Half Moon Spring Brochure 2022

What’s On Jan – Apr 2022

Celebrating over 30 years of theatre for young audiences 020 7709 8900 | halfmoon.org.uk All Tickets £7

Season diary DATE Sat 15 Jan Sat 22 Jan Fri 28 Jan Sat 29 Jan Sat 5 Feb Sat 5 Feb Sat 12 Feb Sat 19 Feb Thu 24 Feb Fri 25 Feb Sat 26 Feb Thu 3 Mar Fri 4 Mar Sat 5 Mar Fri 11 Mar Sat 12 Mar Sat 19 Mar Mon 21 Mar Tue 22 Mar Tue 22 Mar Wed 23 Mar Wed 23 Mar Sat 26 Mar Sat 26 Mar Sat 26 Mar Sat 2 Apr

TIME 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 11am & 2pm 10.30am & 3.30pm 12pm & 2pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 11am & 2pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 11am & 2pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 8pm 5.15pm 8pm 5.15pm 8pm 10.30am 11.45am 1.15pm 11am & 2pm

PRODUCTION Stars in the Sky Dommy B’s Best Adventure Ever!

Butterflies Butterflies Baby Bear (older audience) Baby Bear (younger audience) Ugg ‘n’ Ogg and the World’s First Dogg Party Party Party Pinocchio Party Party Margo and Mr Whatsit Josephine Josephine Ready Steady Rave Solar Youth Theatre Sharing Eclipse Youth Theatre Sharing Lunar Youth Theatre Sharing Equinox Youth Theatre Sharing Orbit Youth Theatre Sharing Comets Youth Theatre Sharing Sunbeams Youth Theatre Sharing Moonbeams Youth Theatre Sharing Little Red Riding Hood

AGE 4+ 5+ 3–8 3–8 18 months–3 years 0–18 months 3+ 2–5 2–5 2–5 4+ 2–5 2–5 4+ 7+ 7+ 0–7 All All All All All All All All 3+

PAGE 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 7 7 8 9 9 9 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 10

Keeping everyone safe As part of our recent refurbishment, our theatre has a fresh air ventilation system that changes the air four times an hour.

We allow maximum flexibility for you to exchange your ticket(s) up to 24 hours before the performance, if you have to isolate.

We encourage the wearing of a face covering when in the building, including when watching a performance or visiting the gallery. We also encourage social distancing in our foyer.

Support us 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.

2

Ways to make a difference

Online: Donate securely via our website: 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

Easyfundraising and Amazon Smile: 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

Welcome to our spring season A very warm welcome to Half Moon’s new season of theatre for young audiences, which features 36 performances, 11 productions, 8 Youth Theatre sharings and 1 family friendly foyer exhibition.

After the uncertainties of the last year, we’re proud to be working with Tangled Feet again on a new version of Butterflies (28–29 Jan), that supports the exploration of how COVID has affected the anxiety levels and resilience of children. We’re also delighted that Party will be performed on 19, 24–25 Feb and 3–4 Mar. This humorous show about a birthday party to remember, was created during lockdown and originally released as a digital on demand show; we can’t wait to see this quirky production live on stage.

Other highlights of our packed season include welcoming back audience favourites Norwich Puppet Theatre with Pinocchio (26 Feb); celebrating 20th Century icon, spy and civil rights activist Josephine Baker (11–12 March); creating a rave club zone with Ready Steady Rave (19 Mar), where little ones can share the spotlight with their dance hungry grown-ups; and venturing into a mysterious wild wood with Lyngo Theatre and their new show Little Red Riding Hood (2 Apr).

Don’t forget our On Demand service puts your sofa in the front row with digital productions of some of our recent shows for young people, recorded live at Half Moon. Find out more: halfmoon.org.uk/on-demand I look forward to welcoming you to your local theatre.

Chris Elwell, Director

Host your event here Do you need a space for a meeting, seminar or book launch? Or perhaps a studio theatre for rehearsing, filming or a photo shoot? Half Moon has several fully accessible spaces available to hire. With very competitive rates and excellent transport links, we’re a great choice for hosting your event.

