It was the largest civilian disaster of the Second World War, but - to preserve morale - it was covered up by the Government and the truth only emerged after the end of the hostilities. Two actors will play a variety of roles, often quoting verbatim survivor testimony. In the space of an hour, the audience will experience the claustrophobia, smell, sounds and darkness of the shelter and the tragedy in this disturbing immersive experience. The show will be performed exclusively in the Guildhall Police Cells, and there is a limited ticket capacity available.
Lucky Dog Theatre Productions presents..
BETHNAL GREEN
Sunday 6th August
3pm (Doors 2.40pm)
At 8:17pm on 3rd March 1943, the air raid sirens sounded in Bethnal Green, East London. People made their way through the rain to the deep shelter in the partially-built tube station. At 8:27pm, a salvo of rockets sent up from nearby Victoria Park caused a rush to the small entrance. In the darkness, a woman tripped and fell and within seconds 300 people were crushed on the staircase. 173 people, most of them women and children, died. Cutbacks in official staffing and the provision of safety were partly responsible for what happened that night. It was the largest civilian disaster of the Second World War, but - to preserve morale - it was covered up by the Government and the truth only emerged after the end of the hostilities. Few people in the area escaped without losing a family member, friend or neighbour. Two actors will play a variety of roles, often quoting verbatim survivor testimony. In the space of an hour, the audience will experience the claustrophobia, smell, sounds and darkness of the shelter and the tragedy in this disturbing immersive experience. The show will be performed exclusively in the Guildhall Police Cells, and there is a limited ticket capacity available.
(Running time approx. 50 minutes)
£8
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