Orpheus, Battersea Arts Centre

Mythology meets opera meets hot club jazz in Little Bulb’s ambitious new offering. Designed specifically for Battersea Arts Centre’s impressive Grand Hall, this immersive experience promises to transport audiences to a glamorous music hall in 1930s Paris, where the legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt is taking the lead in retelling the Greek myth of Orpheus, the musician whose irresistible songs could charm birds, beasts and even the trees.

Audience members stepping back in time with Little Bulb can expect a selection of Reinhardt’s hits, as well as opera and French chanson. While music has always been a key ingredient in the work of the company, who also perform together as a band, for this show they have mastered a range of new instruments and ventured into fresh musical territory. The performers honed their skills playing jazz gigs in order to capture the thrill of live improvisation, but perhaps the greatest musical flourish of all is the inclusion of the Grand Hall’s 20th century organ. 

Orpheus is by far the biggest production that Little Bulb have embarked on, after making their name with cute and quirky Fringe hits. Crocosmia explored how a set of young siblings coped with the death of their parents, while Operation Greenfield followed a group of awkward teens making Christian rock music. Expect the same joyful whimsy that Little Bulb have brought to their previous shows, but on a much grander scale. And the Orpheus experience does not end with the show – theatregoers stay for wine and cheese in the French-style bar and listen to some late-night jazz after the curtain has gone down. 

First performed last year, Orpheus is being brought back as part of Battersea Arts Centre’s Gods, Myths & Legends season, which is celebrating three of the venue’s most epic shows of recent years. We suggest that you also look out for Kate Tempest’s award-winning Brand New Ancients and The Paper Cinema’s charmingly inventive take on The Odyssey. 

Get 10% off tickets to Orpheus when you book by 1 April. Please use the promo code CULTWHISPER when booking online or over the phone. This offer includes standard and cabaret seats, but excludes cabaret packages.