Fabric of Chickenshed showcases the Southgate theatre’s history from 1974 to 1994

A new “immersive” exhibition takes visitors on a tour of Chickenshed Theatre’s early history using previously unseen video footage, photos and costumes.

Designed and curated by the theatre’s young members along with interior designer Angela Simpson and textile artist Graham Hollick, Fabric of Chickenshed was launched today (Friday 13th) and is now open for free booked visits.

Chickenshed has been celebrating it 50th anniversary throughout 2024 with a series of special events. The new exhibition – now open to the public until 5th October – takes visitors on a tour of the theatre’s early years, from its origins in 1974 as “an actual chicken shed” in Barnet, to performing at the Albert Hall in 1989, being visited by Princess Diana, and opening its dedicated theatre building in Southgate in 1994.

Fabric of Chickenshed features unseen video footage, photos, articles, costumes and more, highlighting the inclusive vision of the theatre’s founders and how it evolved into the phenomenon it has since become.

It offers a fascinating walk through of how the charity came into being and transformed the lives of the young people involved, who might never have had an opportunity to perform on stage without Chickenshed.

The exhibition has been created within the annex building outside the main theatre in Chase Side and each day is divided into 30-minute slots for up to eight visitors at a time. Entry is free and, while booking is not required, it is recommended as there may otherwise be a wait involved.

Find out more and book your visit to see Fabric of Chickenshed:
Visit chickenshed.org.uk/events/the-fabric-of-chickenshed

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