The radical first zero-waste performance space in the UK, The Greenhouse, has announced the premiere of To the Ocean, which plays in Canary Wharf from 19 June – 14 July and Battersea Power Station from 7 August – 3 September.

The show is an escape into the magic and wonderment of the natural world around us, from the perspective of a 16-year-old unearthing secrets from her family’s past.

Directed and written by Oli Savage, the show investigates the experience of growing up, and the lies families tell to protect their loved ones. Audiences will be taken on a journey to experience the mysterious ancient story behind the mythological creatures of Selkies. Known to many as shapeshifters between a seal and human form, Selkies come from traditions and mythology of various cultures, especially those of Celtic and Norse origin. 

With original music, the cast features Laura Kent (Pennyworth, Warner Bros) as Grace, with Fintan Quinn (Christmas at the Hall, The Royal Albert Hall) as Tom, Stuart Curlett (Burn on Arrival, Enemy Films) as Cameron, and Alice Robinson (The Gunpower Plot Immersive, Historic Royal Palaces) as Sonagh. 

The Greenhouse is an in-the-round venue, made completely from found and recycled materials, with a clear roof, and no floor but the grass beneath your feet. The shows are exposed to the elements, making each event distinctively unique and inviting audiences to experience high-quality entertainment whilst being immersed in the beauty of summertime. 

Oli Savage, writer and director of To the Ocean, said: “I’m a storyteller, and this show will be a celebration of theatre and storytelling at its most basic. In a big way, To the Ocean is about how our relationship with the story changes as our relationship with nature changes. As we move away from rural and pastoral settings and into big cities, we lose that sense of myth and wonder. It allows us to become estranged from the natural world.”

Across all tour stops, the team will be running an innovative zero-waste bar for the first time, offering drinks from Toast Ale at £4.95 a pint and a range of juices. There will also be a range of social events and workshops, to build community, have fun, and share sustainable skills. 

More than just a theatre, at its heart, The Greenhouse is a social space to bring a community of people together, providing audiences with the opportunity for a unique and memorable summer night out. Having launched prior to the pandemic, The Greenhouse will bring an award-winning programme that audiences can understand and relate to, allowing for impactful engagement with a personal connection to climate change stories.

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