The Yard Theatre's Walkie Talkies Festival, 2015

This summer festival of unusual, interactive and site-specific theatre is brought to you by the Yard Theatre, and is a treasure trove of intriguing experiences. Following the growing success of its annual NOW festival, and recent smash-hit transfer of Beyond Caring to The Shed at the National Theatre, The Yard has now partnered with the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, on its doorstep, to ‘bring the future of theatre to the streets, the parks, the waterways and rooftops of East London.’
The programme is full of some of the most exciting names in innovative theatre practise, meaning you can choose from a variety of treats. Here's our guide to the best events: Walkie Talkies Festival 2015
Nigel Barrett and Louise Mari are part of Shunt ensemble, but have recently made a name for themselves producing popular performances for children, including the Basement Grotto at Shoreditch Town Hall, Christmas 2014. Walkie Talkies' Be Bees is billed as a ‘mad dash across the park for bees of all ages’, and promises a wonderful adventure in King Alfred’s Meadow for the whole family.
Hurtling, is by Greg Wohead, one of the UK’s most exciting, serious theatre artists. With one audience member at a time the audio experience will take place on a rooftop, and is set to be an exhilarating prospect.
This is What Democracy Looks Like! invites its audience to get on a 7-seater bicycle with their local politician. Travelling together through the park, there will be the chance to enter an open conversation. A full list of participating MPs will be announced soon.
Drift is the most extraordinary offering of the Festival. In 15 minutes slots from 11pm to 5am one night, single audience members will join live artist cum film maker Amy Sharrocks aboard an inflatable boat in the Olympic Pool at the London Aquatics Centre and free tickets are available through a ballot. No matter what other surprises lie in store, the opportunity to see this environment beyond the witching hour is enough for us to be entering that ticket ballot!

The Walkie Talkies Festival is free, but you do need to reserve a space for some performances. Click here for more information.