BLACK SHEEP
(updated 13.03.24)
Black Sheep has just announced 2 more shows (matinees on 20th and 27th) to our SOLD OUT run.
curious directive returns with a World Premiere theatre production, using their trademark mesmeric devised-theatre storytelling.
The endless North Norfolk skies.
The sweeping arable fields, scattered with flint.
The salt marshes, full of strangely coloured silt.
In the farmhouse, a family struggle with succession.
In the shed, lambing season is in full swing.
In the village church, a secret love is blooming.
In the front seats of a rusty Transit van, a brutal revenge is plotted.
BLACK SHEEP is a razor-sharp psalm about the county of Norfolk, tracing the dilemmas facing farming succession. curious directive’s 12th major theatre production. Be one of very few to experience curious directive’s world-class theatre on your doorstep.
What is BLACK SHEEP going to be like?
We're still devising BLACK SHEEP together, but at the moment, our mood-board is God's Own Country (film) x Happy Valley (tv series) x Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring (music).
For a strictly limited run - 11 shows only - we’re sharing BLACK SHEEP with our Norfolk audiences first.
SHOWS
11 - 13 April
18 - 20 April
25 - 27 April
LENGTH
BLACK SHEEP lasts 2hrs 30mins, including a 20minute interval.
LOCATION
curious directive, Main House, 49 Elm Hill, Norwich, NR3 1HG // Entry is via Botanical Garden Bar, which opens at 1hr 15mins before the show and is open afterwards for drinks.
TICKETS
Scroll down to book.
REVIEWS on recent work:
‘the always excellent, curious diretive.’
The Guardian'Witty and thoughtful... subtle and skilful... ultra-high concept.’
★★★★ Time Out on Gastronomic (2023)'Superbly intelligent and subtle.'
★★★★ The Stage on Spindrift (2022)'A love letter to learning, brimming with curiosity and suffused with a childish sense of wonder.'
★★★★ The Guardian on Deciphering (2021)'curious directive are theatre pioneers.'
Daily Telegraph
About curious directive:
curious directive is an internationally touring, multi-award winning theatre company.
Our work starts on Elm Hill in Norwich.
Since 2008, 11 major productions have been presented in 100+ venues, to 175,000 audience members worldwide.
BLACK SHEEP was conceived as part of a Science Club in 2022 and premieres in our making space, on Elm Hill, Norwich.
BLACK SHEEP // Creative Team:
Direction: Jack Lowe
Associate Direction: Craig Hamilton
Design: Zoë Hurwitz
Sound: Helen Atkinson
Light: Alex Fernandes
Video: Ellie Thompson
Composition: Theo Whitworth
Devising ensemble: Mila Carter, Amanda Hadingue, Lewis Mackinnon, Robert Macpherson, Sophie Steer & Matilda Ziegler.
Developed with the support of the National Theatre’s Generate Programme.
21 FAQ/T&Cs (last updated 06.02.24)
Please read these FAQs - we hope they’ll be useful for you.
I’m trying to book for a Monday - Wednesday but can’t see it available, is it sold out? We only perform Black Sheep Thursday - Saturday due to staff/creatives availability. We hope you can find a date that suits you!
Where is the show? Black Sheep is performed at curious directive’s Studio Theatre - we’re based at 49 Elm Hill, with the entrance to the theatre via BOTANICAL GARDEN GAR & KITCHEN on Wensum Street (opposite Maid’s Head hotel).
Why is the PPP ticket such good value, is there a catch?(!) No, we just think theatre should invite people in, to be together and collectively enjoy a night out.
Can I eat my Pizza after the show? We’re afraid not. Generally, the show comes down after Chefs finish work. So we advice you to come at least an hour before the show, so you can sit in THE POTTING SHED and enjoy your night out.
Do I need to book a table? No, we’ve booked out THE POTTING SHED for our Black Sheep audience. You many need to sit at a table of 6 with other people, but the atmosphere is very casual.
What’s the age restriction? This is a show for 14+; the production contains foul language and adult themes - the show is not suitable for children. If you are coming with a child, we will share this with you on arrival and discuss the matter with you.
I can't seem to get tickets to sit together on the seating map, can you sort this? Our ticketing system does allow allocated seats, but it is on a first come, first served basis. But rest assured if there’s only a handful of tickets left and you’re not sat next to each other, you won’t miss out.
Do we eat the food / have our drink before or after the show? Unlike Gastronomic, for Black Sheep, you eat your pizza and have your drink BEFORE the show. This is why we mention to arrive 45mins - 1 hour before the show to enjoy your food/drink. You can take a drink in with you. Our Bar staff/FOH will be fully briefed for you to enjoy your visit.
I have a gluten intolerance, can you cater for this in the Pizza making? No, we’re afraid not. All allergens will be shared on arrival.
Is the show immersive? The show is immersive in some senses, but it is a play.
What are the drinks options? We have a wide range of wines, beers and spirits for you to choose from. The PPP ticket deal INCLUDES a 125ml glass any wine, a pint of beer/cider from our taps or single shot/mixer of a spirit.
Can I take my drink in? Yes, you can.
Can I have another drink during the show? Yes, although we strongly advise you purchase a second drink before entering the theatre - so you don’t miss the performance and you don’t disrupt the experience for others (with coming/going).
How long is the show? 150 minutes, including an interval.
If I’m late, will i be let in? Yes, but there are specific latecomer times - around 5-7 minutes into the show start time and then again 15 minutes in. We will do our very best to get you in!
Is the venue wheelchair accessible? Yes, the theatre is wheelchair accessible. There is a platform lift (up to 225kg) which can be used on arrival. Please email / call in advance if you would like to use this facilty.
Are there toilets? Yes, we have two gender neutral toilets. Unfortunately we are in a medieval church and we do not have accessible toilets. However, we have a good relationship with The Maid’s Head Hotel (directly opposite) and will ensure visiting patrons have an excellent experience with us. Any concerns, please do get in touch.
Is there parking? We do not have on-site parking. The closest is Monastery Court Car Park.
Can I book a big group? We don’t accept large group bookings for this production.
T&C’s
If I (or one of my party) can’t now attend, do you offer refunds? We are a very small charity. We are therefore unable to offer refunds. We will work with you to find an alternative date if it’s possible. Thanks for your understanding.
Can I exchange for another night? Potentially. But we require a minimum 2 weeks’ notice (from the date of the request to the performance) to the request to exchange. i.e if you request to exchange a ticket for 11th April, on the 3rd April, we’re unable to accommodate this. Otherwise, it is very difficult for us to sell your tickets in advance.
We kindly ask you to find others to take/purchase your tickets from you (let us know their names, and book in another time for yourself (if you would like to).
Any futher questions, please contact info@curiousdirective.com.
Thank you!