Haringey Shed will take to the stage on March 7 to mark its 25 anniversary of producing inclusive theatre with an original production called The Silver Hive.
Funded by Arts Council England, the show follows a group of young people fighting to save their beloved community centre — the beating heart of a local neighbourhood that faces closure under the mayor’s new development plan.
Rachel Rand, CEO of Haringey Shed, said: “At a time when small charities are closing at a faster rate than ever, it is testament to the strength of our community, amazing funders and the importance of Haringey Shed in the lives of children and young people that we are celebrating our 25-year anniversary from a position of such optimism.”
More than 90 young people aged seven to 25—including over 30 with recognised disabilities or special educational needs—will take part in the one-night-only performance. It will be the first time every strand of the Haringey Shed company has performed together on a major London stage.
The Silver Hive was co-written by participants during weekly sessions and features theatre, dance, music, film and spoken word, underpinned by Haringey Shed’s commitment to inclusivity.
Shereen Jasmin Phillips, the show’s creative director, said: “The Silver Hive is bursting with the brilliance, humour and political fire of young people who know exactly what is at stake when community spaces disappear, and who are refusing to let their stories be sidelined.”
Michael Antwi, a creative practitioner at Haringey Shed, said: “I love working here at Haringey Shed. It is where I have been trained, supported and developed into a confident member of the creative team. It feels very special to now support young people who are like me, to show that you can have a career in the arts despite your disability, and I cannot wait for the audience to see our amazing young people on stage at Alexandra Palace.”
The show is supported by more than 50 volunteers, including former participants, students and community members.
