What’s On Sep – Dec 2026
Celebrating world class theatre for young audiences All Tickets £9 (no booking fee) 020 7709 8900 | halfmoon.org.uk All our performances are relaxed
Welcome to our autumn season This year’s programme is packed with extraordinary journeys, unexpected discoveries and stories that invite us to see the world through fresh eyes. From magical crossroads and future gardens to distant planets, underwater worlds and enchanted forests, there are adventures for audiences of every age to enjoy. We’re especially proud to present Bones in the Desert (ages 13+ and young adults), Half Moon’s latest production. Written by British-Armenian playwright Joe Nerssessian, and directed by former Half Moon Director Chris Elwell, it is a powerful and timely story about identity, memory and belonging that will tour nationally following its run here from 12–17 November. Alongside 13 fantastic shows, we’re delighted to welcome back our Free Family Fun Day on 3 October. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning once again, we look forward to sharing another season of unforgettable live theatre with you. Bradley Travis, Artistic Director/Joint CEO
Party @ Half Moon
Bookshop @ Half Moon
Celebrate your child’s special day at Half Moon. Book tickets for your group to see a Saturday afternoon performance and hire our Upper Studio (maximum 25 children) for a 90-minute post-show party for an additional £150.
We are delighted to offer a pop-up bookshop in partnership with the well-loved independent Brick Lane Bookshop.
For more information, visit halfmoon.org.uk/venue-hire
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There’s a rolling selection of popular children’s books for all ages on offer, from classic favourites to the hottest new titles, plus contemporary greeting cards.
Venue Hire Half Moon offers a range of fully accessible spaces for meetings, training sessions, workshops, launches and other corporate events, as well as rehearsals, auditions, filming and photography. Whether you need a professional meeting room or a flexible studio space, we can help. Visit halfmoon.org.uk/venue-hire for more information, or contact us on 020 7709 8900 or hello@halfmoon.org.uk
Gallery @ Half Moon
Theatre Passport
Sea Life
Now in its sixth year, Theatre Passport continues to open the doors to live theatre for children and young people across Tower Hamlets, providing free tickets to local schools and community groups.
Dive into the fascinating world of marine life through this vibrant exhibition by Art4u2, a collective of artists based at the Yurt and the Brady Arts Centre in East London.
Since launching, over 3,000 children and young people have experienced the magic of live theatre through the scheme, many for the first time. With support from businesses, organisations and individuals, we can continue to inspire creativity and ensure local children can access the arts.
by Art4u2 17 Sep 2026 – 11 Jan 2027
Inspired by visits to the coast and aquariums, alongside photographic research, sketching and documentary films, the artists have explored the rich diversity of life beneath the waves. The artists have experimented with a variety of techniques and media, resulting in the diverse styles and approaches showcased in this exhibition.
A donation of any size would be hugely appreciated and will help us reach even more young people. To find out more, please email development@halfmoon.org.uk or call 020 7709 8903. You can donate online at halfmoon.org.uk/passport
Support us
For all our exhibitions, we provide a gallery trail for children. School and community groups can visit free of charge, which can also support young people in gaining Arts Award Discover and Explore. Contact us on 020 7709 8908 or youth@halfmoon.org.uk In addition to our foyer exhibition space, Half Moon has two permanent exhibitions in our garden and on the first floor that explore the history of our company and the changing face of Tower Hamlets. Have you seen them?
As a registered charity, Half Moon relies on the generosity of our supporters to create affordable bold theatre experiences and transformative opportunities for children and young people. Every donation helps us continue delivering the inspiring, life-changing work for which Half Moon is known and loved. halfmoon.org.uk/support
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Sat 19 Sep 11am & 2pm Ages 5+ 45 mins
Sat 26 Sep 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm Ages 0–3 45 mins + stay and play CRESCENDORIOUS PRESENTS
A Message for the Future Step into a magical future garden and meet a punk poet Dandelion, a rock ’n’ roll Minibeast and an operatic super Herb. A Message for the Future is a multi-sensory art installation and gig theatre experience that subverts the early years genre through joyful rock ‘n’ roll storytelling, celebrating nature, creativity and kindness. Through live music and surround sound, audiences are invited into a calm, immersive world that imagines a hopeful future and celebrates the wonders of the natural world. Engaging sight, sound, touch and smell, this joyful experience explores our connection with nature and its unsung heroes. A pocket of punky joy that encourages curiosity, imagination and togetherness.
