Half Moon Spring Brochure 2017

What’s On Jan – Apr 2017

Celebrating world class theatre for young audiences Box office 020 7709 8900 | www.halfmoon.org.uk

Season diary DATE Sat 7 Jan Sat 14 Jan Sat 21 Jan Fri 27 Jan Sat 28 Jan Thu 2 Feb Fri 3 Feb Sat 4 Feb Mon 6 Feb Tue 7 Feb Sat 11 Feb Sat 18 Feb Sat 25 Feb Sat 4 Mar Sat 11 Mar Sat 18 Mar Mon 20 Mar Tue 21 Mar Wed 22 Mar Thu 23 Mar Fri 24 Mar Sat 25 Mar Tue 28 Mar Tue 28 Mar Wed 29 Mar Wed 29 Mar Sat 1 Apr Sat 1 Apr Sat 1 Apr Sat 1 Apr Sat 8 Apr

TIME 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 11am & 2pm 4.30pm & 7pm 1.30pm & 4.30pm 3pm & 7pm 4.30pm & 7pm 4.30pm & 7pm 10am, 11.30am & 2.30pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 1.30pm & 4.30pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 4.30pm & 7pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 11am & 2pm 5.30pm 8pm 5.30pm 8pm 10.30am 11.45am 1.15pm 3pm 11am & 2pm

PRODUCTION The Colour of Me Wow! Said the Owl Pat-a-Cake A Square World A Square World her her her her her Duvet Day Bright Sparks Chester Tuffnut A Real Alien Adventure Friends for All Sammy and the Snow Leopard Boys Don’t Boys Don’t Boys Don’t Boys Don’t Boys Don’t Family Folk Show Eclipse Youth Theatre Sharing Lunar Youth Theatre Sharing Equinox Youth Theatre Sharing Solar Youth Theatre Sharing Comets Youth Theatre Sharing Sunbeam Youth Theatre Sharing Moonbeam Youth Theatre Sharing Princess and the Pea The Elves and the Shoemaker

AGE 3 – 7 2 – 5 2 – 8 3 – 6 3 – 6 13+ 13+ 13+ 13+ 13+ 0 – 18 mths 3 – 7 2 – 5 3 – 9 5 – 11 5 – 10 8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12 All All 8+ All All All All All 3 – 7 3 – 8

Gallery @ Half Moon

From Start to Finish: A Collection of Book Illustrations

By Rachana Jadhav, Karin Littlewood, Fabi Santiago and Jennie Webber, 6 Jan – 21 Apr A vibrant and diverse mix of book illustrations drawn from a range of London artists, who present a visual insight into their working processes: from initial starting sketches through to the published pages.

Beneath the artwork, there are chalkboards for visitors of all ages to make their own responses to the art. For all our exhibitions, we provide a gallery trail for children and special events.

School and community groups can visit free of charge and can use our gallery trail to support Arts Award Discover and Explore.

Contact Beccy on 020 7709 8908 or beccy@halfmoon.org.uk 2

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Welcome to our spring season A very warm welcome to Half Moon’s new season of theatre for young audiences.

Our diverse and cutting edge 13 week season includes a wide variety of inventive and entertaining work, featuring 15 imaginative and experimental companies. We welcome back our friends at Brolly Productions for a 10 show residency of the innovative her, a new drama that combines live action, film and animation, and Papertale Productions with the insightful Boys Don’t, an essential new piece of theatre that explores what happens when boys show their feelings.

We’re also delighted to be welcoming other companies to Half Moon for the first time, offering a mixture of puppetry, storytelling, physical theatre, spoken word, dance and music. So what better way could there be to start 2017 than with one or more of these fantastic shows?

Our new exhibition, From Start to Finish, explores the creative process and features original artwork from a variety of children’s books, as well as original artwork from her, exploring the visual world of the production and how the designs moved from page to stage.

Alongside our professional shows, we have a host of opportunities for young people to participate in theatre and drama with their nurseries, schools, colleges and, importantly, independently through one of our seven Youth Theatres. There’s more information on the following pages and much more detail on our website, www.halfmoon.org.uk I look forward to welcoming you to our new season.