Theatre: Up to 90 people, full sound and lighting rig Upper Studio: Up to 30 people Red Room: Up to 10 people Foyer: Up to 60 for a launch, 15 for meetings Workshop: For design and painting Technical assistance available. Please contact us with your requirements: call 020 7709 8900 or email admin@halfmoon.org.uk 3

Gallery @ Half Moon

Sat 15 Jan 11am & 2pm Ages 4+ 40 mins

There’s No Other Way

by Katy Christianson 10 Jan – 19 Apr At a time when the world is starting to re-engage with travel, illustrator Katy Christianson’s timely exhibition explores the experience of slow travel and how ‘nofly’ can be part of a more sustainable way to explore the world.

For all our exhibitions, we provide a gallery trail for children. School and community groups can visit free of charge to support young people in gaining Arts Award Discover and Explore.

Contact Beccy on 020 7709 8908 or beccy@halfmoon.org.uk LUMINOUS TALES PRESENTS

Stars in the Sky There was once an old lady who wanted to play with the stars. Follow the adventures of Stella as she sets out on a magical night-time adventure, helped by an assortment of strange and wonderful creatures. Will she reach the stars in the sky?

Inspired by a traditional folk tale and the creatures of the zodiac, Stars in the Sky is a luminous mix of storytelling and shadow puppetry that uses a ‘Crankie’, a moving panorama where the background scrolls around turned by a wooden handle, to weave its magic.

4

Sat 22 Jan 11am & 2pm Ages 5+ 50 mins

Fri 28 Jan 10.30am & 1.30pm Sat 29 Jan 11am & 2pm

Ages 3–8 45 mins

DOMMY B PRESENTS

Dommy B’s Best Adventure Ever!

When Dom and his Mum move home, Dom has to go to a new school. Leaving behind friends and familiarity, he arrives ready to share his exciting rhymes about meeting a magical goblin and what happened at the lake when he attempted the greatest bike stunt in the world. How far will Dom go to gain acceptance from the coolest kids in this new school?

Creating a whole fantastical world on stage with only his words and imagination, CBeebies Rhyme Rocket poet Dommy B explores the challenges and triumphs of making new friends when everything around you is different and strange.

TANGLED FEET AND HALF MOON PRESENT

Butterflies

Three friends embark on an exciting adventure to chase their butterflies away.

They cross new seas to uncharted lands, on a journey filled with discovery. The only trouble is they’re all a bit worried about it! During their voyage the group ride the waves, walk high bridges, skirt deep caves and climb to the sky, before reaching dry land, braver than ever before.

Created in response to young children’s experience of anxiety, Butterflies is an uplifting tale of friendship, courage and facing your fears, told using innovative staging, breathtaking physicality, touching humour and an original musical score.

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

5

Sat 5 Feb

18 mths–3 yrs 10.30am & 3.30pm 0–18 mths 12pm & 2pm

Sat 12 Feb 11am & 2pm Ages 3+ 50 mins

20 mins

MOON ON A STICK THEATRE PRESENTS

Baby Bear

Bear doesn’t want to venture outside her cosy cave. But she is too curious about the sights, sounds and smells outside to stay indoors. Tempted by the creatures that wander into her home, Baby Bear learns the beauty of nature and how returning home is even better after an adventure.

An exploration of the senses, sung to a mesmerising soundtrack, Baby Bear is a playful, interactive puppetry adventure for babies, toddlers and their families. Join Baby Bear as she explores nature and wildlife in an uplifting, beautiful and comical show that is the perfect first theatre experience.

There are two versions of Baby Bear suitable for different ages, 0–18 months and 18 months–3 years. Please check the website for further details.

After the performance there is a stay and play session.

THEATRE FIDERI FIDERA PRESENTS

Ugg ‘n’ Ogg and the World’s First Dogg The truly mind-boggling story of how a long, long time ago two hunter-gatherers, Ugg and Ogg, palled up with their enemies the wolves and invented man’s best friend, the dog. Join our two young heroes and the wolves Tooth ‘n’ Nail on their fun-packed comic adventure.

