In August 2025, 14 young people took part in a week-long drama project. Comissioned by Big Local Works and Southwark Council, the project invited teenagers aged 13-17 to devise a performance inspired by the Bermondsey Blue Market to support the local economy.
We asked young people what made them call Bermondsey their home and at the group explored the local history, shared stories and characters from the present day and imagined the future of their neighbourhood.
SYNOPSIS
Meet the market traders that make this community tick. They sell everything you need with a friendly welcome, but under the surface there may be more than you bargained for.
Will they work together when crisis sets in?
The piece was devised, rehearsed and developed on site at the Bermondsey Blue Market with our Associate Artist, Russenï Fisher, Artistic Director, Marie Vickers and a placement student xxx working with the young people. The site-based approach allowed the young people to respond directly to the space and shape the narrative with the environment, while also building relationships with local traders.
For their performance, they were given key costume pieces and props to bring their story to life in front of friends, families, traders and local residents.
CAST
14 young people with connections to Bermondsey.
CREW
Russenï Fisher
Sapphire Joy
Marie Vickers
Michael Breakey
commissioned by:
"This needs to happen all year round, every term. It's really good, I'm impressed. To hear my granddaughter speaking in front of a crowd. I was shocked."
"We need more of this sort of thing to get people visiting this area and celebrating it."
"Everything that was discussed about the market; whether it should carry on, how important it is for the community, how people make their lives around the market, these are all discussions we have about the Blue Market every day. It was incredible to see those young people make a story that was fun, exciting and also very real."
- Friendships
agreed they had made friends or new connections on the project.
- Audience
audience members engaged with the performance.
- Participants
young people helped devise the show with 11 taking part in the final performance.
- Photo Gallery
Photography Credits: John A Stewart
