The Albany Autumn 2019 season is now on sale. The programme spans music, theatre, spoken word and family shows at our three venues – the Albany and Deptford Lounge in Deptford and, Canada Water Theatre in Southwark. It runs alongside Age Against the Machine – Festival of Creative Ageing which the Albany are producing with Entelechy Arts on behalf of Lewisham Council.
A 3 for 2 ticket offer applies across the Albany season, meaning audiences can enjoy more of the programme for less. See the Albany website for full terms and conditions.
Full season listings for the Albany Autumn 2019 season of shows and events follow below.
Theatre and Spoken Word
Thursday 5 September, 8pm. At Canada Water Theatre. £10 / £8 concs. Ages 14+.
Rowan McCabe presents
Door-to-Door Poetry
Rowan McCabe is the world’s first Door-to-Door Poet. Knocking on strangers’ doors, he asks what is important to them. He then goes away and writes a poem about this, free of charge, before bringing it back and performing it on their doorstep.
Through a funny and thought-provoking mix of spoken word and theatre.
An open mic session will take place before this show from 6.45pm. Led by poet Tyrone Lewis.
Wednesday 16 – Saturday 19 October, 8pm. At Canada Water Theatre. BSL Interpreted.
Previews Wed 16 – Fri 18 Oct: £12 / £8. Sat 19 Oct: £14 / £10 concs. Ages 14+.
Paines plough and Tamasha Present
I Wanna Be Yours
I Wanna Be Yours is the debut play from former Roundhouse Poetry Slam champion Zia Ahmed. A tender, funny and lyrical play about finding love and holding on to it with everything you’ve got.
Ella is from Yorkshire. Haseeb is from London. They order a pizza. House red for Ella. Hot chocolate for Haseeb.
I think I’m falling in love with you.
People and playlists. Christmas and Eid. Travelcards and Megabuses. London to Leeds.
Love is more than just a game for two. Especially when there’s an elephant in the room.
An open mic session will take place before this show from 6.45pm. Led by poet Tyrone Lewis
Thursday 24 October, 7.30pm. At Canada Water Theatre. £10 / £8. Ages 14+.
Abu-Zayd DeGale Presents
Living in Limbo
Living in Limbo uses storytelling, spoken-word and song to map Abu-Zayd’s life in Sudan and his journey to Newcastle. Abu-Zayd DeGale, is a refugee from Sudan. This poetic work sees him tell his story – demystifying the myths around refugees and confronting his own demons along the way.
Living in Limbo shows how art can get you into trouble but also save your life. A funny and moving personal story that also reflects on the urgency of the present situation in Sudan and explores themes of identity, belonging and control.
Thursday 5 December, 8pm. At Canada Water Theatre. £14 / £10. Ages 14+
Hannah Raymond-Cox Presents
Polaris
Hot off a UK tour, the five star sell-out show directed by BBC Slam’s Sophia Walker follows one woman’s trip around the world looking for good nosh and a place to call hers.
This is the award-winning true story of growing up everywhere and fitting in nowhere, with added queer just for fun.
An open mic session will take place before this show from 6.45pm. Led by poet Tyrone Lewis.
Family Shows & Events
Saturday 7 September, 1pm & 3pm. At Canada Water Theatre. £7 / £24 family ticket. Ages 3+
Faceplant Theatre Presents
One Duck Down
7,000 rubber ducks. Seven Seas. One big adventure!
Billy is prepared to venture to the ends of the earth to win the affections of his sweetheart. Soon he is swept up on an ocean clear up adventure that would make David Attenborough proud.
One Duck Down is an award-winning show inspired by a true tale (featured on Blue Planet II) that saw 7,000 Rubber Ducks cast adrift in a mighty storm. Jam packed with music, clowning and puppetry, it teaches all ages the importance of looking after our oceans.
Sunday 8 September, 3pm. In the Albany garden. Pay-What-You-Decide. Ages 7+
The Albany and Kenny Baraka Present
Plot 17: Work-in-Progress
A hip-hop garden party for families.
Underground hip-hop hero, Kenny Baraka AKA the Green Man is on a mission to make stuff green. He needs your help to save the city before there are no trees, grass or fields left. Join him in Plot 17.
Plot17 will share 20 minutes of the Green Man’s story and music and then you get you to make something so you can go off to and complete your mission as a Green Man Guerrilla.
Commissioned by Apples and Snakes with support from Team London Bridge and the Albany.
