Elders Company

A theatre company for anyone aged 65 and over.

Through free weekly workshops led by professional directors and facilitators, the Elders Company take part in workshop activities and devise and rehearse their own productions for performance on stage at Southwark Playhouse.

“I always found a welcome at the Elders Company and enjoyed the creative activity. I also found a sense of belonging & pride in what we have achieved together. Last but not least I have made some new friends!”

To find out more please contact David Workman, Youth and Community Director, on 0207 407 0234 or david.workman@southwarkplayhouse.co.uk.

Get Involved
When/Where
Productions
Press/Social
Projects
Gallery

The Elders Company is free to attend for anyone aged 65 or over. No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to get involved, take part and have fun. Participants must be able to make their own way to and from sessions.

A waiting list is in operation at certain times, contact us to find out more.

SUPPORTED BY
The Francis Winham Foundation
Southwark Charities
When?
Mon 10.30am – 12.30pm.

Where?
All of our workshops are held at Southwark Playhouse in our rehearsal room and education space here at the Playhouse, about 3 minutes walk from Elephant and Castle Tube, and 6 minutes from Borough.
Previous productions include:

Monkey Bars by Chris Goode (December 2019)

Henry V (July 2019 at Southwark Playhouse and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse)

King Lear (February 2019)

Edwina’s Christmas Carol (December 2018)

They Sailed Away (August 2018)

Re:Union (September 2017)

The Elders Company Cabaret (December 2016)

Be The Change (May 2016)
“The entire company, who had obviously worked hard, threw themselves into the production with gusto. …this project is a significant contribution to show older performers that not only do they matter, but also that they can collaborate to create work of a standard that both deserves -and rewards- an audience”
Unrestricted Theatre on our production of Monkey Bars.

So lovely to see Monkey Bars in the brilliantly capable hands of @SwkPlayEldersCo this evening. They were fresh & funny & fabulous, &
@TobyClarkee’s production was brimming with new insights — I heard all kinds of things in the text I hadn’t heard before. Thanks all! An honour.
Playwright Chris Goode on our production of Monkey Bars

They Sailed Away by @SwkPlayEldersCo @swkplay should be compulsory viewing for politicians & policymakers.
Roslyn Byfield on They Sailed Away
Elders Company Projects:

Southwark Playhouse Elders Company regularly develop new bespoke projects to create performances and opportunities that connect with our local community.

We are always seeking opportunities to develop new work with other theatre companies and artists, arts organisations and charities. If you have an idea, or are interested in developing a project you think the Elders Company could contribute to, please email david.workman@southwarkplayhouse.co.uk.

Past Projects

Mind the Gap
In both 2017 and, we have collaborated with the department of Drama at London South Bank University and New York Theatre Workshop on ‘Mind the Gap’. Across a week, practitioners from New York Theatre Workshop work with an intergenerational group to explore shared stories and experiences between the generations, leading to a devised performance. Mind the Gap’s primary goal is to use theatre as a creative tool to increase empathy and communication between generations, and this has proven to be a hugely significant project for the group. More information on the programme can be found here: https://www.nytw.org/education/mind-the-gap/