THEATRE-RITES AND MIGUEL ALTUNAGA PRESENT
Eshu at the Crossroads
An enchanting tale of choice, trickery and adventure. At a mysterious crossroads a traveller must decide which path to follow. But standing guard is a magical rooster, while the playful trickster Eshu delights in spinning chaos and joy at every turn. What happens when every choice can change your path? Inspired by Yorubic culture, mythology and storytelling, Eshu at the Crossroads combines dance, puppetry and live performance to create a vibrant theatrical journey of myth, music and imagination. 4
Sat 3 Oct 10am–4pm All ages welcome
Sat 10 Oct 11am & 2pm Ages 3+ 55 mins
STUFF AND NONSENSE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS
Rabbit and Rey and the Lost Things Ever felt like the world is playing hide and seek with your stuff? One moment it’s there, the next it’s gone. Meet Rey, an imagination expert and glorious misplacer of things, and Rabbit, a wise and loyal bunny who is always there when the world feels too much. Together they set off on a quest to find what’s been lost, only to discover they’re not alone. As Rey learns that being a ‘loser’ might not be such a bad thing, something remarkable begins to happen. What if losing things wasn’t the problem but the path? A bold, funny and heart-tugging adventure combining puppetry, visual storytelling and imagination.
Free Family Fun Day Our Fun Palace free family fun day returns for an eleventh year with another selection of fun community events to get involved in. Throughout the day we will have pop-up storytelling performances, music and movement workshops, plus art and craft activities for everyone to engage with. We’ll also have tea, cake and a few surprises along the way. Dip into one or two events or stay for the whole day! All events are free. Refreshments are available to buy during the day. 5
Sat 17 Oct 11am & 2pm Ages 3–11 60 mins
Sat 24 Oct 11am & 2pm Ages 3+ 55 mins
THEATRE OF WIDDERSHINS PRESENTS
The Elves and the Shoemaker
Elvis Schumacher, cobbler and craftsman, has worked all his life creating the most beautiful footwear. But now he’s hit hard times as everyone’s buying boring shoes from the evil businessman, Bunyan Sole-less. Time is running out for Elvis. With one piece of leather left and Bunyan’s factory growing, can anyone help him? This well-known and well-loved tale has been re-heeled by Theatre of Widdershins in their own inimitable style. Beautifully crafted puppets, original music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse make this show a magical must-see.
KNOTTEDHAWK PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
The Quest for Planet P Follow Ozmo and Orbi, two brave little aliens, as they set off on an amazing journey to find the perfect planet. When cracks start appearing and chaos hits their world, the grown-up aliens can’t agree on how to fix things. So, it’s up to Ozmo and Orbi to lead the way and find a new, perfect planet to live on. Using projection, dance and storytelling, children interact with the performers throughout the show and take part in an engaging workshop exploring belonging, friendship and our world. It is a heartfelt and inspiring interactive story about fighting for the planet and showing how even the smallest voices can have a BIG impact. 6
Sat 31 Oct 11am, 1pm & 3pm Ages 2–5 30 mins
Sat 7 Nov 11am & 2pm Ages 5–10 60 mins GROOVE BABY PRESENTS
Groove into Pixel Land Log in and level up for a digital adventure and musical theatre experience. Meet Isha, a 13-year-old girl living her dream life in Pixel Land, where every game is unlocked, every wish is granted and there are no rules, chores or school. But when a character asks, “Where are your parents?”, cracks begin to appear in her perfect world. With the help of the mysterious AI Butler, Isha embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her digital world. Packed with spectacular animated visuals, interactive theatre and an electrifying live soundtrack, Groove into Pixel Land is a funny, exciting and thought-provoking adventure about friendship, courage and discovering what really matters.