Chris Elwell, Director

Support us As a registered charity, each year we need to raise more than half of our turnover to support our various activities and keep our prices affordable. Support Half Moon today and help us to deliver our vital programme of work.

Every donation received will go directly towards helping children and young people.

Ways to make a difference

Online: Donate securely online via our website: www.halfmoon.org.uk. You can also make a donation when you book tickets By standing order: Pick up a form from our foyer, download from our website or call 020 7709 8900

In the foyer: Feed cash donations to Danny, our mechanical dragon Gift Aid: Use Gift Aid and make your donation to Half Moon worth more at no extra cost to you

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Get involved!

Why not join one of Half Moon’s Youth Theatres? It’s a brilliant way to explore drama, create performances and make lots of new friends at the same time. We have seven groups that run during term time.

Half Moon’s Youth Theatres School Years 1 – 3

Comets: Saturday 10am –11am Sunbeam: Saturday 11.15am –12.15pm Moonbeam: Saturday 12.45pm –1.45pm

School Years 4 – 6

Eclipse: Tuesday 4pm – 6pm Equinox: Wednesday 4pm – 6pm

School Years 7 – 12

Lunar: Tuesday 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Teenagers with disabilities (specialist group)

Solar: Wednesday 6.30pm – 8.30pm Spring term begins on Tuesday 17 January, Wednesday 18 January and Saturday 21 January. Please note there are currently waiting lists for all groups.

Youth Theatre Sharings will take place between 28 March-1 April, check the season diary for more information.

For more information about our Youth Theatres visit www.halfmoon.org.uk/yt or contact us on 020 7709 8900.

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Inclusive All of our Youth Theatres are open to young people with disabilities and our venue is fully accessible.

5 reasons to join »» Great value! Just £6 per session (£3 concession) »» Run by friendly and experienced tutors »» No auditions »» See shows at Half Moon and visit other London theatres »» Performances each term for friends and family

Arts Award We are able to support our Youth Theatre members to gain a Discover, Explore, Bronze and Silver Arts Award. The Arts Award is a nationally recognised qualification that has been developed by Arts Council England and Trinity Guildhall and aims to inspire young people to develop their arts and leadership talents.

Schools & teachers can also participate Last year, Half Moon worked with almost 23,000 young people in over 1,500 Creative Learning sessions across 84 centres. We work with nurseries, children’s centres, schools, colleges and community and youth organisations on a range of engaging projects, including supporting Artsmark and Arts Award. This includes curriculum-focused workshops, after-school activities and initiatives to encourage young people to get into theatre, as well as professional development opportunities for teachers and other school staff.

Projects include

Careers in Theatre: A hands-on,

for children to explore their physicality and imaginations and to feel confident with dance and creative movement

DramaWorks: Bespoke experiential

Early Years Dance and Drama: Sessions

Speech Bubbles: A year-long programme

working with KS1 children to develop their communication skills through drama

Dramatic Maths: An innovative project

using drama and storytelling to engage children in KS2 maths

Transitions: A programme using drama to support Year 6 students with their transition to secondary school

project-management style experience for 11 – 17 year olds of all aspects of professional theatre residencies in non-mainstream settings for young people with additional needs or life limiting conditions

Gallery @ Half Moon: A chance for schools to experience the art in our gallery, meet the artist and use the pictures as stimulus for literacy and other curriculum work CPD for Teachers: A series of practical training sessions for primary and secondary school staff, in partnership with Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service (THAMES) For more information visit www.halfmoon.org.uk/learning and subscribe to our e-newsletter.

To discuss any of the projects or suggest other ways you would like to work with us at Half Moon, contact Beccy on 020 7709 8908 or email beccy@halfmoon.org.uk

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Sat 7 Jan 11am & 2pm Ages 3 – 7 45 mins

Sat 14 Jan 11am & 2pm Ages 2 – 5 35 mins

WRIGGLE DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS

The Colour of Me

Join us in a magical world of colour. Can you feel the excitement of the deep blue sea, the green peacefulness of nature, or bravely go where no child has ever been – inside an orange? But watch out for red, who is sometimes very cross. Come and experience the beautiful rainbow of emotions that lives inside each and every one of us. What colour are you today?

