IF you go down to Bermondsey this Christmas you
may come across an elf in a warehouse under the railway arches.
But who he may be and what exactly he's up to is
something of a mystery. However all is set to be revealed in local
theatre company Different Breed's Christmas production, The Night
Before Christmas.
Written originally by Anthony Neilson, it is being
staged by the four-strong cast and will take place at Gary's
Warehouse in Druid Street, seven minutes walk from Bermondsey
station.
It promises to be an antidote to traditional
festive shows as it involves the elf trying to talk his way out of a
hostage situation.
"It's going to be very funny, quite rude,
very in your face and definitely not for kids," laughs Tim
O'Hara.
“Staging the show under the arches will also
make it very atmospheric which will add to the fun.”
The Bermondsey-based businessman, actor and
company co-founder came up with the idea for doing the site specific
show and has roped in some actor, writer and musician friends to help
him out as well as some of the local traders.
“It’s going to be and feel like a real
community show,” he says. “Bermondsey is really cool and I love
living here.
"There is a strong cultural heritage but
there is also a real mix of people from those who have lived here for
a long time to those who are just moving in to the areas that are
being regenerated.
“I liked the idea of doing something that might
bring these groups together and mix things up a bit.
“I also wanted to do a show that was affordable
for those who came to see it and involved some of the businesses in
the area. So there will be food on offer from local market traders
and beer from local breweries.
“My wife, who is a writer, and I didn’t have
anything planned for December so we got to work to make it happen.
“The play is about a guy who sells knock off
goods from a warehouse, but one night he finds an elf has broken in
to the warehouse. He interrogates him because he doesn’t know if
the elf has really fallen off Santa’s sleigh or if he’s a bit of
a chancer. And it’s only at the end that everyone finds out the
truth.
“It’s quite dark but wicked and essentially an
anti panto so it will be something different and unlike the theatre
you might otherwise go and see at this time of the year.
“It’s been a lot of fun to put together, the
space is great, we've got secret Santa gifts, rude Christmas cards,
an elf - what more could you want!”
As well as the hour long show those who come to
see it will be encouraged to linger and mingle before and afterwards
to have a drink and something to eat.
On certain nights the play will be followed by
comedy from the likes of circuit favourites Marcel Lucont and Tina
Turner Tea Lady and on other nights there will be a pub quiz.
"We have tried to keep the ticket price as
low as possible because for us as long as everyone has a good time
and it brings the community together a bit, that's the main thing,"
says Tim.
"Any profits will be ploughed back into next
year's show which is exciting."
The Night Before Christmas is on at Gary's
Warehouse,The Bottle Shop, Druid Street, Bermondsey from
December 5 until December 19. Tickets from £15. Visit
www.differentbreed.com
for tickets and full listings.
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