GDIF 2024 | London’s free, annual outdoor performing arts festival 23 August-8 September 2024
Blue Remembered Hills
Tues 7 - Sat 11 September, 7:30
Duration: 90 minutes
What to Expect: Sensory spectacle
Key info
Pick up point will be outside Abbey Wood station from 6pm – 6.45pm. Buses will drop audience members to and from site. A bar and food provision will be available.
Contact the Box Office: [email protected] | 07553 191 543 – please note this number will be monitored as often as possible during the festival.
Tickets: £15 / £10 concession
Into my heart on air that kills
From yon far country blows:
What are those blue remembered hills,
What spires, what farms are those?
That is the land of lost content,
I see it shining plain,
The happy highways where I went
And cannot come again.
A. E. Housman
This outdoor, site-specific production takes audiences on a journey to a hidden landscape, officially closed to the public for more than a century.
Under the shadow of war, seven children are playing in the countryside. As their games escalate, the boundaries between fun and cruelty become ever more blurred, leading to disastrous consequences.
Last seen at GDIF in 2017 with their production of A View from the Bridge, De Roovers is one of Flanders most respected theatre companies, returning with a production which will take audiences to a restricted landfill site, which holds memories of munitions factories and, with their demolition and the establishment of Thamesmead in the 1960s, childhood games.
Recommended age guidance 13+
Sorry, this event has already happened!
Blue Remembered Hills is part of our partnership highlighting Flanders (the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium) as one of the world-leading producers of innovative theatre and performing arts. Focus on Flanders is a two-year partnership between GDIF and the Diplomatic Representation of Flanders to the UK, designed to inspire cross-cultural working between the culturally vibrant and diverse destinations of Flanders and London.
Access
Site Access
Site is all level and has trackmat. However, there are some small bumps and inclines in the terrain, so we recommend taking your time.
Viewing area
Viewing Platform for wheelchair users, priority front row for those other access requirements.
On-site walking distances
Minimal
Respite and Access Areas
Located within production area, possible to have a tea or coffee in space and relax if the show is too challenging. Please speak to a volunteer to access this.
Accessible Toilets
Accessible Portaloo Toilets next to Viewing Platform
Blue badge parking
Blue Badge parking available on street near Abbey Wood station to take the Abbey Wood Bus.
Access drop-off point
Abbey Wood Station
Photo route
Meet directly at Abbey Wood station
Contact
Alex if you have any Access questions: [email protected] // 07899 893 935
Other audience questions, contact our Box Office: [email protected]
Show Access
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Assistance Dogs Welcome
- Easy Read Description Available – click here to download
- Captioned Performances (Tuesday – Friday)
Wednesday 8 September show Access:
- Audio Described
- Relaxed Introduction
Wheelchair accessible buses are currently available Wednesday and Friday night. If demand increases, additional busses can be added on request.
Trigger Warning: This performance contains: fire, airplane noises, some shouting.
Content Warning: There are some scenes that an audience may find challenging, including themes of war, children’s bullying and fighting, death and loss.
BSL interpreted description and Audio Description about the show are available on this page.
Notes for Audience
Assistance Dog notes – Due to the nature of the site, we ask those with assistance dogs to get in touch prior to the performance.
On Wednesday 8, there will be live Audio Description. There will be a pre-show Audio and BSL introduction to the piece 30 minutes prior to the performance. Please choose the first bus.
Tuesday – Friday, Captions will be provided by the Difference Engine App straight to your phone. We recommend downloading the App before arriving and bringing a personal charging pack. For more information click here.
Due to the nature of this site, we have a limited number of spaces for wheelchair users available – please note that these must be booked a minimum of 36 hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
Brochure
Large-print and Easy Read versions of the festival brochure will be available to download in advance or to pick up on the day. Visit our Access page for more information.
Where to find it
Blue Remembered Hills will be performed in a secret location in Thamesmead. When booking your tickets, you will need to select a bus time – the site access is restricted to known vehicles only.
Pick up will be from Abbey Wood station, SE2. Served by Southeastern and Thameslink – visit tfl.gov.uk for routes.
Please arrive at Abbey Wood Station pick up point in good time for your bus slot. If you miss your allotted time, we may not be able to get you to site. By purchasing these tickets, you acknowledge that latecomers may not be accommodated.
There will be a bar and food provision on site. You cannot bring your own food or drink on to the site. You must follow any instructions given by staff or volunteers for health and safety reasons.
Due to the nature of this site, we have a limited number of spaces for wheelchair users available – please note that these must be booked a minimum of 36 hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
About the company
De Roovers, founded in 1994, is a theatre ensemble that works without a director. Starting with challenging textual material – either classical or contemporary – the actors make or perform theatre that examines socially relevant issues through compelling text, innovative approaches, and an urgent performance style.
Supported by
Blue Remembered Hills is supported by Peabody, Royal Greenwich Festivals, Arts Council England, Flanders House – the Diplomatic Representation of Flanders to the UK, Lendlease and Cockayne.