We Kept The Surprise

Please note: only the 7PM performance will be BSL interpreted.

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be there when the Olympic Cauldron was lit to spark the 2012 Olympics? Or were you there, sharing the stadium with the likes of Paul McCartney, The Spice Girls, Ian McKellen and Stephen Hawking?

Over 70,000 volunteers took part in the Olympics & Paralympics, many as performers in the iconic opening and closing ceremonies… battling all winds and weathers to rehearse and this piece tells their stories. Throughout the rehearsal process they were sworn to secrecy with the motto #SaveTheSurprise plastered on every billboard and screen around the stadium. But ten years on it is time for their stories to be told!

In April and May Parrabbola staff and volunteers conducted interviews with participants from the 2012 Ceremonies, those who worked in front of and behind the scenes to bring these games to life, about what it was like to be there. From these interviews they have created We Kept the Surprise, a documentary theatre piece based on real life experiences.

Details

Running time: Performance runs approximately one hour with no interval.

Performance Schedule:

Wednesday, 29 June: 3pm at Applecart Arts East Ham

Wednesday 29 June: 7pm at Applecart Arts East Ham

Thursday, 30 June: 7pm at Timber Lodge, Elizabeth Park, Stratford

Friday, 1 July: 7pm at Ye Olde Rose & Crowne, Walthamstow

About Parrabbola

Parrabbola is a storyteller – producing community theatre and plays, festivals and events, incorporating music or dance – and develops creative talent in the UK and Europe.

parrabbola.co.uk