AUTUMNSeASoN September 2013 - January 2014

Box office: 020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk

Welcome to ChickenshedThe launch of our autumn season is a particularly exciting time for Chickenshed, as we are embarking on celebrating our 40th year. Since our humble beginnings in an actual chicken shed, we have never wavered in our values or beliefs: where difference can divide, at Chickenshed the difference makes the art.

As part of our celebrations, we are going back to our roots for this year’s magical Christmas show with The Night Before Christmas. We first performed it at The Place in 1992, but it was also the first show we ever performed in the Rayne Theatre in 1994. It’s amazing to think that several people working on the show now were actually children who were in the original shows themselves. It is also fondly remembered by audiences as one of the best Christmas shows ever, and we can’t wait to share it – and other exciting 40th Festival Year events – with you.

Other highlights this autumn will be a hugely entertaining production of The Government Inspector, which has been hailed as ‘the greatest Russian comedy’; a brand new show for 7–11s called Professor Hallux Alive!; our usual workshops for adults and young people; shows for little ones and Christmas specials sprinkled with extra festive sparkle; and fantastic comedy, music and Jazz nights.

We hope you’ll join us in wishing for another successful 40 years, and we look forward to seeing you at Chickenshed soon.

Join our e-listSign up via our website and get regular updates, and all the latest news

Enjoy a coffee and light snack, a delicious Mediterranean-inspired lunch or evening meal, or simply sample from a carefully selected range of juices, wines and beers.

Christmas Menu available from 27 Nov – 11 Jan. Book now.

Restaurant and bar open from 9am Monday - Saturday and Sundays when there is an event.To reserve a table call 020 8440 2221

Food and drinkat Chickenshed

Registered charity no : 1012369American Friends of Chickenshed Inc: EIN No: 30-0099170

Twitter @Chickenshed_UKFacebook /Chickenshed

YouTube /Chickenshed

Photo from first production of Chickenshed’s The Night Before Christmas at The Place in 1992.

A group of small town money-grabbing officials get the shock of their lives when they learn that a Government Inspector is being dispatched to investigate their town and all its local dealings. But as panic and self-preservation set in, will anyone think to question the Inspector’s credentials?

Based on Nikolai Gogol’s renowned 1836 play, The Government Inspector is an energetic comedy of manners and errors, with biting satire and madcap twists and turns, exposing the absurdity of the town’s all too recognisable characters.

Following the amazing success of last autumn’s Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!, the play has been adapted especially for Chickenshed’s dynamic performance style, and promises to be a vibrant, funny and entertaining take on politics and society.

Fri 11 – Fri 25 Oct Studio Theatre (Approx 2hrs 20mins inc interval)Ages 10+ | £10 (£8 concs)Fri 11, Sat 12, Tue 15, Thu 17, Fri 18, Sat 19, Mon 21, Tue 22, Wed 23, Thu 24 at 7.30pm, Fri 25 at 8.30pmMatinees: Fri 11 at 3.30pmThu 17 at 1pmSat 19 at 3.30pmFri 25 at 5pmCaptioned Performance: Sat 19 Oct 3.30pmSigned Performance: Tue 22 Oct 7.30pm

Talking Points

FREE

The GovernmentInspector Written by Nikolai Gogol

Adapted by Daren Norris for performance by Chickenshed

Inspecting the DirectorMon 21 Oct | 6.30pm (30mins pre-show) book by phone or email

Join director Jonny Morton as he discusses the challenges and opportunities of directing a classic text in Chickenshed’s unique performance style.

Inspecting the InspectorThu 17 Oct | 6.30pm (30mins pre-show) book by phone or email

Director Jonny Morton and adaptor Daren Norris will talk and answer questions about the development of the production, from initial ideas through to rehearsals and finally performance.

FREE

27 Nov – 11 JanFor ages 5+

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A truly magical Chickenshed show

It’s Christmas Eve and, too excited to sleep, the children are desperate to tear into their huge sack of presents. However the gifts they find are clearly not for them - instead they are meant for Cinderella’s Ugly Sisters, Mr Ebenezer Scrooge and The Snow Queen. So the children realise they must journey to magical faraway lands to return these presents, learning the true meaning of Christmas as they go - and all before Midnight!

Revived for 2013, The Night Before Christmas is fondly remembered as one of Chickenshed’s best shows ever – with our professional actors and diverse cast once again bringing Christmas alive in a completely fresh and festive way. Prepare to be mesmerised by the wonderful story, beautiful music and songs, amazing dance and a feast of memorable characters specially created for this uniquely Chickenshed show.

