The Burning Tower: Photo by Ali wright. Performers: Alice Franziska (left) and Bianca Stephens (right)
Sarah and Em are best friends who grew up together on West London estates. Since 2017, they’ve worked hard researching their estates’ past – as Living History youth ambassadors. Today they’re proud to invite us to their presentation on the local heritage of social housing. But Grenfell’s shadow threatens the show as the performance space falls into darkness, fuses blow and Sarah starts to panic. Will the mysterious old latecomer who keeps trying to take over prove a help or a hindrance?
Inspired by interviews with local West London estate residents, the play has been welcomed by community theatre groups and teachers and offers suitable audition pieces for young performers. It is published by Methuen, along with Helena’s earlier play, Ivy: sales@methuen.co.uk / cashsales@tbs-ltd.co.uk .
This June young people from social housing took part in a series of scratch performances as a fundraiser for The Grenfell Foundation. The events happened on several estates across the capital, many of which are under threat of demolition. Casting young unknowns alongside high profile actors, the show champions social housing and pushes for investment in these irreplaceable buildings.
‘A passionate defence of social housing,’ ★★★★ The Guardian, ‘A moving love letter to social housing,’ ★★★★ The Stage, ‘Next stop must be the Commons’ ★★★★ The Morning Star
‘A passionate defence of social housing‘ ★★★★ The Guardian
Performance locations:
20 Jun – Residents’ hall, Alexandra and Ainsworth Estate, 52 Boundary Rd, NW8 0HJ
21 Jun – Rotunda Community Hall, Cressington Gardens Estate, Tulse Hill, London SW2 2QG
22 Jun – Kensal House community rooms, Kensal House estate, Ladbroke Grove, W10 5BQ
Running time: 60 minutes
Age limit: suitable for ages 14+
The show contains fire alarms, use of weaponry and swearing
Rotunda Hall has step-free access
helenathompson.co.uk 