We've been fans of theatre producing company Kandinsky since it was founded back in around 2005 and we have followed its progression with an interested eye ever since.
So of course I pricked up my ears when I heard about their latest show, which opens at the New Diorama Theatre this week. The new play, 'The Winston Machine', explores our relationship with World War Two, contrasting past with present, and how we look to the future.
To find out more about it, I spoke to Kandinsky's Lauren Mooney, producer and dramaturg.
CLICK HERE to read this Caro Meets interview.
'The Winston Machine' is on at the New Diorama Theatre from 25 Jan-19 Feb. See the venue website here for more information and to book tickets.
THREE DIGITAL THINGS>>
Penetration | stream.theatre | until 22 Mar
As I am putting these tips together, it's rather cold, my feet are freezing and it's going dark outside even though it's still the afternoon. Frankly, it's not making me feel like leaving the house. Which is why my thoughts turned first towards things I might watch and absorb from the comfort of my own sofa this week, so that's where we're starting. And so we go over to stream.theatre for 'Penetration' by Carolyn Lloyd-Davies. Based on real life events, the play follows the stories of Anna, a rape complainant, and Sean, the defendant, exploring themes of consent, coercive relationships, and the power of social media. Read more about it here.
Forgotten Voices | stream.theatre | 26-29 Jan (pictured)
Another play from stream.theatre now, but this is one you need to get more of a move on for, because it's only on for a few days, not on demand like 'Penetration'. 'Forgotten Voices' tells the real life story of Eva Moorhead Kadalie - widow of South Africa's first national black trade union leader Clements Kadalie - who, alongside her husband, was a committed activist during the early twentieth century. The one woman play, which stars Shareesa Valentine, "explores the joys and pain, the struggle and sacrifice and the voice of Eva as she recalls her life in South Africa before she has to flee to England". Details here.
Madman William | C Arts online | on demand
And now for a digital piece that I believe recently arrived on the C Arts Digital Platform, which I think will intrigue you: "Three men walk into a bar - a Dane, a Swain and a Thane. Tired of their tragic lives and nightly deaths, Hamlet, King Lear and Macbeth seek to escape their storylines. As they conspire to be free of their creator and flee their destinies, they are interrupted by none other than the author himself, Will Shakespeare. Will the plotting protagonists prevail? Can Shakespeare stop his conspiring characters and save himself? It may end in murder, but whose?" More info here.
THREE THEATRICAL THINGS>>
How To Hug | White Bear Theatre | 26-28 Jan
And now for some live in person theatre for all you London types eager to venture out on these cold dark nights for your much needed theatrical fixes. First up, we're going to head to the White Bear Theatre in Kennington for a debut play from Georgia Figgis, described as a celebration of the small but powerful moments of connection in our lives. "Meet Hari. She's on her way to meet a stranger. She has something important to tell them. But will anybody listen? 'How To Hug' is an interactive, socially distanced experience, you are the heart of the story, as you and Hari both navigate how we interact and what we share with strangers that we can't share with ourselves". Read more about it here.
Ava: The Secret Conversations | Riverside Studios | 18 Jan-16 Apr
"A fading star of Hollywood's golden age, now living a quiet life in 1980s London, hires a journalist to write her biography in order to bring in much needed income. The journalist can't believe his luck. From poor Southern farm girl to a powerful Hollywood goddess, her story is pure celluloid. A devastating beauty whose hard drinking, hard loving lifestyle kept the gossip columnists busy as her movies thrilled the punters". I've always been intrigued by the stars of this vintage and when I was about fourteen I really wished I looked like Ava Gardner. Fortunately I found peace with my own face, but I am still interested in her. Bet you will be too once you're watching this production. And it stars the very good Elizabeth McGovern. Click here.
