It’s the beginning of summer and the community festival is in full swing in the local park. Everyone is there. Crowds queue but among the smiles and excitement lies something that could spoil this party…
Developed in direct response to the growing number of teenagers in the UK struggling with their mental health, Crowded tells the story of ordinary young people whose anxiety, depression and desire leads to harmful and destructive behaviours.
Giving voice to emotions that are often unspoken due to social stigma, Crowded is a powerful, funny and uncompromising story, presented in a striking, immersive spoken word style with the audience part of the action. It is written and performed by three inspiring poet performers: Desree, Laura Rae and Slam the Poet, with additional text by Rosemary Harris.
Crowded is a Half Moon and Apples and Snakes co-production: an exciting collaboration by the UK’s leading small-scale young people’s venue and touring company (2018 finalist and 2017 Off West End Award winner for Best Production for Young People Aged 13+) and England’s leading spoken word poetry organisation.
Please note, Crowded is an immersive production. There is no assigned seating and audiences stand throughout the performance. If you have any access requirements please contact the box office.
The performance is immediately followed by a short interactive talkback session.
Originally commissioned in association with Spine Festival, London 2019.
This production contains themes that some people may find distressing.
Download the Crowded ProgrammeReviews
OFFIE Award (The Off West End Theatre Awards) Winner
Best Production For Young People Aged 13+
“This is an important piece of work and I’m glad that it has a ten venue tour…because it means that lots more young people will see it.”
“Truly immersive experience…. This is surely something that will resonate for so many young people who have ever felt different or unsure of themselves.”
“Thoughtful, sparky immersive three-hander.”
“It was so amazing. It perfectly captured the euphoric feeling of post exams but also how disruptive and broad mental health issues can be. Thank you so much. Perfectly delivered as well.”
Teaser Trailer
Vox Pop Video
Video Interviews
Video Extracts
Soundtrack
Artwork
Dates
CROWDED
2019 TOUR DATES
Half Moon Theatre, London
Wednesday 6 to Monday 11 November
(no performance on Sunday 10 November)
the egg, Bath
Tuesday 12 November
The Garage, Norwich
Wednesday 13 November
Stamford Arts Centre
Thursday 14 November
Pegasus Theatre, Oxford
Friday 15 November
Forest Forge Theatre, Ringwood
Saturday 16 November
Half Moon Theatre, London
Monday 18 November
Chats Palace Arts Centre, London
Tuesday 19 November
Tramshed, Greenwich
Wednesday 20 November
Farnham Maltings
Thursday 21 November
Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham
Friday 22 November
Crowded Team
POET PERFORMERS
Desree
Laura Rae
Slam the Poet
PRODUCTION TEAM
DIRECTOR | Chris Elwell
DRAMATURGE/SCRIPT MENTOR | Rosemary Harris
COMPOSER | Guy Connelly
PRODUCTION DESIGNER AND MANAGER | Faith Austin
TECHNICAL STAGE MANAGER | Pip Snow
CREATIVE PRODUCER (Apples and Snakes) | Nicky Crabb
SCENIC ARTIST | Lawrence Crane
THANK YOU
The young people across London who were consulted on the development of this project, Androulla Constantinou and Elysia Wells for voice work on the soundtrack, the library staff from the 17 London boroughs which were part of SPINE Festival, and the staff at Half Moon and Apples and Snakes.