In this hilarious new show expect lots of beat-boxing wolves, forest infernos and even a time-travelling stick before you finally get the chance to pat the world’s first Dogg.

At the end of the show audiences are invited onto the stage to meet the performers and puppets.

6

Sat 19 Feb 11am & 2pm Thu 24 Feb, Fri 25 Feb, Thu 3 Mar & Fri 4 March 10.30am & 1.30pm

Ages 2–5 40 mins HALF MOON PRESENTS

Party

Afonso wants to go to his best friend’s birthday party, but where is his invitation – has it been lost in the post, or maybe he wasn’t even invited? When it finally arrives the excitement and nerves become too much to handle. What should he wear? Will they have balloons? Will anyone play with him? And what about the cake?

Heartfelt, provocative and full of quirky humour, Party features striking, colourful designs and a glorious contemporary soundtrack. Let the warmth of a Portuguese summer take you to a place where difference is something to celebrate.

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

7

Sat 26 Feb 11am & 2pm Ages 4+ 50 mins

Sat 5 Mar 11am & 2pm Ages 4+ 55 mins

NORWICH PUPPET THEATRE PRESENTS

Pinocchio

Join puppet Pinocchio on a fast-paced adventure of self-discovery, as they try, fail, and try again to find their heart and become a real person. It’s a playful story exploring what it means to love – with hints of danger, slapstick humour and a very big fish!

This exciting re-imagining of the classic Italian fairy tale, by Half Moon regulars Norwich Puppet Theatre, is a highly visual production featuring puppetry, illusion and object theatre, as well as an atmospheric soundtrack.

PADDLEBOAT THEATRE PRESENTS

Margo and Mr Whatsit Sophia’s imaginary friend is Mr Whatsit.

No matter where Sophia finds herself living, he’s always there with a joke to tell and a game to play. But when Sophia moves into her new foster home, Mr Whatsit finds himself unimagined! Now Sophia has a new imaginary friend – the glamorous, grown-up Margo. Can Mr Whatsit keep him from being unimagined for good? And with her imaginary friends competing against each other, will Sophia manage to find her forever home?

An interactive make-believe tale where the real and imaginary collide, and friends are never far away.

8

Fri 11 Mar 10.30am & 1.30pm Sat 12 Mar 11am & 2pm Ages 7+ 60 mins

Sat 19 Mar 11am & 2pm Ages 0–7 60 mins

THE EGG, WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE AND OXFORD PLAYHOUSE PRESENT HOLM THEATRE’S

Josephine

Josephine Baker, the little girl from Missouri who became an original 20th Century icon. Dancer, actor, activist, campaigner, spy and mother to the multicultural Rainbow Tribe, Josephine broke the mould and high-kicked the pieces to the kerb. But, almost 50 years after her death, Café Josephine, a down-at-heel New York diner dedicated to her memory, faces closure. Nobody remembers Josephine, who she was, what she did, what she stood for. And she just can’t allow that.

With a sultry, Harlem Renaissanceinspired score, Charleston dancing and a hatful of historical figures, Josephine blurs the real with the imagined as we follow one woman’s incredible journey from the slums of St Louis via the bright lights of Paris and into the hearts of the world.

HALF MOON PRESENTS

Ready Steady Rave DJ James Wonder is in the building! Enter our rave club zone, where little ones can share the spotlight with their dance hungry grown-ups. DJ James spins an energetic mix of House, Trance, Techno, Dubstep, Grime and Jungle with a pulsating and playful light show, plus large screen projections.

No mud, no rain, no need for sun-screen – just a festival vibe where party clothes, dancing shoes and your best moves are all that’s required. So are you ready? Are you steady? Let’s rave!

Ready Steady Rave features loud music.

Participants may wish to consider bringing their own ear defenders to this event.

9

Sat 2 Apr 11am & 2pm Ages 3+ 50 mins

LYNGO THEATRE PRESENTS

Little Red Riding Hood A wolf in granny’s clothing knows all about what fun dressing-up can be and in Little Red Riding Hood a magical wardrobe opens its doors to a fantastic display of gorgeous garments.