Friday 20 September, 12pm. At Canada Water Theatre. Pay-What-You-Decide. Ages 3+
Golden Toad Theatre Company Presents
Errol’s Garden: Work-in-Progress Reading
A work-in-progress sharing of an interactive children’s musical, exploring community, imagination and a passion for plants. Filled with catchy songs, humour and imagination.
PLEASE NOTE: Contains strong language, disturbing images and content, including themes of death and the Sudan Revolution.
Tuesday 5 & Wednesday 6 November, 7.30pm. At the Albany. £14 / £10. Ages 14+
Seemia Theatre Presents
Evros: The Crossing River
Follow Doaa, who dreams of a better life amongst a backdrop of war, terror and enduring love. The boy from the local garden centre, whose tranquil existence amongst the flowers is torn apart. And a mother who cannot keep her children safe.
This immersive play envelopes you into these families in crisis as they seek refuge. Evros: The Crossing River explodes with Seemia’s unique blend of storytelling, world music and physical theatre.
Devised with generous support from Arcola Theatre as part of the LAB for BAMER artists, Theatre Deli, Tangled Feet and Arts Council England.
PLEASE NOTE: includes some partial nudity.
Friday 15 November, 8pm. At Canada Water Theatre. £14 / £10. Ages 12+.
Testament in Association with Littlemighty Presents
WOKE
Hip-hop and feminism are on a collision course. And Testament reckons he’s the guy to sort it out. A rapper and world record holding beatboxer, he thinks he’s a right-on kind of guy. Then his daughter is born and suddenly he’s not so sure. What will he discover as he starts to unpick his own prejudices?
Expect beatboxing, spoken word, storytelling and hip-hop classics like you’ve never heard them before.
A West Yorkshire Playhouse, Royal Exchange, Roundhouse and Camden People’s Theatre coproduction.
An open mic session will take place before this show from 6.45pm. Led by poet Tyrone Lewis.
Errol is a young boy living in the inner city who longs for his own garden. He discovers that his flat has a rooftop that would be perfect for a garden. But the rooftop is full of rubbish and transforming the space into a garden will be a big task, so he invites his neighbours to join him. Soon there are flowers, fruits and vegetables for everyone to share.
Errol’s Garden encourages children to joyfully use their ideas to make a positive impact on their local community. Based on the book by Gillian Hibbs.
Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 September, 2pm & 4pm. At Canada Water Theatre.
£7 / £24 family ticket. Ages 2+
Little Angel Theatre Presents
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
We’re going on a bear hunt, we’re going to catch a big one, what a beautiful day! We’re not scared.
Little Angel Theatre bring Michael Rosen’s thrilling and funny adventure to life in this entrancing puppetry production directed by Peter Glanville and with music and lyrics by renowned singer-songwriter Barb Jungr.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Illustrations from the book copyright © 1989 Helen Oxenbury. By permission of Walker Books Ltd, London.
Monday 7 October,11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm. At the Albany.
Wednesday 9 October,11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm. At Canada Water Theatre.
£7 / £24 family ticket. Ages 6 – 18 months.
Filskit Theatre Presents
Kaleidoscope
Bursting with mirrors, lights, colours and sound, Kaleidoscope is the perfect introduction to theatre for your little one. Inspired by research into how a baby’s sense of sight develops and how they instinctively begin to categorise colour, watch as a multi-coloured kaleidoscope is brought to life for you and your baby.
Please note that both parents / carers and babies need a ticket to this event.
Sunday 13 October, 2pm & 5pm. At the Albany. £12 / £8 / £34 family ticket. Ages 7+
Dance Umbrella Presents
Hocus Pocus
Voyage into the unknown in this dreamlike family show.
Leaving room for the imaginations of children to soar, this international hit features two awesomely dextrous performers, vivid costumes and eerie props. Lausanne-based choreographer Philippe Saire directs the ethereal work, with dance, theatre and stage trickery set to music from Grieg’s Peer Gynt.
A Dance Umbrella Orbital London Tour in partnership with artsdepot, Fairfield Halls, Stratford Circus Arts Centre, the Albany, The Place and Watermans.
Tuesday 22 & Wednesday 23 October, 1pm & 3pm. At Canada Water Theatre.
£7 / £24 family ticket. Ages 7+
Little Angel Theatre and Goblin Present
Emily Rising
Emily wakes up one bright autumn morning to find that her feet can’t touch the ground, and no one can understand why. To everyone’s surprise Emily keeps rising higher and higher.
From sleeping upside-down on her ceiling to soaring over a starry-skied London, Emily’s adventure is just beginning. Emily discovers a world that looks completely different.
