Hello Heatwave! Our Sizzling Summer Season is around the corner which features the return of our iconic Summer in The Ditch series which is bigger and better than ever, taking over our basement space for all things queer, camp and cult. Our Hoxton neighbours Ministry of Stories return for two inspiring events, and our commitment to supporting artistic practices and local communities keeps our building booked and busy as we gear up for an incredible summer. Read #FriendsAtSTH blog – your monthly round up of exciting things happening in our building. 

Live Events

Ministry of Stories

Speak Up

2 July

Ministry of Stories is back at Shoreditch Town Hall for another Speak Up event – their long-running speech writing project. Over 9 weeks, local Hackney students work with facilitators to craft speeches to deliver in front of change makers. Each student gets to speak up on the subjects that matter to them to the people who can make real change. Find out more about Ministry of Stories by clicking here.

DreamState

28 July- 2 August

Later on in July, Ministry of Stories return with an interactive adventure for families as we embark on another takeover of The Ditch. DreamState is a choose-your-own-path experience where audiences journey through eight rooms, jam packed with activities, experiences and surprises. Created in workshops with 112 young people between the ages of 6 and 16, it is a fantastical exhibition for all ages. Come and see it for yourself for FREE – click here to book 

Summer In The Ditch

10 – 19 July

Following the success of our inaugural artist takeover last year, Summer in The Ditch is back to showcase all things camp, queer, and cult. With experimental new work in music, drag, poetry and performance from the likes of FEMMI, Fabio Lezonli, Frankie Thompson, Queer Noise and more. Expect the unexpected and come on down to The Ditch for an evening of epic entertainment, wacky performances and cheap drinks at the bar!

Double bill ticket offers are available too, click here for more.

Supporting Artistic Work 

Theatre Re

1 – 2 July

Town Hall favourites Theatre Re return to our building to expand on their training offer. In a new initiative, they are offering schools (secondary and colleges) a free comprehensive ‘Work Pack’, which includes videos which delve into practical tasks relating to Theatre Re’s work. Our Assembly Hall is being used to film these videos, in particular a video on how to build and share stories (without relying on text), bringing action, light and music together to create a new piece of work. Explore more about Theatre Re here.

Koro Auditions

1 – 2 July

Theatre company Koro are using our Old Servery to hold auditions for their upcoming show, 1884. Koro creates immersive and interactive experiences which blend theatre and design to bring to life untold stories in unexpected places. Having premiered 1884 at Shoreditch Town Hall in April 2024, we are thrilled to be able to house its auditions for its upcoming national tour. 1884 is routed in inclusivity and play, as an immersive game-theatre show inspired by the legacy of the 1884 Berlin Conference, an often-overlooked historical turning point for the African continent and the world. It asks how history is recorded, and who is left outside of the room where history is written? To explore more about the show, head to their website.

1884 at Shoreditch Town Hall, April 2024

Local Lounge

Local Lounge is back up and running, and we’re thrilled to have so many Hackney-based companies in our building this month making the most out of our Front Room space.

It is not too late to take advantage of our Local Lounge initiative, which offers free use of our Front Room space for Hackney-based grassroots organisations, charities and not-for-profits to use for meetings, social events, training sessions, creative workshops, and more. Sessions can be booked for one-off or multiple dates, based on availability.

Wondering if your event is the right fit? Keep reading to discover who is in the building this month to give yourself a flavour of the kind of events we love. For more information on Local Lounge and to submit your interest, click here.

Kava Therapy 

3 & 9 July

Kava Therapy is a self-care, self-massage and holistic therapy platform which supports people who suffer from stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and mental health. They use Local Lounge to provide Self-awareness and self-reliant wellbeing activities mindful practices as a preventative health care platform.

The Network of Creatives

11 July

The Network of Creatives is a grassroots organisation focusing on providing networking spaces for creatives. The aim is to encourage an economy of ideas, skills, and opportunities where creatives can share, collaborate, and build meaningful connections that may lead to new projects and prospects. On the 11 July they will be hosting a networking session for creatives within the boroughs of Hackney and Islington.

You Make It

18 July

You Make It is a charity that works with women of colour to help build their confidence and supports them into employment through holistic methods. They run weekly workshops where women come together to hear from industry experts, have wellbeing sessions and mentorship.

Queertopia Consortium Hackney CVS 

16 June

Local Lounge regulars Queertopia Consortium, is a grassroots community group which provides a safe space where individuals from LGBTQIA community can gather, connect, and provide mutual support. 

Buditu Consulting

24 July

Buditu Consulting is committed to equity in education, ensuring that every student, family, and youth organisation has access to the tools and support they need to thrive. By using collaborative, innovative and impact-driven solutions, Buditu Consulting helps to create lasting change. They will be using Local Lounge for a creative Sip n Paint event for frontline staff, including educators, social workers, and healthcare professionals to help them unwind, connect and express themselves.

Unity Carnival and Cultural Art

25 July

Carnival and Cultural Arts Youth facilitate workshops, activities and events across the borough. They will be using our space to work on a new theatre production called History of Carnival.