Lyngo Theatre takes you down the path into the mysterious wild wood where you’ll hear catchy songs on the wind and spot hilarious puppets between the trees.

We’re sure you’ll say what a great show we’ve got – all the better to thrill you with!

Half Moon On Demand Put your sofa in the front row with digital productions of some of our recent shows for young people, recorded live at Half Moon Theatre and professionally filmed and edited. Our On Demand service 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 the best seats in the house into your own home.

Shows available include: Dust (ages 4–9), The House That Jackson Built (ages 4–10), Paper Aeroplane (ages 3–7), Rolling Down the Road (ages 3–11) and What Once Was Ours (ages 13+).

Watch online now: halfmoon.org.uk/on-demand All productions have closed captioning for d/Deaf and hard of hearing audiences.

Dust, The House That Jackson Built and Paper Aeroplane are also available with British Sign Language.

10

Party @ Half Moon Celebrate your child’s special day 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 £150.

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

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

There’s a rolling selection of popular children’s books for all ages on offer, 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.

Explore the full history of Half Moon Theatre online at stagesofhalfmoon.org. uk through photographs, programmes, news stories, documents, videos and filmed interviews with over 100 people.

There’s more than 500 pages of information on productions, projects, people and buildings, so lots to discover!

The Stages of Half Moon exhibition is now on permanent display in the upper corridor. It’s overflowing with photographs and original posters, so do take a look and learn more about our long history. stagesofhalfmoon.org.uk #HalfMoonHistory

bricklanebookshop.org 11

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, 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

A snapshot of last year’s achievements: » 3 new shows created during lockdown » 7 productions filmed for young people » 7 filmed shows nominated for Off West End OnComm Awards » 18 productions made available to watch online » 52,500 people viewed these productions at home

» 84 freelancers and 10 core staff team employed » 411 face-to-face participatory sessions held » 618 volunteer hours donated » 3,500 people attended participatory sessions » 8,000 people engaged in our online participatory activity

We couldn’t do it without: We are also extremely grateful for support from: Action for Bow Amazon Smile ATG The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund Barratt London Community Fund Basketmakers’ Charitable Trust BBC Children in Need Benevity Causes Charity Bank Chapman Charitable Trust Charles S. French Charitable Trust Chartered Secretaries and Administrators Charitable Trust Chesterhill Charitable Trust City Bridge Trust Clarion Futures Clifford Chance The Coln Trust DCR Allen Charitable Trust 12

Derek Shuttleworth Educational Trust easyfundraising The Fitton Trust Fund 4 Ruby Garfield Weston Foundation Hadley Property Group The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation The Henry Smith Charity Jack Petchey Foundation The Leathersellers’ Company Charitable Fund M&G Prudential National Lottery Heritage Fund Ocean Regeneration Trust Prudential plc Small Donations Fund RTR Foundation SLA Europe Sir Ian McKellan The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust Souter Charitable Trust THAMES The Unum Community Fund Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Also a big thanks to our many individual donors

Theatre Passport

Unlock a Child’s Creative Journey

Half Moon is your local theatre and has been providing professional plays for young people aged 0–18 since 1990.

Theatre Passport was launched as part of our 30th birthday celebrations in 2020. This free ticket scheme for Tower Hamlets school and community groups was based on schemes in other areas of the UK and proved very successful. We need your help to continue Theatre Passport so we can ensure children in our borough don’t miss out.

Working together with businesses, organisations and individuals, we can give local children the opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre, many for the first time, and start them on their creative journey.

Attending live performances can provide a host of benefits, including improving emotional wellbeing and giving opportunities to discuss challenging subjects. Enjoyment and education rolled into one!

Please help us to ensure children can access the arts locally.

A DONATION OF:

would let four young people visit Half Moon would allow an entire class to come* would go towards a whole school outing† 40 children and adults †400 children and adults

*

To find out more, or for donations of £3,000, please email jackie@halfmoon.org.uk or call 020 7709 8903.