Performance times and prices are on the next page.

#NightBeforeChristmas

Audio Described Performances: Sun 15 Dec 5.30pm, Fri 20 Dec 7pm, Sun 22 Dec 2pm, Sun 29 Dec 2pmCaptioned Performances: Fri 13 Dec 12pm, Sun 15 Dec 2pm, Sat 4 Jan 3pmSign Language is integrated into all performances

Christmas Show related events

The Night Before ChristmasPerformance times and prices

Before The Night Before ChristmasFri 6 Dec | 6pm (30mins pre-show)Rayne Theatre book by phone or email

This show was first performed to launch the opening of the theatre and is back again to launch our 40th year celebrations. Join us for a trip down memory lane – meet the original ‘sleigh kids’ and hear from our founders, Mary Ward and Jo Collins, who will all fondly recall their experiences of putting on this magical show.

40th Year Festival: Book LaunchSun 15 Dec | 7.30pmChickenshed Bar book by phone or email

After the 5.30pm performance of The Night Before Christmas, join us for a glass of wine and a mince pie and celebrate the launch of ‘Chickenshed – An Awfully Big Adventure’ – a new book which commemorates Chickenshed’s many highlights and achievements over the last 40 years.

There will be a talk and Q&A session with founders Mary Ward and Jo Collins who will also be on hand to sign copies of the book on the night.

The book will be available at the Box Office from October and can also be purchased via Chickenshed’s website.

Talking Points

Wed 27 Nov – Sat 11 JanRayne Theatre (2hrs including interval)

FREE

FREEPreview/Off peak n Stalls: £13 (£11 concs) Gallery: £11Standard l Stalls: £19 (£17 concs) Gallery: £13Peak u Stalls: £20 (£18 concs) Gallery: £14Schools performances s All seats: £11 Christmas MenuOur Christmas Menu is available from 27 Nov – 11 Jan. As our Christmas Shows are very popular we recommend that you book in advance in order to secure a reservation.Our new Christmas Menu will be available on our website and reservations can be made any time by calling 020 8440 2221.

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Christmas Tales is a fun and festive celebration that takes the very best of our wonderful Tales from the Shed shows and sprinkles it with new, magical and larger-than-life characters – and then puts the whole thing on our biggest stage, the Rayne Theatre!

Get ready to laugh, sing and join in with Can-Can, The Thing That Goes Blurgh and all their fun and games.

Last year’s shows were a sell-out success – book early to avoid disappointment.

Ages 0-7yrs | £8 | Free to babies under 1yr (50-60mins) At Chickenshed in the Rayne Theatre:Wed 4 Dec 9.30amSat 7 Dec 9.30am & 11.15amTue 10 Dec 9.30amSat 14, Sun 15 Dec 9.30am & 11.15amSat 21, Sun 22, Mon 23 Dec 9.30am & 11.15am

Plus at Dugdale Centre, Enfield Town:Fri 20 & Fri 27 Dec 10am, 11.30am, 1pmDugdale Centre, Thomas Hardy House, 39 London Road, Enfield EN2 6DS

Christmas TalesA fun and festive show for children up to 7 years

Tales PartiesAfter the 11.30am Tales from the Shed Saturday show at Chickenshed, you can have a special birthday party in a designated area of the bar. For your party you get a mention during the Tales from the Shed show for the birthday boy/girl, a Tales character singing Happy Birthday at your table and delicious party food.

Party price £5.50 per childMinimum 10 children, maximum 50

Tales Parties can also come to your home – ask the Box Office for more information.

Hugely entertaining shows for 0-7s!£6 | Free to babies under 6mths (50-60mins)

Tales from the Shed are highly entertaining, interactive theatre shows that are perfect for young children. They are informal, lively and amazingly engaging as the performers and audience share the same space - children are always encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen. We guarantee that every show will be fun, really silly and that there will be plenty of colourful puppets and live songs. Every week we present different stories featuring the same much loved characters – from Can-Can the beautiful bird to laid back Lion Down and The Thing That Goes Blurgh!

At Chickenshed in the Studio Theatre:Every Fri & Sat 6 – 21 Sep & 11 Oct – 9 NovFri 11.30am, Sat 10am & 11.30amPlus half-term dates & times:Thu 31 Oct 10am & 11.30amFri 1 Nov 10am

Tales from the Shed

Radio Media Partner

Chickenshed and Fun Kids present

Sat 28 Sep & Sat 5 Oct10am, 11.30am, 1pm Studio Theatre (45-50mins)

Ages 7–11yrs | £6

Professor Hallux has been building a body, but there’s a problem. Together with his brilliant assistant, Nurse Nanobot, he must check through every component from the brain, heart and lungs to the eyeballs, nails and teeth to work out just what’s gone wrong.

