Chickenshed: An Awfully Big Adventure
Client: Chickenshed Theatre Company • Publisher: Elliot & Thompson
Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company based in North London. Its core philosophy is that performing arts should be open to everyone, regardless of background or ability level.
This unique coffee-table book was commissioned as a celebration of their 40 year anniversary. I was responsible for the entire design lifecycle, and at every stage I collaborated closely with publisher Elliot & Thompson, author Elizabeth Thomson and the Chickenshed team to ensure the company’s pioneering work was perfectly showcased.
Given the company’s commitment to inclusivity, design elements such as font choice and type size were also carefully considered to ensure the book was accessible to as many people as possible.
Stunning photography, a wonderful story and an inspiring client: truly a rewarding project of which to be a part.
Inclusive Theatre
Chickenshed champions diversity and inclusion, and many of its students are not conventionally able. Belinda Sharer, below, has severe cerebral palsy, yet feels her performances at Chickenshed set her free.
Design process
The final design strove to be clean and elegant, with liberal use of white space to allow the photography to shine. Earlier treatments, however, used theatrical motifs to create a bold,
dramatic look.
