Photo Flash: Montage Theatre Arts Brings LABYRINTH to Greenwich Theatre

A show by gifted and talented older people could become an annual event at Greenwich Theatre following a sell-out success on Wednesday, March 11. Scroll down for photos!

'Labyrinth' was the result of two years' work between Greenwich Theatre and the Montage Theatre Arts charity based at The Albany in Deptford. Two other established companies -- First Framework and Green Candle Dance Company -- were brought in to create a unique evening's entertainment.

"It was an incredibly successful event," said James Haddrell, Greenwich Theatre's executive and artistic director. "We had virtually a full house and the evening ended with a Q&A session so the audience could get involved. It was quite challenging to explore this kind of work and what's important about it, and it was clear that people found it inspiring and enjoyable."

Performance Lab, the theatre company established through Montage Theatre Arts, showcased The Shed, a moving yet comic piece about women who find themselves without the man in their lives, either because they have left, died or simply spend all their time in a shed.

"Our oldest performer was 93-year-old Doris Dowsett-Muench said James. "She acted, danced and told the story about the loss of the man in her life, which was inspiring and unexpectedly very funny. Doris is a natural performer and was one of the stars of the night."

First Framework performed a pierrot-style piece where eight performers responded to audience suggestions for a piece of poetry, a scene from a play or even a conjuring trick or a joke - and Fergus Early from the Green Candle Dance Company performed a solo piece he created himself as a young dancer 38 years ago.

"We'd like to make it an annual event because there are not enough companies doing this kind of work and hopefully it will stimulate growth in an area where there is obviously a lot of overlooked talent," said James.

For more information, visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk.

Photo Credit: Warren King