The Big House presents: The Ballad of Corona V – The Remix Professional actors and care-leavers come together to perform a free-wheeling, angry satire in response to the last year
Written by David Watson | Directed by Maggie Norris | Music by Jammz The Big House, 3-26 June “Unfolding through a series of fever-dream snapshots, this is a bold surrealist satire from writer David Watson” ★★★★ The Stage (on The Ballad of Corona V) @BigHouseTheatre | #TheBalladOfCoronaVRemix | thebighouse.uk.com
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A charity transforming the lives of care-leavers using drama and long term support, The Big House returns to their highly praised production The Ballad of Corona V with an updated and remixed version. Professional actors, several who are The Big House alumni, will be joined by an ensemble of care-leavers and at-risk young people who will work with The Big House on essential life-skills before coming together to rehearse and perform the show. The Ballad of Corona V – The Remix will take audiences on a promenade, socially distanced journey through The Big House building, presenting snapshots of the past year through the eyes of London’s young people in a raw and biting satire.
The show is directed by The Big House’s artistic director Maggie Norris, and written by David Watson, whose plays include Flight Path and screenwriting includes winner of three Children’s BAFTA awards L8R. Music comes from bestselling grime artist and record producer Jammz, whose stage work includes Poet in da Corner at the Royal Court.
The Ballad of Corona V - The Remix takes you on a dark and comic musical journey through The Big House building to tell you the tale of Covid-19 in London 2021. Has it all just been a bad dream? If so, then when did it start? Who is Stefan Prince? Do dickheads really matter? And can Boris bring us all out of lockdown in time to save Pancake Day?
The Big House’s work offers training, workshops and long-term pastoral support for young people to unleash their creativity and build their aspirations whilst giving them a platform to speak about issues affecting them. Current participants are taking part in a 14 week programme (an altered offering from the usual 12 weeks due to Covid-19) which first teaches life-skills, such as budgeting and tax returns, before rehearsing and performing in the show. Whilst the skills taught are applicable to all walks of life, several have gone into acting as a career, including several actors who make up the professional cast of The Ballad of Corona V – The Remix.
Director Maggie Norris said: “Never have the voices of our young people been so critical, yet they are hugely at risk of not being heard. The COVID-19 crisis has impacted us all in different ways and we are not ‘all in this together’. We will be addressing the harsh reality of what has happened in this pandemic to some of the city's most marginalised young people.”
A care-leaver from The Big House said, "[At The Big House] I feel like I've sky rocketed! I've learnt so much and now I'm able to look after myself much better. All the skills have helped me so much - The Big House never fails!!"
Another care-leaver from The Big House added, "Working at The Big House has given me more motivation to understand my craft as an actor and know what I am bringing to the table. I have a better understanding of my value and know I’m not in this process alone. I have more of a support system now and if I’m unsure then I have people I can reach out to."
The Big House opened their venue in Islington in October 2018, offering both a theatre space and a centre for alternative learning to help young care leavers transition from care to independence. The Big House has had huge success stories helping to secure university places and top agents for their young people and launching exciting careers in the TV, film and theatre industry.
Running Time: 90 mins | Suitable for ages 14+ (Strong language and distressing scenes)
Company information
Directed by Maggie Norris Written by David Watson
Composed by Jammz Assistant Director Bel Parker
Production Manager Jack Boissieux Stage Manager Leyla Percival
Lighting design by Ryan Day Associate Lighting Designer Sean Laing
Sound designed by Ed Clarke Video designed by Ben Bull
Props, set and costume designed by Eleanor Campbell
Cast
Abdulai Kakay, Aisha Mohamed, Dori Ernesto, Eleanor Wyld, Fatima Abukar, Geromme Allen-Dunkley, Hannah Sonde, Iman El Naser, James Atwell, Jermaine Adeniregun, Laura Bay, Malachi Araromi, Megan Samuel, Najma Sharif, Romario Splatt, Ruth Oyediran, Samuel Kyi, Shanice Logan, Taurean Steele, Tia Shillito, Yohana Yohanis
3 – 26 June, previews 3 - 7
The Big House, 151 Englefield Road, London N1 3LH
£25– £20 (concs) | thebighouse.uk.com/ | 020 7923 9955
Supported by Arts Council England
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