With live music and projection, this interactive dance theatre performance promises to delight, tickle and inspire young audiences. #TheColourOfMe

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE PRESENTS

Wow! Said the Owl Explore the wow-world of colours with this curious little owl who is determined to stay awake to see what daylight brings.

From the warm pink glow of dawn through to a day filled with the bright colours of green leaves, blue sky, grey clouds and, finally, a stunning rainbow — wow! But despite the beauty of the daytime world, the little owl decides that the night-time stars are the most beautiful of all.

Based on the acclaimed children’s book by award winning author Tim Hopgood, Wow! Said the Owl is brought to life through a blend of beautiful storytelling, puppetry and music. #Wow

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Sat 21 Jan 11am & 2pm Ages 2 – 8 45 mins

Fri 27 Jan 10.30am & 1.30pm Sat 28 Jan 11am & 2pm

Ages 3 – 6 40 mins

LONG NOSE PUPPETS PRESENTS

Pat-a-Cake Baby Are you ready? Grab a spoon! Because it’s pat-a-cake time! Pitter-patter – get the butter! Glitzy-glossy – whisk in sugar!

Jokey-yolky – add the eggs!

Based on the book written by Joyce Dunbar and illustrated by Polly Dunbar, Long Nose Puppets offer up a marvellous moonlit show full of riotous rhyme, zany puppets and spiffy special cake; all iced with music and songs by Tom Gray, of Gomez. Little children will feel stuffed to the brim with magic.

At the end of the performance children are invited onto the stage to meet the puppets. #PatACakeBaby

DARYL BEETON PRESENTS

A Square World An honest, touching and quirky story of three friends and what happens when an unexpected change throws everyone into disarray, leaving one of them left out in the cold. Together they decide to redefine the rules of the square world in which they live and soon discover their lives won’t be square ever again!

A Square World looks at the unfairness of being left out in a world designed for everyone but yourself. This delightful story uses simple design and object manipulation to create an imaginative world where anything can happen.

At the end of the performance there is an opportunity to shape your own unique friend. #ASquareWorld 7

Thu 2 Feb – Tue 7 Feb Thu 2, Mon 6, Tue 7 Feb 4.30pm & 7pm; Fri 3 Feb 1.30pm & 4.30pm; Sat 4 Feb 3pm & 7pm Ages 13+ 60 mins BROLLY PRODUCTIONS AND HALF MOON PRESENT

her

her house is gone her home is destroyed her world has changed …I am her A girl comes home to find her house has disappeared. The neighbours have fled and the streets are deserted. her is a compelling story of a 15 year old London girl who inexplicably finds that conflict has made her an alien in her own country.

Drawing on the experiences of ordinary people confronted with displacement as a result of war, this at times shocking play features one actor playing different versions of the ‘girl’. She navigates the harsh realities faced by young women in conflict zones and the difficult choices they have to make to survive.

Using innovative green screen technology to integrate animation, film and live action, her combines the emotional depth of theatre with the visual intensity of the graphic novel to create a dark and twisted world of politics, war and survival.

The performance is immediately followed by a short talkback session, giving audiences a chance to discuss the creative processes used to make the show and the issues raised by the production.

Also on tour nationally. her is supported by Cockayne – Grants for the Arts and The London Community Foundation.

#her_ontour 8

her events On Saturday 4 February, as part of Brolly Productions’ residency at Half Moon, we are holding a series of free events, discussions and workshops exploring issues of conflict and violence against women, working with advocacy organisations including Violence Against Women & Girls and War Child. There is also an exhibition looking at the visual world of the production. Please check the website for more information.

For details about the accompanying workshops for schools and community groups please contact beccy@halfmoon.org.uk

Sat 11 Feb 10am, 11.30am, 2.30pm Ages 0 – 18 months 30 mins

Sat 18 Feb 11am & 2pm Ages 3 – 7 50 mins FILSKIT THEATRE PRESENTS

Bright Sparks Links and Rex are like light and dark, left and right. Links is logical – she likes order and fact. Rex is different – she is imaginative, a daydreamer. Watch these two opposites get their wires crossed and their noodles in a muddle as they strive to find ways to work and play together.

