23-31 May
From Tudor theatres to the Olympic Opening Ceremony, we’re getting to know the performances of London’s past this May half term. Clowns, puppets, Shakepeare and more inspire a week of crafts, storytelling and drama for families of all ages.
Opening ceremony
Sat 23 May, 12.30-2pm & 2.30-4pm
London Olympics 2012 opened with a spectacular ceremony featuring thousands of performers. Recreate your own mini performance at this art drop in.
Suggested ages: 5+
Event Type: Art drop-in
Sounds of the music hall
Sat 23 & Sun 24 May, 1-1.30pm, 2-2.30pm & 3-3.30pm
Discover the fame found on Victorian London’s stages by learning popular songs and dances. Immerse yourself in the sounds of the stage and become a music hall star yourself.
Suggested ages: 5+
Event Type: Storytelling
Music Hall Twelfth Night
Mon 25 & Tue 26 May, 1-1.30pm, 2-2.30pm & 3-3.30pm
Join Polly Peach in her theatrical world of Music Hall and Shakespeare
Suggested ages: 5+
Event Type: Storytelling
Pleasure Garden performers
Wed 27 May, 11-11.45am, 12-12.45pm & 2-2.45pm
Become a performer in the notorious pleasure gardens of the 18th century in this drama session for under 5s and their parents and carers.
Ages: 1-5 years
Event Type: Storytelling
Tickets allocated on arrival
The music hall factor
Mon 25 & Tue 26 May, 12.30-2pm, 2.30-4pm
Discover all you need to know to become a star on the music hall stage. Create a costume that is the envy of all East End warblers and learn how to dance like the stars of the Victorian theatre.
Suggested ages: 5+
Event Type: Workshops
Tudor theatre workshop
Wed 27 May 12.15-1pm, 1.45-2.30pm & 3-3.45pm
Explore the history of the Rose Theatre and what it would be like to visit a Tudor theatre at this hands-on workshop, then make a money box to take home.
Suggested ages: 5+
Event Type: Workshops
The Isle Full of Noises
Wed 27 & Fri 29 May, 1-1.30pm, 2-2.30pm & 3-3.30pm
Meet Prospero, a powerful sorcerer, as he controls an island using music and magic. Hear his tale of witches, fantasy and hilarity at this retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Suggested ages: 5+
Event Type: Storytelling
Finds from Tudor theatres
Thu 28 May, 1-3pm
Join archaeology curators to see some fascinating Tudor objects found on excavations at the Rose Theatre. Find out how Tudor sound effects were made, try on some replica costumes, and imagine life as an actor on stage!
Suggested ages: 5+
Event Type: Drop-in
Puppet performers
Fri 29 May, 12.30-2pm & 2.30-4pm
Let us entertain you! Musicians, jugglers and singers have long been performing on London’s streets. Learn about these entertainers and make a performing puppet in this craft workshop.
Suggested ages: 5+
Event Type: Art drop-in
Model theatre
Sat 30 May, 12.30am – 2pm & 2.30-4pm
All the world’s a stage at this art drop in. Discover what Medieval and Stuart theatres were like, and make your own pop up theatre to take home
Suggested ages: 5+
Event Type: Art drop-in
Clowning around
Sat 30 May, 1-1.30pm, 2-2.30pm &3-3.30pm
Be entertained in the Pleasure Gardens with the tale of Joseph Grimaldi, a most beloved entertainer who is remembered every year at the Clown Ceremony.
Suggested ages: 5+
Event Type: Storytelling
Tales from Shakespeare’s troupe
Sun 31 May, 1-1.30pm, 2-2.30pm & 3.30pm
What was it like in Shakespeare’s troupe of actors? Experience the smell of the grease-paint, the rowdy audiences, and the perils of playing a girl at this lively storytelling session.
Suggested ages: 5+
Event Type: Storytelling
