The Fabric of Chickenshed

Threads of a Legacy

Highlights

• A Cinematic Tribute

  A standout moment of the exhibit was a film dedicated to two inspiring members: Brendan Walsh, a performer, and Paula Rees, a writer and performer. Their collaboration with choreographers like Christine Neiring and Bassi Gonzalez introduced a new language of movement, embodying physical conversations and connections that continue to influence Chickenshed today.

• Treasures from Our Archives

  Additional highlights included personal mementoes from patrons such as the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and Dame Judi Dench; footage of Chickenshed’s 1994 theatre opening, generously donated by Dave Rueben; as well as costumes, letters, and video clips from the 1990 Anansi performance at The Royal Albert Hall, featuring over 1,000 children from across London.

• Reflections

  Curating The Fabric of Chickenshed with our talented team of designers, artists, and young members was a truly special experience. It was inspiring to see former members reminisce and reconnect within the exhibition, while new members discovered Chickenshed’s rich journey for the first time. This project has deepened my understanding of Chickenshed's inclusive methodology and the reasons for its continued success.

• Tribute to Wendy Shillinglaw

  Notably, this archiving project and our first exhibition would not have been possible without Wendy Shillinglaw's dedicated work. Years ago, Wendy began the vital task of preserving Chickenshed’s memorabilia. Her foresight and commitment have been essential in capturing our enduring story, providing invaluable material for this exhibit and future historical projects.