Lockdown Lunch: an unexpected gem emerged from the world in pandemic. The wonders of Zoom have breathed new life into Social Lunch, our beloved event where a dynamic group of people over 55 came to Jacksons Lane once a month to enjoy food, live performance and community.
Lockdown Lunch is our pandemic offspring of Social Lunch, but it has evolved into something quite of its own. Clair Chapwell (founder of Bolder Voices and Spare Tyre Theatre Company) is facilitator of the Lunches and sets a new theme every week, such as ‘Masks’, ‘Hands’ and ‘Summer In The City’, and uses it as a stimulus to create poems, paintings, stories and songs to perform to the group at the next Lockdown Lunch.
The results have been staggering. Talents unlocked, community formed, and the most beautiful creations composed and performed each week. We even have a soap opera with weekly installments, Corona Sisters, that is written and directed by our facilitator Clair and acted entirely by guests.
As one Luncher said, “putting together my poem for Lockdown Lunch meant that for the first time, I didn’t think about COVID for one full day”. Indeed, Lockdown Lunch has become many things: a writing group, a welcome distraction from the current moment, an impetus to stay creatively energised throughout the week, and a place to make and meet with friends.
We can’t wait until we can all meet in person, but until then, this little online oasis of creativity and kindness has been a shining light in all the uncertainty. To find out more and get involved, email [email protected].
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Become a Local Host for Jacksons Lane Artists
We’re seeking local hosts in Highgate and Haringey to provide accommodation for visiting artists and performers. If you have a spare room or flat and a friendly kettle, you can help support the arts by giving these world-class creators a soft place to land.
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In Memory of Chris Patfield
Chris Patfield was a prolific and inventive artist whose juggling, wire walking, and playful spirit brought joy to audiences and colleagues alike. He will be deeply missed by the circus community and all who knew him.
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Announcing Our New Creative Director
We’re delighted to announce Angus Mackechnie has been appointed Creative Director & Joint CEO of Jacksons Lane.
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Jacksons Lane at 50: A Year of Celebration
As we step into the New Year, we are looking back on a very special chapter in Jacksons Lane’s story. Our 50th anniversary year was a chance to celebrate everything we have done since opening our doors in 1975, and to enjoy all the things that make Jacksons Lane what it is today.
Here are some of the moments that made our anniversary year so memorable.
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Annual Review 24 / 25
We are excited to share our annual review for April 2024 to March 2025. We are deeply grateful for the invaluable support from our community, which makes our impact possible. Our achievements in art, community outreach, and environmental initiatives are highlighted in this document, along with a financial overview.
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Interview with Mark Morreau
We asked Mark Morreau all about his long relationship with Jacksons Lane and how he juggles being a photographer and circus artist.
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