Arcola Theatre joins green team to create environmentally friendly show

Published Friday 21 December 2007 at 17:55 by Lalayn Baluch

Arcola Theatre is to collaborate with Simple8 and Strawberry Vale Productions to create an environmentally friendly stage production entitled The Living Unknown Soldier.

The show, which will run at the north London fringe venue from February 12 to March 15, will be powered by a fuel cell specially donated by the London Hydrogen Partnership.

The two companies working with Arcola on the project will be sourcing all set, props and costumes, as well as developing lessons for the Central School of Speech and Drama. Meanwhile, Simple8 will be joining forces with the Arcola and Central to bring sustainability to the venue’s Technical Training course for young people.

A spokesman for the theatre said: “Our greatest challenge is to manage the natural tension between Simple8’s artistic vision and the demands of sustainability - we’ll not compromise either in our attempt to make green normal.

“We hope to capitalise on the massive interest and pockets of exemplary work already happening across the theatre industry.”

Phase two of the Arcola’s plan to become the world’s first carbon neutral venue also includes changing its bar, office and front of house procurement and design.

Eco-entertainment company Bash Creations will be putting together a Green Gala Night between March 6-11 at the theatre.