HALF MOON PRESENTS
Flotsam
AN OPERAUPCLOSE PRODUCTION
When a curious child discovers a mysterious camera washed up on the beach, the photos inside reveal a chain of children linked across time and space and an extraordinary underwater world. Turtles carry cities, starfish dance, octopuses read by lamplight – but who took the pictures and where will the camera travel next? Based on the much-loved picture book by David Wiesner, Kerry Andrew’s luminous new score and text blends music, movement and storytelling to explore curiosity, connection and the boundless power of imagination. A spellbinding adventure for audiences of all ages. 7
Thu 12 Nov 4.30pm & 7pm | Fri 13 Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm Sat 14 Nov 3pm & 7pm* | Mon 16 & Tue 17 Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm Ages 13+ and young adults 60 mins HALF MOON PRESENTS
Bones in the Desert Two lives. One past. A hundred years apart. A story that refuses to stay buried. Berlin, 2022. Artur, a 19-year-old refugee, is trapped between worlds, haunted by memories of fleeing the Syrian civil war. When someone from that journey reappears, their joyful reunion unravels into a powerful reckoning with identity, belonging and the cost of silence. Spanning the deserts of 1915 to the turbulence of today, Bones in the Desert confronts the long shadows of war and the lives it still shapes. With raw honesty and urgency, it confronts mental well-being, racism in contemporary Europe and the devastating cost of silence. Written by British-Armenian playwright Joe Nerssessian, this powerful new play speaks directly to young adult audiences with heart, humour and an unflinching gaze. It’s about where we come from, who we carry with us and what it means to belong. Presented in an immersive style with a pulsating contemporary soundtrack, Bones in the Desert is the latest production from Half Moon, the UK’s leading small-scale young people’s venue and touring company. After the performance there is an onstage Q&A session with the company. Also on tour nationally. Visit halfmoon.org.uk/touring for more details. *This performance is co-hosted with the Armenian Institute.
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Fri 20 Nov 10.30am, 12pm & 2pm Sat 21 Nov 11am, 1pm & 3pm
Ages 0–18 mths 35 mins + stay and play
Fri 27 Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm Sat 28 Nov 11am & 2pm Ages 4+ 50 mins
M6 THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS
All the Small Things Deep in the woods, in the middle of nowhere, lives the Story Collector. Drawers, cabinets and cupboards brim with baddies and goodies, hopes and wishes, once upon a times and far, far aways. It is a magical place of possibilities. A lost traveller finds their way to the Story Collector’s door. On the turn of a snow globe, the enchantment begins. For one miraculous moment, new beginnings, better endings and all the adventures in between help the lost traveller find their way and appreciate all the small things along the way. Heartwarming puppetry, playful physical comedy and original song bring this magical new spin on fairytales to life.
TINY AND TALL PRESENTS
A Tale of Us
Sleep is like an old friend I’ve not seen for a long time. She’s stopped returning my calls. But some nights feel sort of magic. Just you and me watching a new day being born. Ivy’s just had a baby and she’s never felt so full of love – or so alone. Days (and nights) can be tough. But she’s working it out. Join Ivy and her little one on a funny, frank and magical journey through their first year of life together. Blending drama and multi-sensory playtime in a relaxed and beautifully designed environment, this is a celebration of the wonder, joys and challenges of becoming a new parent. 9
Sat 5 Dec 3.15pm Ages 3–8 50 mins
Wed 9 – Fri 11 Dec 10.30am & 1.30pm Sat 12 Dec 11am & 2pm Ages 3+ 45 mins + stay and play
HALF MOON AND Z-ARTS PRESENT
Cinema Chill: Brave Bettie
Chill out and watch a digital performance on the big screen in a relaxed and laidback environment. Bettie loves the forest – it’s her sanctuary. But when the council threatens to cut down her favourite tree, she must find the courage to protect it. A chance meeting with the mysterious Paida Moyo sparks a journey of friendship, bravery and self-discovery. Can the two friends save the woodlands and its critter crew before it’s too late? This playful filmed production explores courage, friendship and our bond with nature. It’s a magical woodland adventure about courage, friendship and finding your voice. All Cinema Chill tickets are £5
BLANKET FORT CLUB PRESENTS
The Snow Queen of Spitsbergen Welcome to Barentsburg, a tiny village in Spitsbergen where, for one magical night, the lights shine bright to tell the story of brave Gerda and her lost friend, Kai. When the Snow Queen carries Kai away to her frozen palace, Gerda sets off on a remarkable journey. Across icy rivers, through enchanted gardens and deep into forests filled with wonder, she travels into the heart of the Snow Queen’s winter. Combining spoken word poetry, live music and spellbinding puppetry, this immersive sensory adventure celebrates friendship, courage and resilience, finding hope and joy even in the coldest of places. At the end of the show, audiences journey together through the Aurora Forest – a world of light, sound and sensation.
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Sat 19 Dec 11am, 1pm & 3pm
Ages 0–5 25 mins + stay and play WHATNOT THEATRE PRESENTS
Gifts
Meet Lucy. It’s Christmas time and there are still so many presents to wrap! What a mess. And where has the wrapping paper disappeared to? Join Lucy as she rediscovers the festive cheer she thought she had lost, with the help of a long-forgotten Elf. A magical sensory theatre experience that celebrates the wonder of play, imagination and delight in the simplest things. From a cardboard box to a roll of wrapping paper, everyday objects become the starting point for endless possibilities. Full of surprises and discovery, the show playfully explores what happens when you open a box and there are unexpected adventures waiting inside.
