“Why Chickenshed?” someone might ask. It is more than just a theatre. Chickenshed is a beacon of inclusivity. It stands tall in Southgate, London.
Chickenshed began humbly. Teacher Mary Ward and composer Jo Collins founded it in 1974. Imagine their first sessions. They took place in a disused chicken shed. Lady Elizabeth Byng gifted it to them on her Wrotham Park property. For a time, they were known as “The Lady Elizabeth Theatre Workshop.” But the name “Chicken Shed” stuck. So Chickenshed truly began in an old chicken shed.
In the 1980s, John Bull joined them. He ran a local children’s home called Cheviots. With him, Chickenshed’s journey of true inclusion really began.
Now, look around. This purpose-built theatre complex opened in 1994. It was a national fundraising effort. Dame Judi Dench and Diana, Princess of Wales supported it. This theatre has four performance spaces. The Rayne Theatre seats up to 300. There is also a smaller Studio Theatre, an Amphitheatre and a bar and restaurant. It regularly hosts live music and comedy.
Chickenshed is more than performances. It is a registered charity. Mary Ward received an MBE in 1996. This was for her services to the arts. Jo Collins received an MBE in 2001. This recognized her services to music. Chickenshed even performed at Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. In 2004, they staged Peter Pan at the Albery Theatre. This raised funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Since 2000, Chickenshed has grown. There are now “Sheds” in the UK, Finland, New York, Shanghai and Russia. Chickenshed trains these groups. Then, they run independently. They all share a vision of inclusive practice.
Many notable people support Chickenshed. Diana, Princess of Wales, Lord and Lady Rayne and Dame Judi Dench are among them. Jamie Demetriou, Miriam-Teak Lee and Natasia Demetriou are notable alumni.
Chickenshed offers many educational programs. They present original productions for all ages. Their membership program includes theatre groups for young people aged 5 to 21. They hold weekly workshops for children and adults. Chickenshed brings together young people from all backgrounds. They study creatively together. Over 200 students join their BTEC, Foundation Degree and BA courses each year. Participants develop skills in acting, music and dance. They also build life skills like teamwork and leadership.
Music is key to Chickenshed’s identity. Jo Collins and Anthony Filby were the first musical writers. Together they formed Colby Music. In 1997, Chickenshed released a single. It was called “I Am In Love With The World.” It reached number 15 in the UK charts. The song was included on a tribute album to Diana, Princess of Wales.
In 2023, Chickenshed auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent. Alesha Dixon gave them her Golden Buzzer. The group went straight to the Semi-Finals.
Chickenshed creates wonder out of chaos. They change challenge into change. They support over 15000 children and young people each year. Chickenshed becomes their sanctuary. It is a second home. They use theatre to celebrate diversity. They tackle social issues. Chickenshed stands as a testament to the power of inclusion. Its impact resonates far beyond these walls.