With humour and mesmerising visuals, Bright Sparks explores the beauty of difference, inspired by research into how both sides of the brain must strike a balance for us to see, move and speak. #BrightSparks

OLD SAW PRESENTS

Duvet Day We’re staying in bed all day. So put on your snuggliest pyjamas, grab your favourite toy and crawl inside the blanket fort to play – it’s duvet day!

An ideal introduction to the joys of theatre and group play for babies, Duvet Day is full of fun puppets, interactive games and gentle storytelling. There’s also plenty of time to take a deep breath and snuggle up with your little one, letting imagination bring you to the cooling shade of the forest, experience life on a cloud and discover who lives under the sea.

At the end of the performance there is an interactive play session.

Early booking is advised as this show has limited capacity. #DuvetDay 9

Sat 25 Feb 11am & 2pm Ages 2 – 5 50 mins

Sat 4 Mar 11am & 2pm Ages 3 – 9 50 mins

GOMITO THEATRE AND POLKA THEATRE PRESENT

Chester Tuffnut

Chester Tuffnut isn’t your ordinary treemole – in fact he is one of a kind! Chester likes wearing jumpers and sitting in his armchair, but most of all he loves adventure! The curious creatures in Woodland have gone so long without excitement they’ve forgotten how to have fun. Luckily, Chester is on hand to bring happiness and laughter back to his friends.

Told with puppets, original music and imaginative antics, this show is full of humour, thrills, spills, near misses and great escapes. This is a story about discovering new places and making friends, while encouraging everyone to have at least one adventure a day.

After the performance you can meet the woodland creatures and explore their dens. #ChesterTuffnut

RIPSTOP THEATRE PRESENTS

A Real Alien Adventure A rip-roaring, intergalactic space adventure! Join intrepid explorer Amelia Buttersnap on an intergalactic mission to find out if aliens really do exist. With her translator device and her teleporter machine she sets off on an exciting space journey. Can Amelia rescue her trusty cat, Tibbles, and save the planet from alien destruction? And how do you drink a cup of tea in space?

Following on from the success of A Real Mermaid’s Tale, this is a fun and engaging show for all the family, full of home-made gadgets, magic and shadow play. #ARealAlienAdventure

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Sat 11 Mar 11am & 2pm Ages 5 – 11 40 mins

Sat 18 Mar 11am & 2pm Ages 5 – 10 50 mins

SIMON MOLE, IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM (V&A), PRESENTS

Friends For All

8 year old Lexi doesn’t make friends as easily as some. If only her school would allow a non-school uniform day then she could be herself and find others like her.

Inspired by Grandad’s hippy stories from the swinging 60s, she decides to fight the powers that be, namely her class teacher Mr Marsh and the class bully, Suzy.

Friends For All is an interactive spoken word performance for families, with rapping, dancing and far-out video projections. Poet and rapper Simon Mole performs in this humorous and moving piece, co-created with theatre maker Peader Kirk. #FriendsForAll

TRAVELLING LIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS

Sammy and the Snow Leopard

Sammy is 9 years old and likes animals.

No, he LOVES animals. The problem is his mum won’t let him have any in the house. When he hears about the ‘Adopt a Snow Leopard’ programme, Sammy reckons he’s found the perfect way to have a pet. Perfect! But then Sammy gets an unexpected gift – and finds himself on an adventure that quickly spirals out of control…

A high-energy show involving stuffed animals, evil neighbours, school projects and limes. #SammySnowLeopard

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Mon 20 – Fri 24 Mar

Mon 20 Mar 1.30pm & 4.30pm; Tue 21, Wed 22, Fri 24 Mar 10.30am & 1.30pm; Thu 23 Mar 4.30pm & 7pm Ages 8 – 12 50 mins

Sat 25 Mar 11am & 2pm All Ages 45 mins

HALF MOON PRESENTS

Boys Don’t

a Papertale production with Apples & Snakes

What’s a boy to do? From the playground to the classroom, from home to the uncharted waters of online, boys learn that displaying their feelings is a no-no. But what happens to emotion that can’t be let out, and who picks up the pieces?

