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What’s new in Elephant & Castle’s theatres

Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and coming up in theatres around Elephant and Castle.

Entertainment
  • 10 April 2022

Elephant & Castle has a long-standing history of theatre, one that’s still very much alive and kicking today. It’s the childhood home of famous theatrical faces like Charlie Chaplin and Michael Caine, and has been a documented home to serious theatre, comedy and the arts since the late 17th Century.

Looking to find out what’s coming up in Elephant and Castle Theatre? The 2022 programme at Southwark Playhouse is well underway. Here’s what’s coming up. 

 

Anyone Can Whistle

1st April – 7th May 2022

In the largest staged production of this musical since its release on Broadway in 1964, Anyone Can Whistle is musical and political satire rolled into one. Written by world-renowned composer Stephen Sondheim (of Into the Woods, Company and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street fame), this production stars Alex Young who previously starred in the 2017 production of Sondheim’s Follies. 
 

Anyone can Whistle is an unpredictable tale of a town that’s down on its luck. Completely controlled by the government, the townsfolk fake a miracle to save their town from economic failure. Exploring the difference between sanity and insanity, and themes of political corruption, the best way to enjoy this Sondheim classic is to embrace the madness and enjoy the ride!

Performances include evenings and matinees. Full price tickets start at £27.50 with concessions at £22. 

 

National Theatre Connections

19th – 23rd April 2022

National Theatre Connections is a programme commissioned by the theatre group, made up of new plays to be performed by young people. 

This year’s spring programme consists of four plays, each tackling issues faced by young people: 

The Ramayana Reset by Ayeesha Manon: 19th, 20th and 23rd April

Remote by Stef Smith: 19th and 23rd April 
 
Hunt by Fionnuala Kennedy: 21st and 22nd April
 
Superglue by Tim Crouch: 22nd April
 

Tickets are £8 for an evening and each evening consists of two plays – an exceptionally reasonable night of Elephant and Castle Theatre. By buying a ticket you’ll be support youth theatre and the arts for young people, as well as enjoying a night of stellar theatre. 

 

Five Characters in Search of a Good Night’s Sleep

27th April – 21st May, 2022

This brand-new play follows five insomniacs, each struggling with a crisis. What do they have in common? Each of them is becoming increasingly conscious of their age, their shortening futures. During their late-night periods of being awake, they distract themselves with activities, reminiscing, delusions and foolishness as each night ends and they face the morning. 

The play itself is the brainchild of ViSiBLE, a theatre company that’s dedicated to creating theatre and performance work that raises awareness and changes perceptions around later life and living longer. It draws on the exceptional creativity and talent of Britain’s community of experienced, older actors. 
 

Full price tickets start at £22 with concessions priced at £18. Evening performances and matinees are available. Some matinees are followed by post-show events with established experts and writers around issues highlighted by the performances. Find out more information on the Southwark Playhouse website

 

Cow’s Rainy Day

20th April 2022

This special performance at Walworth Library on Wednesday 20th April features South London’s favourite cow – and he’s celebrating his best friend’s birthday!

A short play for children lasting approximately 20 minutes, Cow’s Rainy Day is suitable for ages 2+ and teaches some fun lessons about accepting mistakes and being a friend.

This is a free performance, but we’d recommend booking ahead to avoid missing out. Find out more information on Blue Elephant Theatre’s website.