothing to do, Nora is sent out to play in the garden in search of a tiger. Join Nora as she discovers dragonflies as big as her head, plants that can eat you whole, a polar bear that likes fishing and maybe, just possibly, a tiger in the garden.

Based on Lizzy Stewart’s prize-winning book, this new piece of theatre brings Nora’s story to life using puppetry, imaginative design and music.

After the performance, audiences are invited onto the stage to meet the puppets.

Sat

Ages 4+ 50 mins

Two intrepid explorers journey across the dusty world that is their home. They make up songs and tell stories, inspired by the treasures they’ve collected. One day they find something extra special. Something that promises to breathe life back into the empty land that surrounds them. Is it a chance for change, or will their hopes be dashed once again?

With live music, puppetry and clowning, Stories in the Dust is a funny, heartfelt family show that takes you to another world. One where an ancient book guides your way, a drop of rain changes everything and a mighty lion holds his secrets in an old clay pot.

Ages 13+ 60 mins

It’s summer. It’s hot. Like really hot. Like ice pop after melting ice pops hot. Like orange midday sun hot. Across the divide of a scorched basketball court two girls meet, shoot hoops and discover their shared obsessions make them inseparable friends. But will faith, growing pains and the darker reactions of others get in the way of that long, hot, orange summer?

A decade later the past walks back into view when 18-year-old Amina is confronted by her childhood best friend Tandeki. Can they reignite the spark of friendship by untangling their hurt feelings, or are some heartbreaks just too hard to mend?

Hot Orange follows Amina and Tandeki as they navigate what it takes to sustain love and friendship beyond childhood idealism and the moment you fall in love.

Hot Orange, by Amal Khalidi and Tatenda

Naomi Matsvai, is Half Moon’s latest production presented in our multiaward winning immersive theatrical style, exquisitely framed within an evocative soundscape.

After the performance there is an onstage Q&A session with the company.

Also on tour nationally. Visit halfmoon.org.uk/touring for more details.

Content warning: Hot Orange includes references to attitudes and language choices expressing negative opinions about same-sex relationships.

Hot Orange is supported by The Royal Victoria Hall Foundation.

Fri 17 Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm

Sat 18 Nov 11am & 2pm

Ages 4+ 50 mins

Follow Crock as he embarks on a quest to retrieve his stolen Happy from the wicked Kangalouse. What sinister scheme does the Kangalouse have up his sleeve? Find out as you join the Crockodogopig on this exciting journey!

The Crockodogopig is a fresh, fun-filled family show that combines live music, puppetry, comedy and beatboxing to tell the story of a mixed-up creature who has lost his Happy.

Thu 23 Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm

Fri 24 Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm

Sat 25 Nov 11am & 2pm

Ages 4+ 60 mins

A delightful new show full of sparkle and song. Can you help a very unusual princess solve an unexpected problem? Without the twinkle of fairy lights, the holiday season could be cancelled! It’s up to our intrepid explorer, her pals and you to illuminate the world again.

A fun-filled, sparkling extravaganza exploring the sensational science behind electricity. Featuring catchy original songs from Ziad Jabero and electrifying storytelling, The Lightbulb Princess will light up children’s imaginations and inspire them to learn more about the world around them.

Sat 9 Dec Various: 11am–3.15pm

All ages welcome

CHILDREN’S WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS FOR LITERACY (CWISL) AND HALF MOON PRESENT

Join us for an interactive art and literature experience that explores the bright and imaginative world of visual storytelling through live drawing and storytelling sessions, shows, activities and lots of joining in!

Meet award-winning authors and illustrators, watch as stories spring to life in front of your eyes, take part in paper-craft adventures, design your own book cover, and discover how to use clay to create small 3D characters. We’ll also have a unique performance featuring drawing, fast rapping and interactive songs, plus a big draw improvisation session where you help develop a story and create a big work of art!

The Big Family Art Event will inspire everyone to get creative and empower people to read, write, draw and share their own stories.

Early booking is advised as some events have limited capacity.

Sat 16 Dec 11am & 2pm

Ages 3+ 45 mins

DEAFINITELY THEATRE AND PIED PIPER THEATRE PRESENT

Little Bear can’t hear Dad Bear calling, but feels the floor vibrate with heavy footsteps. Little Bear can’t catch the funny joke at school when friends are laughing, but feels the crunch of snow on frozen pavements. Join Little Bear and Dad Bear as they learn how there are many ways to communicate love and to find your place in the world.

A retelling of a story by Raymond Antrobus and Polly Dunbar, Can Bears Ski? draws on the author’s experience as a d/Deaf child in a hearing world.

This show is British Sign Language (BSL) integrated.

Sat 13 Jan 11am & 2pm

Ages 3–8 50 mins

LUMINOUS TALES PRESENTS

One performer and a flock of shadow puppets tell an engaging and heart-warming story about friendship, laughter and flying the nest. At the end of the performance there is a stay and play session.

Sat 20 Jan 11am & 2pm

Ages 3+ 45 mins

LASTHEATRE PRESENTS

Join Gertie on her adventures through the Himalaya in this beautiful adaptation of the awardwinning children’s book. Featuring beautiful puppets and catchy tunes, it’s an uplifting tale of self-acceptance.

Sat 27 Jan 11am & 2pm

Ages 5+ 60 mins

A surprising story about growing up, finding a brilliant (but naughty) imaginary friend, becoming ‘Junk the Punk’ and joining a great school band (Whizzkid and the Veggie Burgers).

A streaming service offering unforgettable theatre for young audiences, recorded live at Half Moon, available to watch any time, anywhere.

On Demand allows you to watch a show for £7 whenever you want and as many times as you like for 48 hours. Join us for an online performance that puts your sofa in the front row!

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted productions and closed captions are available.

halfmoon.org.uk/on-demand

Half Moon is a local organisation with a national remit, committed to supporting artists and young people at every stage of their creative development. Our activity includes a season of professional plays for young audiences, new writing and artform development, and an extensive Creative Learning programme, including eight Youth Theatres.

Half Moon also tours professional work for young audiences across the UK under our producing arm, Half Moon Presents. For current productions and tour dates, visit halfmoon.org.uk/touring

→ 44,500 people engaged

→ 28,000 workshop participants

→ 16,500 audience members

→ 1,500 creative learning sessions

→ 1,444 volunteer hours

→ 285 performances

We are also extremely grateful for support from: Action for Bow

Aldgate & Allhallows Foundation

The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust

BBC Children in Need

Benevity Causes

Buzzacott Stuart Defries Memorial Fund

Canary Wharf Group

Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

Charitable Trust

Charterhouse Charitable Trust

Chesterhill Charitable Trust

City Bridge Trust

Clarion Futures

Clifford Chance

The Coln Trust

Co-op Local Community Fund

Derek Shuttleworth Educational Trust

East End Community Foundation

→ 126 freelancers, 9 core staff and 5 trainees employed

→ 73 schools worked with in Tower Hamlets

→ 67 venues visited on tour

→ 1 Off West End Theatre Award easyfundraising

The Fitton Trust

Galliard Homes

Garfield Weston Foundation

The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation

The Henry Smith Charity

Jack Petchey Foundation

The Leche Trust

Merchant Taylors’ Charity

Ocean Regeneration Trust

Prudential Foundation

Royal Victoria Hall Foundation

Schroder Charity Trust

The Sheldon Trust

Sir Ian McKellan

Souter Charitable Trust

St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation

Tesco Community Grants

THAMES

Tower Hamlets Carbon Reduction Community Grants Programme

Unity Theatre Trust

The Worshipful Company of Coopers

Also a big thanks to our many individual donors