Through a series of funny, familiar and sometimes heart-breaking stories, the performance delivers insights into male experiences of growing up, and offers the possibility of more open communication for all of us.

This programme is supported by an education package for schools exploring emotional literacy for Yrs 5 – 8. For details contact beccy@halfmoon.org.uk Also on tour nationally as part of Half Moon Presents.

Visit www.halfmoon.org.uk for more details.

#BoysDont

MEGSON PRESENTS

Family Folk Show Get ready to sway, dance and feel the rhythm as a live music event takes centre stage with an organic, authentic and fun folk concert for big and little music connoisseurs.

Award-winning folk duo Megson blend their infectious mix of heavenly vocals and lush harmonies into a gentle and entertaining concert for all the family, featuring children’s folk songs old and new from their album, When I Was a Lad. “The most original duo on the British folk scene” The Guardian “I really liked dancing with my sisters at the front and popping the bubbles!

It was really exciting. I want to see them again!” Phoebe (aged 3)

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Sat 1 Apr 3pm

Ages 3 – 7 50 mins

Sat 8 Apr 11am & 2pm Ages 3 – 8 55 mins

NORWICH PUPPET THEATRE PRESENTS

Princess and the Pea

a Banyan Theatre and Polka co-production Once upon a stormy night, while the wind and the rain were howling outside, the Royals were all tucked up warm in bed. Suddenly there came a knock at the door and a very wet, very untidy girl was brought inside...

Become part of this playful and comic story of a prince in search of a ‘real’ princess, a clever queen, a girl who is not as she first appears, a tower of mattresses and of course a tiny pea. This quirky and inventive adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s bedtime tale is played out among sheets and blankets with puppets, objects and dreamlike projections. #PrincessAndThePea FULL HOUSE THEATRE PRESENTS

The Elves and the Shoemaker One day at the bottom of his garden a lovable retired shoemaker is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop, re-living the hard times, the good times and the magic. The Elves help him to remember his glorious past and eventually he realises that a little bit of elf magic is all he needs to give his wife the only thing she’s ever wanted, just in time for her 90th Birthday.

A topsy-turvy re-telling of the fairytale favourite with toe-tapping music, laugh out loud characters, puppetry and even a little bit of magic! #ElvesLoveShoes

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Bookshop @ Half Moon Celebrating the rich heritage of Half Moon Theatre since 1972 Explore the full history of Half Moon Theatre online at www.stagesofhalfmoon.org.uk through photographs, programmes, news stories, documents, videos and filmed interviews with over 100 people.

With over 500 pages of information on productions, projects, people and buildings there’s a lot to discover!

We’re still looking for memories and memorabilia, particularly from our time at Alie Street and Mile End Road in the 1970s and early 1980s. If you can help, email history@halfmoon.org.uk If you missed the Stages of Half Moon exhibition when it was at Half Moon, catch it on tour at Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives (9 January – 3 April). www.stagesofhalfmoon.org.uk #HalfMoonHistory

We are delighted to offer a pop-up bookshop in partnership with the well-loved Brick Lane Bookshop.

Come and browse a rotating selection of popular children’s books for all ages, from classic favourites to some of the hottest new titles. The bookshop also stocks contemporary greeting cards, so Half Moon is the perfect place to buy that special gift or new bedtime story. www.bricklanebookshop.org eastsidebookshop @BrickLaneBooks

Party packages Is it your child’s special day?

Did you know that you could celebrate here at Half Moon? Book tickets for your group to see the afternoon show on the Saturday of your choice and hire our Upper Studio space (max. 25 children) for a post-show 90 minute party, for an additional £100.

For more information, or to book, please call 020 7709 8900 or email us: admin@halfmoon.org.uk

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About Half Moon

we include, we inform, we inspire 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, national touring productions and an extensive Creative Learning programme, including seven Youth Theatres.