Developed by the team behind Chickenshed’s exceptionally popular Tales from the Shed, this new performance is based on Fun Kids’ hugely successful and informative radio show, Professor Hallux Builds A Body.

This multi-media and immersive production will have bags of participation and fun. Meet characters from medicine’s past and present and enjoy getting to know a bit more about how the body works.

Chickenshed offers a unique opportunity to learn and perform in a working theatre. We have flexible entry requirements because we appreciate that talent and passion can’t always be measured by exam results. We have a great success rate both in retaining students and achieving results - our recent successes include a 98% pass rate for our BTEC course and 25% of our recent graduates achieving the equivalent of a First on our Foundation Degree. We are also rated ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED.

Applications open Jan 2014. Bursaries available.

Find out more and apply by visiting the website or contacting

Zoe Hayes, Education Coordinatorzoeh@chickenshed.org.uk020 8216 2729www.chickenshed.org.uk/courses

BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing ArtsTwo-year full time course. equivalent to three A-levels.

BA/Foundation Degree in Inclusive PerformanceThe FdA course is a two-year full time course. In addition, you can now study with us for a further year to gain a BA degree qualification.

Study at Chickenshed

Performance workshops for young people

Saturday ShedEvery Sat 14 Sep – 2 Nov5-8yrs for Year 1 and up (10am) 9-12yrs for up to Year 8 (11.15am) Chickenshed (60mins)Pay As You Go: £6 per session Termly Membership: pre-register for all 8 workshops for a 25% discount

A great opportunity for young people to develop their performance skills using our proven teaching methods and unique performance style. Led by our highly experienced and energetic staff, each session will involve movement, drama, singing and story-making. Every workshop is different and designed so that a child of any ability can come to all sessions, or drop in to one session from time to time.

Autumn ShedMon 28 Oct – Fri 1 Nov | 10am – 4pmAges 5-12yrs (Years 1 – 8)£130 per week | 50% discount for siblings

Participants at this week-long event will explore and develop a wide range of performance skills through workshops that involve drama, dance, singing and story-making. Parents and friends will be invited in on the final afternoon to see a performance.

Everyone is welcome regardless of experience. Participants will need to bring a packed lunch and snacks, and they will be supervised by Chickenshed staff during lunchtimes and breaks.

Comedy and Music nights

Live music with Jo Collins & FriendsSat 21 Sep & Sat 2 Nov8.30pm | Chickenshed Bar (3hrs)£9 adv and concs | £11

Jo Collins is an immensely talented singer-songwriter and is Director of Music at Chickenshed. Backed by her in-house band, Jo plays a thrilling set of eclectic covers taking in pop, soul, funk and folk. During the evening guests are also welcome to take to the stage for a song or two as part of this fun, relaxed and highly enjoyable Saturday night event.

Comedy NightThu 10 Oct8pm | Chickenshed Bar (3hrs)Ages 16+ | £10 adv | £12

With past exceptional acts including Richard Herring and Shappi Khorsandi, plus many fantastic new up-and- coming comedians, Comedy Nights at Chickenshed are fast becoming the place to be for a relaxed and very funny night out.

A full line-up of sensational acts will be confirmed on our website nearer the time. Please check back for details or visit www.chickenshed.org.uk/register and join our e-list.

Supported by

All proceeds from comedy and music events go to Chickenshed to support our work.Adult Theatre

Workshops

Chickenshed 60+Every Mon 9 Sep – 21 Oct (excluding 14 Oct) 5pm (1hr 30mins)Ages 60+ | £45 for 6 weeks of workshops

A series of theatre workshops for the over 60s which also provide a great opportunity to meet new people with a shared passion for theatre and the performing arts, as well as the chance to work with Chickenshed’s highly experienced practitioners. Early booking recommended as places are limited.

Community ChorusEvery Wed 11 Sep – 23 Oct (excluding 16 Oct)6.30pm (2hrs)Ages 21+ | £45 for 6 weeks of workshops

Take part in a series of vocal sessions at which you can develop your singing skills as part of an ensemble and learn a number of arrangements. Sessions are led by Jo Collins – Chickenshed’s Director of Music.

