5 July – 3 August 2024, Southwark Playhouse Elephant
Multi-award-winning company LUNG returns with a new verbatim musical, The Children’s Inquiry. Premiering at Southwark Playhouse Elephant this July, the production shines a powerful light on the UK’s childcare system.
A Verbatim Musical About the Care System
Drawing on the first-hand experiences of young people, foster carers, social workers, politicians, and care leavers, The Children’s Inquiry transforms their words into lyrics set to a heart-thumping score. With more than 80,000 children currently in care across England, the show both comforts those within the system and calls for urgent action from those in power.
A Story Spanning 100 Years
Audiences meet teenagers Jelica, Frank, Amber, and Angelica, each navigating their own experiences in care. Together they travel through time—across workhouses, wartime evacuations, and the stories of child migrants—to uncover the truth about children’s care in the UK. The show explores family bonds, the value of childhood, and the resilience of love in unexpected places.
Music and Choreography
The score is composed by Owen Crouch and Clementine Douglas (formerly of Kudu Blue). Clementine, BBC Radio 1’s 2022 Dance Artist of the Year, has collaborated with Chase & Status, Dizzee Rascal, and Nicole Scherzinger. Their music draws inspiration from Dusty Springfield to Marvin Gaye to Lizzo.
Choreography comes from Alexzandra Sarmiento (Hamilton), blending period styles such as the Charleston and doo-wop with contemporary movement.
Created With Care-Experienced Teenagers
Co-Artistic Directors Helen Monks and Matt Woodhead developed the show alongside teenagers in Havering and Essex over five years:
“This is a story that is burning to be told. We can’t wait to share it with the world.”
Founded in 2012, LUNG creates campaign-led verbatim theatre amplifying hidden voices. Their acclaimed productions include Trojan Horse (Fringe First & Amnesty International Award) and Woodhill (Edinburgh Fringe 2023). They are Creative Associates at National Theatre Learning and partners with The Lowry.
Southwark Playhouse information
Southwark Playhouse Elephant, 1 Dante Place, London, SE11 4RX
5th July – 3rd August, Monday – Saturday, 7.45, matinees Thursday and Saturday 2.30
£30 – £10, £10 for Pioneers Preview 4 July, £16 preview tickets, £30 standard, £23 restricted view, £16 concs | southwarkplayhouse.co.uk | 020 7407 0234
To see my May posts
