This December, Spitalfields Market will welcome The Greenhouse Theatre to host a winter pop up on 8 Market Street. The UK’s first zero-waste theatre will be running a Christmassy events programme and debuting a new play The Lost Library of Spitalfields Market that will run for a limited time from 1 to 24 December.
The Greenhouse Theatre will provide festive fun for family and friends with a range of sustainable and creative activities, including carol sing-alongs, board game nights, festive pub quizzes and live music performances. What’s more, shoppers visiting the East London market can enjoy family-friendly artistic workshops like wreath making, candle painting, festive cooking and a scavenger hunt.
For those looking to live a more eco-conscious lifestyle, there will be a second-hand shop, a clothes repair workshop and free sustainable gift wrapping to delight loved ones. There will also be a zero-waste bar serving a wide range of refreshments to get merry and fight off the winter chill, including mulled wine and hot cider.
Written and directed by Oli Savage, The Lost Library of Spitalfields Market tells the story of a girl, Isla (Ronay Poole), who is in search of a Christmas present for her mother. She stumbles upon a hidden library located in Spitalfields Market where stories aren’t found in books but in everyday objects that have been discarded and forgotten. The viewers are taken on a journey as Isla explores all the stories of these objects. Isla learns how in London, connection can be found in the most unlikely of places. A show for people of all ages, the viewers experience a truly unique Christmas show about family, loss, magic, and the stories that bind us all together.
Jason Dervin, General Manager of The Spitalfields Estate, said: “Innovation, creativity and nurturing our community are some of Spitalfields’ key pillars, so The Greenhouse Theatre joining our collective for the festive season is very special. Their ethos and work they’ve done so far is inspiring, and Spitalfields is proud to support them. ‘The Lost Library of Spitalfields Market’ is a beautiful story and I encourage booking your tickets now before it’s too late.”
Oli Savage, Artistic Director of The Greenhouse Theatre commented: “It’s so exciting to be partnering with Spitalfields to deliver a brand-new Christmas project. Right in the heart of probably the most iconic market in London, we get to explore all the stories that make this amazing city so unique, and all of the cultures that melt together in a place like Spitalfields. You just don’t get that kind of creative opportunity in a traditional theatre space. We’re looking forward to creating a truly unique Christmas experience, and to helping people have a more eco-friendly festive period.”
Sustainability is at the core of The Greenhouse Theatre. All of the materials from marketing to set design, props and costumes are purchased either second-hand or as surplus, and all used materials are repurposed, donated or recycled responsibly. Founded in 2019, the company is a pioneer in the UK’s theatre scene and is paving a path for a more conscious way of enjoying art.
Spitalfields is home for over 90 independent traders at Spitalfields Traders Market, offering contemporary and vintage fashion, music, jewellery and accessories (open every day), as well as the Arts Market in Crispin Place, supporting both up-and-coming and established local artists (open Friday – Sunday). Earlier this year it revealed the reimagined Lamb Street food hub and Market Street retailer units after 18 months of renovations.