Coming in 2027 Sat 9 Jan 11am & 2pm Ages 2+
30 mins + stay and play
Sat 16 Jan
11am, 1pm & 3pm Ages 2–6
45 mins + stay and play
PAGE ONE THEATRE PRESENTS
Rise and Fall
Drift through a mesmerising world of floating balloons in this poetic, non-verbal adventure for young audiences, exploring the joy of holding on and letting go.
THE LAST BAGUETTE PRESENTS
Twinkle Twinkle A playful, gentle and nocturnal journey for early years with original music, puppetry, joyful jokes, a host of woodland animals and lots of starlight.
Sat 23 Jan 11am & 2pm Ages 5–10 50 mins FEATHERED FABLES THEATRE PRESENTS
Pigeon and the Peacock A poetry-loving Pigeon hatches a daring plan to prove that true beauty is more than feather deep in this interactive family adventure featuring marionette puppetry and live jazz-inspired music.
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Get involved! Why not join one of Half Moon’s Youth Theatres? It’s a brilliant way to explore drama, create performances and make lots of new friends at the same time. We have eight groups that run during term time.
Half Moon’s Youth Theatres School Years 1 – 3
Comets: Sat 10am –11am Sunbeams: Sat 11.15am –12.15pm Moonbeams: Sat 12.45pm –1.45pm
School Years 4 – 6
Eclipse: Tue 4pm–5.45pm Equinox: Wed 4pm–5.45pm
School Years 7– 9
Lunar: Tue 6.30pm–8.30pm
5 reasons to join → Run by friendly and experienced tutors → No auditions → See shows at Half Moon and visit other London theatres → Performances each term for friends and family → Great value! Just £8 per session (£4 concession)
School Years 10 –13
Orbit: Wed 6.30pm–8.30pm
Ages 13–25 with physical, sensory and/or cognitive disabilities Solar: Mon 6.30pm–8.30pm
For more information about our Youth Theatres visit halfmoon.org.uk/yt or contact us on 020 7709 8900.
Inclusive All of our Youth Theatres are open to young people with disabilities and our venue is fully accessible.
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Too young for Youth Theatre? We have sessions at local Children and Family Centres for under 5s and their parents/carers. For more information visit halfmoon.org.uk/early-years
Interested in after school drama where you live? We have three groups for School Years 7–9 in community spaces around Tower Hamlets. For more information visit halfmoon.org.uk/after-school-drama
Half Moon On Demand Unmissable children’s theatre, whenever you want it Put your sofa in the front row with Half Moon On Demand, our streaming service bringing exceptional children’s theatre straight to your home. Enjoy a collection of productions recorded live at Half Moon, available to watch any time, anywhere. Rent a show for just £9 and enjoy unlimited viewing for 48 hours. Whether it’s a family treat, a rainy-day activity or a chance to revisit a favourite production, the best seats in the house are only a click away. Many productions include British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, audio description and closed captions.
halfmoon.org.uk/on-demand
Stages of Half Moon Discover more than 50 years of Half Moon history through photographs, programmes, news stories, documents, videos and filmed interviews. Explore the productions, people, projects and places that have shaped one of the UK’s leading theatres for young audiences. You can also visit the Stages of Half Moon exhibition, on permanent display in our upper corridor. Packed with photographs, original posters and fascinating stories, it offers a glimpse into the people and productions that have helped make Half Moon what it is today.
stagesofhalfmoon.org.uk
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Schools & teachers can also participate Half Moon works with nurseries, schools, colleges, family centres and community organisations to inspire creativity, confidence and self-expression through theatre. Our Creative Learning programme includes curriculum-linked workshops, after-school activities and projects that encourage young people to engage with theatre and the arts. We also offer professional development opportunities for teachers and school staff in partnership with Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service (THAMES). From one-off workshops to long-term partnerships, we work with educators to create meaningful and engaging experiences for children and young people.