You can donate online at halfmoon.org.uk/passport or send a cheque made payable to Half Moon Young People’s Theatre to: Half Moon, 43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND 13

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 eight groups that run during term time.

Half Moon’s Youth Theatres School Years 1– 3

Comets: Saturday 10am–11am Sunbeams: Saturday 11.15am–12.15pm Moonbeams: Saturday 12.45pm–1.45pm

School Years 4 – 6

Eclipse: Tuesday 4pm–5.45pm Equinox: Wednesday 4pm–5.45pm

School Years 7– 9

Lunar: Tuesday 6.30pm–8.30pm

School Years 10 –13

Orbit: Wednesday 6.30pm–8.30pm

Teenagers with disabilities (specialist group)

Solar: Monday 6.30pm–8.30pm

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

Spring term begins on Monday 10, Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12 and Saturday 15 January 2022.

Arts Award

Youth Theatre Sharings will take place between Monday 21 and Saturday 26 March 2022, check the season diary for more information.

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.

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

14

Inclusive

Schools & teachers can also participate In the past year, despite Coronavirus (COVID-19), Half Moon delivered 411 face-to-face participatory sessions with over 3,500 attendances and an estimated 8,000 people engaged in our online participatory activity. Young people from all levels of education took part, from pre-school to further education. In our home borough of Tower Hamlets, despite the restrictions of the pandemic, we still managed to work with over 50% of the nurseries, children’s centres, schools and colleges, with over half of these engaging with at least two projects. 2022 sees us back up and running to preCOVID-19 activity levels.

Projects include

Careers in Theatre: A hands-on, project-

management style experience for 13–17 year olds of all aspects of professional theatre

CPD for Teachers: A series of practical

training sessions for primary and secondary school staff

Dramatic Maths: An innovative project using drama and storytelling to engage children in KS2 maths DramaWorks: Bespoke experiential

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 art, literacy and other curriculum work Next Steps: A programme using drama to

support Year 6 students with their transition to secondary school with continued support in Years 7–9. Part of Tower Hamlets Youth Service

Speech Bubbles: A year-long intervention programme working with KS1 children to develop their communication skills through drama We also support young people and schools in gaining Artsmark and Arts Award.

Early Years Creative Play: Sessions for children to explore their physicality and imaginations and to feel confident with creative play For more information visit 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

15

Book tickets

By phone: 020 7709 8900 Online: halfmoon.org.uk In person: Mon–Fri 10am–6pm

Sat 10am–4pm 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

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

Get in touch Half Moon Theatre 43 White Horse Road London E1 0ND admin@halfmoon.org.uk Sign up to our e-news at halfmoon.org.uk

5 Bus 2 ite Wh

Gateway). Follow signs for Bekesbourne Street when

se Hor

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

Ste

Lane

pne yG

By bus: Buses stop 1 minute away on Commercial Road

reen

junction with White Horse Road. Numbers 115, 135 &

s on R d Ben John

D3. Other buses stop by Stepney Green tube (25) and Ben Jonson Road (309, 339).

rav eS

ee t

tr

White Horse R oad

Half Moon

5.30pm on weekdays. Meter parking is available at all

Commer cial Rd

Buses 15, 115, 135, D 3

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

Cable St

junction with Yorkshire Road and Commercial Road).

Visit tfl.gov.uk to check latest accessibility details and

Butche r Row

By bike: There is a Santander Cycles docking station

l Tunne rhithe Rothe

Access

BSL

Commercial Rd

Limehouse

y ighwa The H

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 adult and baby changing facilities and space for buggies.

9, 339 Buses 30

B

elg

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

Rd End Mile

Stepney Green

mainline and DLR station (2 stops from Bank and Tower

other times. Street parking is free to disabled patrons

halfmoon_theatre halfmoontheatre halfmoontheatre

Follow us halfmoontheatre @halfmoontheatre

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.

Printed by Park Lane Press on FSC® certified paper, using fully sustainable, vegetable oil-based inks, power from 100% renewable resources and waterless printing technology. Print production systems registered to ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and over 97% of waste is recycled.