Robin Linde Productions. Commissioned by Southwark Council as part of Blackfriars Stories.
Unexpected happenings during your daily commute.
FREE
LOCATION Various points along Blackfriars Road SE1, including buses and pavements
DATES Thursday 18 and Friday 19 May
TIMES 8.30 - 9.30am, 12.30 - 1.30pm, 5.30 - 6.30pm
Injecting your journey with energy and humour, this quirky theatrical experience celebrates the history and character of Blackfriars Road and Southwark. The streets will come alive through a series of unexpected sights, featuring actors, artists and musicians.
LOOK OUT FOR...
Look out for a roaming robot inspired by ‘father of computing’ Charles Babbage. Charles Babbage (1791 - 1871), pioneer of computing, lived in Southwark as a child. The father of the Difference Engine, a machine which could perform mathematical calculations, he worked with engineer Joseph Clement, who owned his own workshop in Southwark, to design and develop the Engine.
The two developed the Difference Engine, but Babbage also worked on another invention, the more complex Analytical Engine - a revolutionary device on which his fame as a computer pioneer now largely rests. Neither the Analytical Engine, nor Difference Engine 2, were finished in Babbage’s lifetime.
LOOK OUT FOR...
Charlie Chaplin bringing silent comedy to the streets.
Chaplin’s impoverished childhood was spent on the streets of Southwark. Even once he found fame in Hollywood, he remained linked to the area, supporting the Borough Market Sports Day.
LOOK OUT FOR...
Everybody loves a silent disco and given Southwark was home to silent film star Charlie Chaplin, it makes perfect sense! The 80s dancers will be in force here too. Cut some shapes and get your groove on outside the TfL building opposite Southwark station. You’ll definitely be smiling by the time you get to work.
LOOK OUT FOR...
Cheering fans! Using the Cycle Superhighway? Late for work? Supporting fans will be on hand, cheering you along the way to work. FAME inspired 80s dancers will be encouraging cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Cycle Superhighways are cycle routes running from outer London into and across central London. They give safer, faster and more direct journeys into the city. The Southwark Spine cycle route is an important new addition to the cycle network in Southwark.
Visitor comments:
I had such a big smile on my way to work after being cheered this morning on my cycle ride in! Thanks @MergeFestival #timetobelate
Great to see @MergeFestival brightening the day on my first rainy walk to work
Fantastic to be greeted by @MergeFestival artists this morning on leaving Southwark @jubileeline station - I'm still smiling!