The Golden Key retells the history of London, through performance
(Picture: Simon Jacobs)As the nation gears up for Christmas (if you haven’t yet, you’re already late) the tradition of filling winter solstice with cheer is underway.
This weekend, on Saturday, October 15, the Golden Key event will fill the afternoon with performances inspired by the “secrets of the Square Mile”.
The immersive theatre experience is being brought to London by Bafta-winning charity Coney and Friends, who have gathered more than 30 companies and 200 individual artists for performances in the city centre.
From noon to well past sunset, around 9.30pm, stories of London’s streets will be told through dance, song, giant puppets, and circus performers.
A pop-up promenade will tell lesser-known tales of ancient Roman Londinium to empowering adventures of the Suffragettes.
St Paul’s Cathedral Churchyard, as a hub of diversity, and the London Wall High Walks will host the street festivals, featuring performers, games, and interactive theatre.
At the centre of the action, as per its moniker, a Golden Key will rest in the Guildhall Yard around which acrobatic dancers, brass bands, and stiltwalkers will perform throughout the day.
Meanwhile, Guildhall’s underground crypt will take on London’s Soho crowd with drag and cabaret performances, as well as DJs.
In a house-of-wonders-style layout, Guildhall will also host the Future City in its Great Hall, where children can imagine their dream capital, and a lively circus show in its Roman amphitheatre.
Doors will pop up across the city with QR-coded mazes, leading Londoners across the capital to discover the performances and find the golden key “prize”.
Admission is free for the whole family, with drop-in available across the afternoon and evening.
For the older crowd, an after-party with cocktails over sunset will conclude the mini-festival, along with three “fire finales” and a “thrilling fire garden”, organisers said.
Policy chairman of the City of London Corporation Chris Hayward said: “This is set to be one of London’s most special and spectacular events, attracting a huge audience from across the capital and well beyond. We’re promising fantastic fun for everyone– and, best of all, it’s free.
“For one extraordinary day, the incredible story of the city will be brought to life, and visitors will be able to savour a huge array of exciting venues, hidden spaces, must-see attractions, and captivating interactive performances.
“A key event in London’s calendar, this is not a day to miss.”