Support Scheme Available: Chickenshed strives to make all of its activities open to everyone. If the costs of these activities prevent you from attending please contact Matthew Lyons, Head of Membership, on 020 8216 2721 or matthewl@chickenshed.org.uk.

No previous experience of performing or an ability to read music is required – all you need is an interest in either creative performance or singing and plenty of enthusiasm!

Support us

Chickenshed’s 10K Challenge + 3K Family Fun RunSun 6 Oct £8 Adults | £4 Children (5-16 years must be accompanied by an adult)Sponsorship: £25 per adult (minimum) | None for children

Last year over 200 people raised £10,000 for Chickenshed - this year we’re looking to raise even more. Run, walk or cycle our 10K route through a beautiful trailed track in Trent Park, or take part in our accessible 3K route - family teams welcome. Both routes start at Chickenshed.

To enter, and for more information,visit www.chickenshed.org.uk/10K

Virgin London Marathon 2014Sun 13 Apr

This is the world’s most famous road race that attracts runners from all over the world, and the 2014 marathon will be even more special running for Chickenshed as we celebrate our 40th year. Team Chickenshed will be helping our marathon runners to raise sponsorship and be there every step of the way to provide the necessary support, help and guidance.

If you would like more information or to apply contact Jacqui McLeod on jacquim@chickenshed.org.uk or 020 8216 2790.

Alec Dankworth’s Spanish Accents Fri 20 Sep | £15 adv | £17

Talented jazz bassist Alec Dankworth presents a captivating show that reflects his life-long passion for Spain and its music. Spanish Accents features the acclaimed jazz violinist Christian Garrick, the authentic Spanish guitar exponent Phil Robson, renowned saxophonist Mark Lockheart, specialist latin-percussionist Demi Garcia and the ‘baby’ of the Dankworth dynasty, Alec’s vocalist daughter, Emily Dankworth. This is a unique evening of sparkling Spanish spirit and Mediterranean warmth.

The Show of ShowsFri 15 Nov | £18 adv | £20

On the opening night of the London Jazz Festival, Jazz at Chickenshed brings you a sensational show featuring both of Chickenshed’s major box-office attractions on the same bill! Experience the unrivalled jazz funk of Julian Marc Stringle and the Dream Band featuring Neil Angilley, Dominic Ashworth, Mike Bradley and Chris Dodd plus the unique, powerful, charismatic and ‘not to be missed’ jazz vocal entertainer Liane Carroll.

Jazz nights 7pm support act, Chickenshed Bar (45mins)8.30pm main act, Chickenshed Bar (3hrs)

Jazz at Chickenshed is supported by County Instruments

How to bookBy phone or in person call the Box Office on 020 8292 9222 (18001 020 8292 9222 TypeTalk)Online www.chickenshed.org.uk (£1.50 booking fee)Email bookings@chickenshed.org.ukTickets can be collected from Box Office or posted to you for 35p

Seating planChickenshed’s Rayne Theatre is a flexible space; please ask Box Office for details of specific seating configurations. A seating map is available below and on the website. Studio Theatre, Dance Studio, Bar and Amphitheatre events have unreserved seats.

Support usThere are a number of fun and rewarding ways you can support our work and secure Chickenshed’s future. Find out more at www.chickenshed.org.uk/supportus

Friends schemeJoin Chickenshed’s membership scheme from just £7 a month. Visit www.chickenshed.org.uk/friends for details.

Donate a ticketSupport our initiative which enables young people who couldn’t otherwise afford to go to the theatre to see a Chickenshed show. Call or email the Box Office to donate.

Getting hereTube: Oakwood or Cockfosters (10-12mins walk).Bus: 298, 299, 307 and N91 stop outside the theatre.Parking: Free parking is available immediately outside the building, and access spaces can be reserved in advance through the Box Office.Address: 290 Chase Side, Southgate, London, N14 4PE

AccessChickenshed is an inclusive theatre that welcomes everyone. Captioned, Sign Interpreted and Audio Described performance dates are available on the event page and our website.

Guide dogs or hearing dogs are welcome in the theatre with you, or can be left with Front of House staff. Please advise the Box Office of your requirements when booking.

Sennheiser infra-red system headsets or neck loops are available and can be reserved via the Box Office.

Our venue is wheelchair accessible and wheelchair spaces can be booked for performances.

To request a large print or audio version of our season brochure please email accessbookings@chickenshed.org.uk or call the Box Office.

Visit www.chickenshed.org.uk/access for more information.

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