
Roll up to our heady “montage of attractions” that includes the mime fabulism of performance phenomenon Dickie Beau, the political (dis)enchantment of Socialist magician Ian Saville, and the fiercely brilliant spoken word of Rhythm of Men, in an evening hosted by stars of stage and screen Wendi Peters (Coronation Street, Oh What a Lovely War) and Marcus Ellard (Oh What a Lovely War, Come Dancing).
AND brought to life on stage for the very first time: original songs from “The Palace That Joan Built” - an Art on the Underground commissioned project from critically acclaimed artist Mel Brimfield and award-winning composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Gwyneth Herbert on show at Stratford Underground station until 2016.
Performed by Herbert and her world-class band, the Upbeat Community Choir and the mighty East London Brass, the music celebrates the life, works and legacy of the pioneering theatre director with influences from Hanns Eisler to the Small Faces, old honky-tonk music hall to northern brass band anthems, West End show stoppers to 1950s folk ballads...
A knees-up not to be missed!
The full programme of the day’s events is:
11am: Unveiling in Theatre Square, in front of Theatre Royal Stratford East
Taking part in the ceremony include, Kerry Michael, Artistic Director, Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, former Theatre Workshop Company members Murray Melvin and Barbara Windsor, poet Caroline Bird and East London Brass. The sculpture will be unveiled by 15 year old Alex Jarrett, who is a member of Theatre Royal Stratford East’s Young People’s Work and resident of Newham.
12pm: A celebratory tea party in Gerry’s Kitchen, Gerry Raffles Square
2pm: A complimentary screening of Sparrows Can’t Sing at Stratford Picturehouse
Tickets for the film, directed by Joan Littlewood, are available in person from The Picturehouse box office from 18 September onwards.
5pm: A Joan Jamboree, on stage at Theatre Royal Stratford East
Eclectic entertainment and fun (and maybe some rude bits), inspired by the spirit of Joan Littlewood. With Gwyneth Herbert and her Band, East London Brass, Upbeat Choir, Ian Saville (socialist magician) and Rhythm of Men.
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