The City of London turns into one huge open air theatre this October — with scores of performers flooding the Square Mile for a day-long interactive spectacular.
The Golden Key is an extravaganza that sees over 30 independent theatre companies and 200 performers put on shows in venues across the City. To give you a flavour of the hijinks going down:
- Kids are invited to the 'Topsy Turvy Fair of Power' inside Guildhall's Great Hall, to build their dream city while outside, Guildhall Yard hosts acrobats, stilt walkers, giant puppets and brass bands.
- A circus pitches up in Guildhall's Roman Amphitheatre, while drag acts take over the building's crypt.
- St Paul's Churchyard becomes a marketplace, inspired by the ancient market at nearby Cheapside. Music — from Eastern European folk, to Cuban rhythms — fill the air.
- Storytellers, poets and puppeteers take to the pedways to spin City yarns, from tales of Roman Londinium to suffragettes.
- A smartphone adventure opens up doors to The Maze of Adventures — giving access to various performances in hidden gardens and listed buildings.
- 'Fire finales' — featuring beacons and a 'fire garden' bring proceedings to a flaming fantastic climax at sunset.
- After parties are thrown in the city's various bars and restaurants.
Phew. Quite a bit going on for one day, really.
The Golden Key runs from midday till late on Saturday 15 October. Daytime activities are family friendly, plus it's all absolutely FREE.
It's part of Destination City — a drive to get people using the City for culture more, particularly at the weekends.
The Golden Key, across the City of London, 15 October.
