The City of London Corporation has announced a free all-day theatre and performance event.
Titled “The Golden Key”, the free events will take place across the City of London on Saturday 15 October 2022, from 12 noon to 9.30pm.
The day promises over 30 independent theatre companies and 200 performers hosting a series of events across the financial district of London, including street festivals, giant puppets, circus performers, contemporary dancers, jugglers, storytellers, and interactive theatre.
17 locations have been chosen to host the events, including the Guildhall, St Paul’s Cathedral and around the Museum of London. The day will end with ‘fire finales’ at St Paul’s and Guildhall, with performances, flaming beacons, and a fire garden.
The high walk that runs between the Museum and London and London Wall will host storytellers, poets and puppeteers , and Guildhall Yard will showcase acrobatics displays.
In the Guildhall, their underground Crypt will see an exploration of London’s LGBTQ+ scene, with drag and cabaret acts and DJs; the Guildhall’s Great Hall will house Future City, where London’s young people are invited to reimagine and build their dream city; and Guildhall’s Roman Amphitheatre will host a circus show.
St Paul’s Churchyard will feature a marketplace that is inspired by Cheapside market, which was one of London’s oldest markets, and interactive performances including poetry, puppetry, an outdoor circus show and musical acts.
Parades throughout the day will include stilt walkers, giant puppets and three brass bands, plus a Maze of Adventures, with 12 interactive routes ending with surprises in secret locations, and a treasure hunt to find the Heart of the City.
The Golden Key has been created by Coney – a collection of makers creating interactive theatre, games and adventures, who have worked with a big network of partners, old and new, to put together the exciting programme.
The Golden Key is the first major event commissioned by the City of London Corporation under its Destination City, a new programme aiming to enhance the Square Mile’s leisure offer with fun, inclusive and innovative events appealing to existing and new audiences.
