In this issue of Community Update, we are delighted to select Greenwich Theatre for our Commitment to Excellence Award.
Greenwich Theatre is one of London’s foremost Off-West End Theatres and offers an award-winning programme of festive, seasonal pantomimes, theatre, comedy, children’s events and star-studded musical extravagances.
Pantomines are an annual British institution; perfect for an inter-generational family outing and guaranteed to get you in the festive mood. Pantomines in fact date back to 16th century Italian slapstick comedy performances and gradually gained more popularity in the late 17th century across the UK with Harlequin Clowns. The playwright and actor: Sir Augustus Harris is now widely regarded as the Father of Modern-Day Pantomime with his early pantomime renditions at Drury Lane Theatre in the 19th century.
So, kicking off the panto season in style is a slapstick Greenwich Theatre production of Snow White for the whole family from 24th November- 7th January 2024. Writer and actor Anthony Spargo has written this year’s panto again, returning to star as a wicked, villainous dame in this fun-filled adaption. With a selection of morning, matinee and evening times, there is a perfect slot for everyone.
Greenwich Theatre is strongly committed to making theatre inclusive for everyone, irrespective of disability, age or sexuality and has made great strides to increase access through its Relaxed Performances. These allow modifications to be made for an audience with special needs or disabilities, including sensory or communication difficulties. Many other West End theatres have now followed suit, allowing for many members of society, previously excluded from theatres to now gain access. In 2019, a report from VOCALEYES reported that only 20% of theatres provided Relaxed Performances but over the last four years, many have now increased access.
Greenwich Theatre is proud to provide a relaxed performance of Snow White on the 4th January at 7pm for all theatre-goers with any or more of these conditions: anxiety, Tourette’s, bowel and bladder conditions, autism spectrum conditions, learning disabilities or other sensory and communication needs. During this time, the lighting and sound levels are adjusted, the theatre doors are kept open, there is a break-out area if required and no flashing merchandise will be on sale. Patrons won’t be asked to be quiet and are free to come and go in the auditorium as required, as Marketing Manager: Taylor Jay explains further,
“We are encouraging everyone to access the theatre and our relaxed performances are designed to make our audience feel at ease.
Our big plans going into 2024 are to grow more within the theatrical community and connect more with the LGBTQIA+ and Neurodiverse communities.
We’re committed to introducing the youngest audience members to the magic of live performance, with family theatre programmed throughout the year. At the heart of that, alongside the pantomime, 2024 will see the return of the Greenwich Children’s Theatre Festival, featuring shows, workshops and activities for all ages during the Easter holidays.
In the next few months, we’ll be completely refreshing our membership schemes so keep an eye out for information on that!”
If you’re a theatre-lover, why not consider The Friendship Scheme? It comes with a three-tiered annual membership system: single – £50, shared – £70, and family – £100. Included within the membership is 50% off nearly every theatre production at the theatre, free tickets throughout the year, and invitations to special events throughout the theatre calendar.
If you become a Greenwich Theatre friend, you won’t miss the sweet, baritone tones of National Treasure: Aled Jones singing live next September. Many will remember him singing the beautiful song, ‘Walking in the Air’ for the classic animated film: The Snowman. Throughout a career of music theatre productions on London’s West End and classical stage, Aled has sang all over the world to appreciative audiences, including a private audience with King Charles III. Fans have the opportunity to book a VIP ticket for £70 which includes front row seats, goody bag and pre-show meet n’greet for autograph and photo opportunity.
For lovers of West End musicals, why not book to see Kerry Ellis: Queen of the West End singing live next November? Kerry has starred in classic musicals such as My Fair Lady, We Will Rock You, Les Misérables and Wicked, through to multiple Broadway hits. With four runaway studio albums under her belt, see this songbird perform on the 3rd November for one-night only. Superfans can also book the VIP tickets for a star-studded evening.
Greenwich Theatre has been delighting audiences for over fifty years, with a grassroots mission to inspire, educate and entertain across the local community and beyond.
For more information, see below:
T 020 8858 7755