Last year we: »» Engaged with over 50,000 people »» Delivered over 1,500 Creative Learning sessions for almost 23,000 young people »» Ran 7 weekly drama groups for children and young people »» Ran 404 artform development sessions with over 50 artists »» Worked with 70 educational establishments in Tower Hamlets »» Delivered professional development training to 75 teachers »» Hosted 239 work experience sessions and 811 volunteer hours »» Created 3 in-house productions, 2 co-productions »» Toured 11 shows into 91 other venues around the country, including 25 libraries »» Hosted 16 theatre companies from around the UK

We couldn’t do it without: Our major funders:

We are also extremely grateful for support from: Action for Bow BBC Children in Need The Charterhouse Charitable Trust Cockayne – Grants for the Arts easyfundraising East End Community Foundation The Fitton Trust The Hedley Foundation The Henry Smith Charity Heritage Lottery Fund The Ironmongers’ Company Jack Petchey Foundation Jessie’s Fund The Joanies Fund London Bridge Small Grants Fund The London Community Foundation Mrs Smith and Mount Trust Newcomen Collett Foundation Ocean Maths Ocean Regeneration Trust Peter Cruddas Foundation Sainsbury’s St Olave’s Foundation Fund The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust The Sterry Family Coundation Waitrose Also a big thanks to our many individual donors.

Half Moon Presents As well as presenting shows for young audiences in our Limehouse home, Half Moon also tours work around the country under our producing arm, Half Moon Presents, a portfolio of professional work for young audiences from a range of our associate artists and companies.

For current productions and tour dates, visit www.halfmoon.org.uk/halfmoonpresents Half Moon Presents is part of our Exchange for Change programme, which supports artists developing diverse work for young audiences by nurturing, mentoring and providing space to develop work.

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Book tickets

By phone: 020 7709 8900

Get in touch Half Moon 43 White Horse Rd London E1 0ND

Online: www.halfmoon.org.uk

admin@halfmoon.org.uk

In person: Mon – Fri 10am – 6pm

Sat 10am – 4pm

Sign up to our e-news at www.halfmoon.org.uk

All tickets £7. No booking fees. Group discounts available. Free tickets for babies under 12 months, unless the show is specifically for their age range.

See our website for booking conditions.

Getting to us

halfmoon_theatre Follow us halfmoontheatre halfmoontheatre @halfmoontheatre halfmoontheatre Download the Half Moon Theatre App

By train/tube: Just 2 minutes’ walk from Limehouse

5 Bus 2

mainline and DLR station (2 stops from Bank and Tower

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Gateway). Follow signs for Bekesbourne Street when

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exiting station. 15 minutes’ walk from Stepney Green tube.

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By bus: Buses stop 1 minute away on Commercial Road junction with White Horse Road. Numbers 115, 135

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& D3. Other buses stop by Stepney Green tube (25) and

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White Horse R oad

Half Moon

5.30pm on weekdays. Meter parking is available at all

Commer cial Rd

just 2 minutes’ walk away on Flamborough Street (at the

Buses 15, 115, 135, D 3 Cable St

junction with Yorkshire Road and Commercial Road).

Visit www.tfl.gov.uk to check latest accessibility

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By bike: There is a Santander Cycles docking station

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Access

BSL

Commercial Rd

Limehouse

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details and to plan your journey.

Our blind and visually impaired audiences can pre-book touch tours prior to all performances.

Some shows have British Sign Language for Deaf and hearing impaired audiences. Half Moon is a fully accessible building. We have baby changing facilities and space for buggies.

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By car: Street parking is free at weekends and from all times. We are not within the congestion zone.

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9, Buses 30

B

Ben Jonson Road (309, 339).

other times. Street parking is free to disabled patrons at

Rd End Mile

Stepney Green

TOUCH TOUR

Half Moon Young People’s Theatre Ltd is a registered company in England & Wales (2479179).

Registered office: 43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND. Registered Charity: 1010192.

This brochure is printed using the environmentally friendly waterless printing process and is Forest Stewardship Council certified (FSC).