PRESS RELEASE
19 July 2022 – For Immediate Release
Children replace dogs to salvage London dog show cancelled by heatwave
Disappointed dog-lovers who turned up to Hampstead Heath on Sunday only to find the annual dog show had been cancelled due to the heatwave, were treated to an impromptu dog show where the canines were replaced by children.
The hastily organised “dog show” took place at the Glade Theatre that was hosting an all-day pop-up performance space beneath a glade of trees beside the lido.
“It became apparent that a number of people in our audience had come to the Heath to see the dog show so we decided to put on a dog show of our own,” said Glade Theatre founder, Stefan Simanowitz.
“Several children volunteered to be dogs and they were put through the paces by other audience members who agreed to be part of a panel of judges.”
The “Best in Breed” trophy went to a Dalmation called Spotty (played by 5-year-old birthday-girl Eloise). The “Dog with the Waggiest Tail” prize went to a Cocker Spaniel called Ziggy (played by 6-year-old Daniel).
Mango – a Labaradoodle and the old real dog taking part in the show – came third.
The Glade Theatre, launched on Hampstead Heath in the wake of COVID lockdown, is performance concept that allows anyone – musicians, actors, poets, magicians, puppeteers etc – to take to the stage.
A costless way of bringing live arts to the heart of communities, all it involves is hanging a fabric theatre and a canvas banner from a tree and inviting passers-by to take part. The public are also encouraged to set up Glade Theatres in public spaces wherever they are. Organisers will provide people with banners and theatres.
As well as popping-up in parks and public spaces around London, the Glade Theatre travelled to Glasgow for the COP26 Climate Summit to provide pop-up performance spaces across the city. For two months earlier this year, the Glade took up residence inside the Fambula Bar in Belsize Park Town Hall. This weekend it also popped up at Swains Wine Bar in Dartmouth Park.
“As lockdown began to lift, we hung a large ‘Glade Theatre’ sign from a tree and the space beneath was transformed – as if by magic – into a theatre. It provided a much-needed outdoor space where people of all ages could gather for doses socially-distanced culture. And the concept has grown,” said Stefan Simanowitz
“A performance space like an ‘open mic night’ without the mic, the Glade Theatre is a simple way to bring performance, creativity and play to heart of any community.”
THE STORY BEHIND THE GLADE THEATRE
Incredibly, the Glade Theatre is the brainchild of a 3-year-old child.
In 2021, Stefan Simanowitz was with his young godson on Hampstead Heath when they were caught in shower. They took shelter beneath a glade of trees and to the pass the time, Stefan did a rendition of Singing in the Rain while his godson sat on a bench.
“When I’d finished, my godson got up, took my hand and made me swap places with him, sitting me down on the bench. He then performed his own song. That moment planted the seed of the idea for the Glade Theatre.”
Over the summer, the Glade Theatre returned regularly to this spot on & to other leafy glades around London, enlisting the participation of passers-by and friends or just be part of the audience.
To set up a Glade theatre, anyone can make their own banner or order one for just £30 (+P&P). The fabric theatres are also available at cost price.
For more information or to book a place at the drinks launch contact 07799 650791 or visit www.gladetheatre.com
TWITTER @GladeTheatre / INSTAGRAM – @thegladetheatre
To order a 3m x 2m banner (£30+ P&P) contact alan@adelphicgraphics.com
Watch video about the #GladeTheatre herehttps://twitter.com/StefSimanowitz/status/1434927405429309441
London’s smallest theatre launches with performers, puppets and celebrity guests
Musicians, actors, poets, magicians and puppets – including some famous faces – will take to an impromptu stage at London’s newest and smallest theatre this Saturday, 16 July.
The Glade Theatre, a pop-up theatre concept which launched on Hampstead Heath in the wake of COVID lockdown, is returning to its roots with a new outdoor space outside Swains Wine Bar.
Behind a velvet-curtained doorway, benches, cushions and child-size armchairs will provide seating for an audience of up to 25 people of all ages. With only a handful of acts booked, the programme will rely on audience to get involved.
“As lockdown began to lift, we hung a Glade Theatre banner on a tree and the space beneath was transformed – as if by magic – into a theatre. It provided a much-needed outdoor space where people of all ages could gather for doses socially-distanced culture. The idea caught on and has grown,” said Glade Theatre founder, Stefan Simanowitz.
Stefan Simanowitz
In addition to a large canvas banner, the Glade Theatre consists of a delicate 10ft x 8ft fabric stage and blackboard listing upcoming performers that anyone can add their name to.
As well as popping-up in parks and public spaces around London, the Glade Theatre travelled to Glasgow for the COP26 Climate Summit and had a two-month indoor residence at Fambula Bar in Belsize Park Town Hall.
A costless way of bringing live arts to the heart of communities, organisers encourage anyone to set up a Glade Theatre wherever they and provide the materials to do so.
“The Glade theatre is a performance space like an ‘open mic night’ without the mic. It aims to encourage locals step up and recite a poem or perform a party piece,” said Victoria Sharples, Founder of Swains Wine Bar & Store and local resident.
Victoria Sharples
“When we heard about the Glade Theatre, we felt that our leafy courtyard would make a magical space to bring the arts to the heart of our community.”
THE STORY BEHIND THE GLADE
Incredibly, the Glade Theatre is the brainchild of a 3-year-old child.
In 2021, Stefan Simanowitz was with his young godson on Hampstead Heath when they were caught in shower. They took shelter beneath a glade of trees and to the pass the time, Stefan did a rendition of Singing in the Rain in the rain while his godson sat on a bench.
“When I’d finished, my godson made me swap places with him, sitting me down on the bench whilst he performed his own song. That magical moment planted the seed of the idea.”
Over the summer, the Glade Theatre returned regularly to this spot on & to other leafy glades around London, enlisting the participation of passers-by and friends or just be part of the audience.
To set up a Glade theatre, anyone can make their own banner or order one for just £30 (+P&P). The fabric theatres are also available at cost price.
EVENT: The Glade Theatre VIP/Press
Swains Wine Bar & Store – 16 July 2pm – 3pm. Performances 3pm – 6pm NW5 1QX https://www.swains.london/
- For more information or to book a place at the drinks launch contact 07799 650791 or visit www.gladetheatre.com
TWITTER @GladeTheatre / INSTAGRAM – @thegladetheatre
To order a 3m x 2m banner (£30+ P&P) contact alan@adelphicgraphics.com
Watch video about the #GladeTheatre herehttps://twitter.com/StefSimanowitz/status/1434927405429309441