We’ve got tickets for four lucky people to see Return to the Forest at Sadler’s Wells East this half term—a new show from the acclaimed Theatre-Rites, in collaboration with choreographer Gregory Maqoma.
Return to the Forest begins in a museum, where beautiful objects are on display. There’s just one rule: no touching. But as the museum closes for the night, something stirs. A few visitors are still there, and the precious objects seem to call to them, as if desperate to be set free. Is a heist unfolding before your eyes? And can it really be a heist when the objects themselves are leading the charge?
Led by Maqoma’s high-energy movement and the magical puppetry of Director Sue Buckmaster (Chotto Desh), Return to the Forest transports you from a museum into the heart of a wild and magical forest, full of life and wonder. Who will you meet along the way?
After captivating audiences across the world, these incredible artists will team up for an immersive, playful and thought-provoking encounter. Combining dance and puppetry to dazzling effect, Return to the Forest promises an invitation to imagine what is precious and how we care for it.
You can expect an immersive and interactive performance. The audience will, at times, be standing, sitting or moving between spaces. Audience Guides will be there to support the performance.
About Theatre-Rites
Theatre-Rites are celebrating their 30th birthday this year, and they’ve spent three decades making work that treats children as a genuinely thoughtful audience. Never talking down, always surprising. They’ve teamed up here with South African choreographer Gregory Maqoma (whose show Broken Chord wowed audiences at Sadler’s Wells in 2023) and director Sue Buckmaster. The result is a co-production with Factory International, co-commissioned by Sadler’s Wells. Serious pedigree, seriously good fun.
Screen-printing workshops
Make the performance all the more memorable as children are invited to take part in free screen-printing workshops led by artist facilitators Jairo Zaluda and Nicola Green. They’ll love the chance to make their own animal in the forest to bring home as a souvenir.
The Dance Floor, Sadler’s Wells East
Workshop timings:
Thursday 28 May 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Friday 29 May 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Saturday 30 May 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Workshops will run on a first-come, first- serve basis so make sure you arrive early to avoid dissappointment.
Enter for your chance to win!
For your chance to win 4 tickets to Return to the Forest, simply enter via the Eek Competition Portal.
This competition is for members only. If you’re not already an EEK member, you can sign up through our competition portal. You’ll be added to our membership database and receive a free membership card with special offers across the borough, plus regular East London family news. We never share your details, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
First-choice dates subject to availability.
Enter by midnight Friday, 22nd May.
Good luck!
More info:
Tickets from £25, under-16s £12.50
Sadler’s Wells East, nearest tube is Stratford
This is an immersive show where audiences move between spaces. There’s floor seating and chairs available, and no pressure to participate if your little one prefers to watch.
Content warnings and further info here