She’s not scared at all, it’s fun being high up. But she’s not coming down…
Tuesday 22 October, 2pm & Wednesday 23 – Thursday 24 October, 11am & 2pm.
At the Albany. Tickets £7 / £24 family ticket. Ages 3+
Pins and Needles Productions Presents
The Bear
One night when she’s fast asleep, Tilly is visited by an enormous bear. It has a big black tongue and a yawn as big as your head. But Tilly’s not scared.
The story of a little girl who befriends a mischievous polar bear, this playful, funny and heart-warming tale is one of imagination and growing up.
With dazzling puppetry, delicious music and dozens of laughs, The Bear is an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
From the book by Raymond Briggs. Adapted by Pins and Needles Productions.
Saturday 2 November, 1pm & 3pm. At Canada Water Theatre. £7 / £24 family ticket. Ages 3+
Tall Stories Presents
The Snow Dragon
Billy has everything a young goat could need, and more besides. On New Year’s Eve, Billy is looking forward to the annual visit of the legendary Snow Dragon, who will bring him even more goodies.
But when Billy bumps into some hungry wolves in the forest, New Year’s Day seems a long way off. How will Billy escape? And has he been naughty or nice?
Toe-tapping songs and lots of laughs from the company that brought you The Gruffalo.
Sunday 3 November, 2pm & 4pm. At the Albany. £7 / £24 family ticket. Ages 3+
Filskit Theatre Presents
Stella
Stella is a Star Engineer. From her home on the Moon she keeps the stars shining bright for when we need them most, to make a wish or find our way back home. But down on Earth things are changing. The world is becoming bright, busy and people aren’t looking up. We want to talk about our sky and how sometimes it’s important to turn out the lights and wish upon a star.
Featuring projection, playful performance and aerial circus. Stella was originally commissioned by ARC, Stockton and The Barnsley Civic.
Sunday 24 November, 2pm & 6pm. At the Albany. £5 / £2 Lewisham Homes Residents. All Ages.
The Albany and Lewisham Homes Present
Love2Dance Showcase
Love2Dance members come together to show off what they have learnt in a spectacular live street dance showcase. Featuring guest performances from professional dancers.
Love2Dance is a partnership between the Albany and Lewisham Homes giving young people in the borough opportunities to access high quality workshops, events, performances, and master classes. Visit the Get Involved section of the Albany website to find out more.
Sunday 24 November, 2.30pm. At Deptford Lounge. Pay-What-You-Decide. Ages 12+
Attic Theatre Company and Arts at the Old Fire Station Present
The Last Noël
It’s 25 December. Three generations of a family are busy preparing a feast, and you’re invited. But someone is missing from the table.
The Last Noël is a funny, moving and uplifting play with live music and original songs by award-winning writer Chris Bush. Make this a Christmas you’ll never forget.
Friday 20 & Saturday 21 December, 12pm & 7pm. At Canada Water Theatre.
£12 / £8 concs. / £34 family ticket. Ages 12+
D-Live! Theatre Company Presents
Frozen Snow Queen
A brand new interactive, festive adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen with incorporated British Sign Language and spoken English.
Featuring a cast of two live performers joined digitally by a host of other characters. Join us on a journey through an icy landscape with a young woman searching to find her soulmate who has been kidnapped by the evil Snow Queen.
Aimed at all families but with particular appeal to any families with a D/deaf member.
Gigs
New music at the Albany & Canada Water Theatre
Tuesday 8 October, 7.30pm (doors). At the Albany. From £10. Seated event.
Where Pathways Meet Live
The music of Where Pathways Meet is the sound of outer-space colliding with the London jazz scene. A fusion of transcendental Sun Ra inspired music and the melting pot of London’s dance music tradition.
Thursday 17 October, 7.30pm (doors). At the Albany. From £10. Standing event
Tawiah Presents
Starts Again Album Launch
Tawiah, the voice of British alt-soul, returns with her debut album and immersive live show.
Following the release of three EPs and a long struggle with a major label, Tawiah returns to the alt-soul scene with her much anticipated debut album Starts Again. Starts Again is an exploration of her identity as a queer woman of colour raised in a Pentecostal family and signed to a label who ‘couldn’t market her’.
Saturday 19 October, 7.30pm (doors). At the Albany
£10 in advance / £12 on the door / £8 under 25s. Standing event
Charles Hayward Presents
An evening of genre fluid music curated by local musician and sound activist Charles Hayward. Following on from the sell-out show earlier in the year, Charles Hayward presents another evening of new sounds from the underground and outsider scenes of London and beyond. Line-up to be announced.