Cell Outs | Camden People's Theatre | 27-29 Jan (pictured)
Let's head on up to Camden People's Theatre now for a play about working in a prison performed by two ex-prison officers. "Harriet and Ella joined a grad scheme which promised to fulfil their wildest social justice dreams. Equipped with their humanities degrees and bright-eyed ideals, they started training. Just six weeks later they're on the landings, fully qualified prison officers - fresh keys, squeaky boots and blind enthusiasm. They soon discover how prison skews a person's perspective; since when did discussing 'Love Island' with murderers become so everyday?" Read more about the show and book your tickets here.
THREE SHOWS FOR CHILDREN>>
Comedy Club 4 Kids | ArtsDepot | 30 Jan (pictured)
And now for some shows for your young people, if you have them. If you don't, maybe you could borrow one. Because 'Comedy Club 4 Kids' is great fun, and you may well have noticed that we frequently mention it in these here tips. It's a roving show, of course, which turns up in myriad venues in and outside of London, but on this occasion it's at ArtsDepot, which is good for those of you in the north of the city. Not sure who is performing for this one, other than Katie Pritchard, who is hosting, but the line-ups are always great, and the shows are always funny. Head this way to sort out tickets.
Butterflies | Half Moon Theatre | 28-29 Jan
"Three friends embark on an exciting adventure to chase their butterflies away. They cross new seas to uncharted lands, on a journey filled with discovery. The only trouble is they're all a bit worried about it! During their voyage the group ride the waves, walk high bridges, skirt deep caves and climb to the sky, before reaching dry land, braver than ever before". Suitable for children aged three to eight, and created in response to their experiences of anxiety, 'Butterflies' focuses on themes of friendship, courage and facing your fears. Read more about it here.
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy | ArtsDepot | 27 Jan
Yes, okay, you're right, this isn't a show for children at all, it's for their poor beleaguered parents who just want to go out and have a bit of fun for once after spending weeks tending to noisy, sleepless bairns. Don't be put off being a parent, though, there's a good side. Anyway, like 'Comedy Club For Kids', this is another show that's actually on frequently, and which we regularly remind you of, as it is a really fab thing for carers of newborns - a chance to relax and enjoy some adult comedy material while not having to worry about arranging childcare. Read more and book tickets here.
THREE MORE FAB EVENTS>>
Power | Jacksons Lane | 28-30 Jan
Three more events for you of varied genre, and this one serves as a reminder that the London International Mime Festival is not yet over and you still have plenty of time to catch one or more of its shows. This one is a solo show from Australian circus strong-lady Charmaine Childs, who, in trying to learn how to overcome uncertainty, asked people of all walks of life the same question: "Can you tell me about a time when you felt really powerful?" Their responses and her own experiences inform the work. It promises to be simultaneously optimistic, uplifting, funny and moving, delivered through a mixture of storytelling and Childs' physical strength and artistry. Read more here.
Ethical Matters: Five Frontiers to Revolutionise Public Health | Conway Hall | 31 Jan
And now over to Conway Hall for a talk about an important issue, which is being held in person, but you can also attend via Zoom. "COVID-19 has exposed the limits of a neoliberal public health orthodoxy. But instead of imagining radical change, the left is stuck in a rear-guard action focused on defending the NHS from the wrecking ball of privatisation. Public health expert Christopher Thomas argues that we must emerge from COVID-19 on the offensive - with a bold, new vision for our health and care". For all the details and to book yourself in, head right this way.
Barely Methodical Troupe - Kin | Peacock Theatre | 26-29 Jan (pictured)
Finally, one more event on as part of the London International Mime Festival, and it's from the highly acclaimed Barely Methodical Troupe, who present hit show 'Kin', which is about group dynamics and friendship. "Thrilling, dripping with deadpan humour, disarming emotion and jaw-dropping acrobatics, Barely Methodical Troupe are at the forefront of a new kind of physical performance, creating highly entertaining shows that mix the show-stopping acrobatics of circus with the emotional punch of theatre". Amen to that. Click here.
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