Projects include Careers in Theatre: A hands-on, project-
Next Steps: A programme using drama to
management style experience for 13–17 year olds of all aspects of professional theatre
support Year 6 students with their transition to secondary school, with continued support in Years 7–9. Part of Tower Hamlets Youth Service
CONNECT: An in-school programme for Year 5 students students that uses drama and creativity to build confidence, support mental wellbeing and encourage peer support
Speech Bubbles: A year-long intervention
CPD for Teachers: A series of practical training
We also support young people and schools in gaining Artsmark and Arts Award.
sessions for primary and secondary school staff
Early Years Creative Play: Sessions for children and adults to explore their physicality and imaginations and to feel confident with creative play
Gallery @ Half Moon: A chance for schools to experience the art in our gallery and use the pictures as a stimulus for art, literacy and other curriculum work
For more information visit halfmoon.org.uk/learning. To discuss any of the projects or suggest other ways you would like to work with us at Half Moon, contact us on 020 7709 8908 or email schools@halfmoon.org.uk
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programme working with KS1 children to develop their communication skills through drama
About Half Moon Half Moon is a local organisation with a national remit, committed to supporting artists and young people at every stage of their creative development. Our activity includes a season of professional theatre for young audiences, new writing and artform development, alongside an extensive Creative Learning programme, including eight Youth Theatres. Through Half Moon Presents, we also tour acclaimed professional productions for young audiences to venues, schools and communities across the UK. For current productions and tour dates, visit halfmoon.org.uk/touring
A snapshot of last year’s achievements: → 32,583 total engagements → 17,451 participatory engagements → 15,132 audience members (6361 at Half Moon and 8771 on tour) → 1279 creative learning sessions → 854 volunteer hours
→ 127 touring performances → 103 performances at Half Moon → 60 freelancers, 9 core staff → 55 schools worked with in Tower Hamlets → 29 touring productions came to Half Moon → 2 productions toured the UK
We couldn’t do it without:
Investec Jack Petchey Foundation John Thaw Foundation The Leche Trust Maria Björnson Memorial Fund Masonic Charitable Foundation The National Lottery Community Fund Ocean Regeneration Trust Royal Victoria Hall Foundation The Raising the Roof Foundation St James’ Place Charitable Foundation Save the Children Souter Charitable Trust The Steel Charitable Trust Tesco Community Grants THAMES Theatres Trust Tower Hamlets Mayor’s Community Grants Programme Unity Theatre Trust The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers Charitable Trust The Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators Charitable Trust The Worshipful Company of Coopers
We are also extremely grateful for support from: The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust Aldgate & Allhallows Foundation The Austin & Hope Pilkington Trust Backstage Trust Bentley Advancing Life Chances Fund Buzzacott Stuart Defries Memorial Fund Charterhouse Charitable Trust Chesterhill Charitable Trust Clarion Futures The Clive Garner Memorial CMS Social Impact Fund Compass Wellbeing The Derek Shuttleworth Educational Trust D’Oyly Carte Opera Company East End Community Foundation The Fitton Trust Foyle Foundation The Garrick Club Charitable Trust Grange Farm Centre Trust The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation
Also a big thanks to our many individual donors 15
Book tickets
Get in touch
By phone: 020 7709 8900
Half Moon Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND
Online: halfmoon.org.uk All tickets £9. No booking fees. Group discounts available. Free tickets for babies under 12 months, unless the show is specifically for their age range. See our website for booking conditions.
Getting to us By train/tube: Just 2 minutes’ walk from Limehouse
hello@halfmoon.org.uk
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just 2 minutes’ walk away on Flamborough Street (at the
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junction with Yorkshire Road and Commercial Road). Cycle parking is available in our garden.
Commer cial Rd
5.30pm on weekdays. Meter parking is available at all
Buses 15, 115, 135, D 3 Butche r Row
By car: Street parking is free at weekends and from
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By bike: There is a Santander Cycles docking station
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other times. Street parking is free to disabled patrons
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at all times. We are not within the congestion zone. Visit tfl.gov.uk to check latest accessibility details and
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to plan your journey.
Access All our performances are relaxed performances. Blind and visually impaired audiences can pre-book touch tours prior to all performances. Some of our shows are non-verbal, or have limited dialogue, and are accessible to a range of people including d/Deaf, hard of hearing and non-English speakers. A hearing loop system is available throughout the auditorium to support hearing aid users. We also have baby changing facilities, space for buggies and an adult changing table.
Commercial Rd
Limehouse
BSL
Half Moon Young People’s Theatre Ltd is a registered company in England & Wales (2479179). Registered office: 43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND. Registered Charity: 1010192. Printed by Park Lane Press on FSC® certified paper using fully sustainable, vegetable oil-based inks. Powered by 100% renewable resources, utilising waterless printing technology and achieving zero waste to landfill. Print production systems are registered to ISO 14001 and ISO 9001, B Corp certified, and a SEDEX member.
TOUCH TOUR