Saturday 26 October, 7pm (doors). At the Albany. All tickets £10. Standing event
Gal-Dem and Inua Ellams Present
The Missy Elliot x gal-dem x Fancy Dress x Halloween R.A.P Party
What might eloquent voices from contemporary poetry and spoken word movements have to say about Missy Elliot? Come and find out at this special fancy dress Halloween edition of Inua Ellams’ Rhythm and Poetry Party. Presented in collaboration with gal-dem.
Friday 1 November, 7.30pm (doors). At Canada Water Theatre. £10 / £8. Standing event
They Call Me Max
Fresh from the release of their debut EP, Start Small, They Call Me Max bring you a showcase of brand new original material. Sitting somewhere between jazz, classical and trip-hop, They Call Me Max is a project centred on piano compositions, intimate lyrical narratives and hip-hop inspired beats.
Expect to hear heart-breaking stories, head banging beats, the occasional funky bass line and an abundance of luscious, ethereal sounds.
Thursday 7 November, 7.30pm (doors). At Canada Water Theatre. £10 / £8. Standing event
AGAMA
AGAMA is a vocalist, composer and producer. With influences from David Axelrod to Sarah Vaughan to Aphex Twin, AGAMA’s truly original sound fuses jazz, electronica, soul and classical choral music.
AGAMA will be accompanied by her seven piece band featuring rich horns, dreamy synths and moving vocals, showcasing material from her EP Safe In Noise.
Thursday 14 November, 7.30pm (doors). At Canada Water Theatre. £10 / £8. Standing event
Turya
Nicki Wells, the exceptionally gifted singer and songwriter behind Turya, takes inspiration from Indian classical music. With influences rooted in her personal experiences, Turya was born in South London but grew up in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Her song-writing is a cultivated collection of melodies, combined with uniquely captivating and moving vocals.
Wednesday 20 November, 7.30pm (doors). At the Albany. From £10. Seated event
Randolph Matthews
Acclaimed vocalist Randolph Matthews and his ensemble present their latest exhilarating project, Walter Tull in B Major. This dynamic, modern composition is centred on the heroic life of WW1 soldier Lieutenant Walter Tull; a soldier who became not only the first British-born black army officer but also the first black officer to lead white British troops into battle.
With breath-taking vocals, the performance is a celebration of courage and one man’s resolve to live as an equal within society.
Part of EFG London Jazz Festival.
Thursday 21 November, 7.30pm (doors). At Canada Water Theatre. £10 / £8. Standing event
And Is Phi
And Is Phi is a vocalist, writer and member of the Steam Down collective. Her music is an eclectic mix of R&B, jazz, poetry and improvisation, exploring metamorphosis in the everyday.
She will be accompanied by Rebekah Reid on violin, Matt Gordon on synths and Samuel Michnik on drums. Including a special feature by vocalist/poet Michelle Tiwo and a live interactive video collage created by visual artist HP Parmley.
Set times: DJ Set from Pie Eye Collective 8pm – 9pm. Live Set from approx. 9.15pm. Part of EFG London Jazz Festival.
Thursday 21 November, 7.30pm (doors). At the Albany. £12 / £9. Seated event
Skin Deep Presents
Sonic Transmissions x Inua Ellams
Join Skin Deep for an evening of conversation, live performance and collective listening with Inua Ellams and special guests. A sonic exploration of poetry, storytelling, music and artwork. Full line-up to be announced.
Friday 22 November, 7.30pm (doors). At the Albany. From £10. Standing event
Ghost Notes Presents
The Spaces In Between meets DEM1NS
Whilst Ghost Notes only existed as a venue for just over a year, it fast became a pivotal platform for South London’s thriving young community of musicians and producers.
For one night only Ghost Notes returns, bringing along two of the sessions that helped shape its legacy: The Spaces In Between, an all-star improv session featuring members of Maisha and Vels Trio, and DEM1NS, the ever-evolving outlet of drummer and producer Kwake Bass.
Also featuring Maxwell Owin, Kokoroko’s Sheila Maurice-Grey and more. Part of EFG London Jazz Festival.
Friday 29 November, 7.30pm (doors). At Canada Water Theatre. £10 / £8. Standing event
Firefly Burning
Drawing on contemporary folk, minimalism and avant-pop, Firefly Burning’s intricate rhythms and soaring melodies evoke Steve Reich, Kate Bush and The Beach Boys.
The performance features songs from their electrifying new album, Breathe Shallow, a full-hearted expression of minimalist art-folk mapping the terrain of what it is to love and lose.