Blackbirds

Mayflower Street runs between Jamaica Road and the Thames in

Bermondsey, South London. In 1939, 34 houses and 121 residents

occupied the street. Between 1940 and 1941 bombs fell on 7 of these

houses and at the end of war, the street - with its corner shop, was

demolished. The London Bubble Theatre backs on to Mayflower Street

overlooking the new houses and flats that now stand there. Over the past

year members of our drama groups have been researching the history of

the Blitz, consulting the electoral roll and interviewing residents who

grew up nearby.

BLACKBIRDS is the drama that has emerged from this process.

Using personal testimony, physical theatre and the combined skills

of a cast of contemporary Londoners, ranging in age from 7 to

78, the project aims to share some of the experiences and events

that made our city into the place we know today. Suitable for use

in schools, colleges, youth theatres and community groups.