Dysbiosis

In the theatre foyer, you’ll discover an exhibition of artwork and writing inspired by nature walks and creative workshops. Step inside the auditorium, and instead of taking your seat in the stalls, you’ll join the performers on stage. Here, you and the actors sit together around a table for an intimate hour-long experience that blends acted scenes, video and music. Rather than following a single story, Dysbiosis unfolds like a collage, with each piece reflecting the diverse voices and backgrounds of its makers.

Expect a range of styles and tones: some moments are playful and humorous, while others are deeply moving or thought-provoking, tackling themes such as pollution and environmental change. Many pieces imagine the voices of plants, animals, or even stones, asking us to look at the world from new perspectives. With its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, the performance invites gentle audience participation – perhaps sharing a hot drink or reading aloud – but only ever on your own terms. Dysbiosis is a truly collaborative, creative and immersive experience, bringing people and ideas together on stage and off.

Dysbiosis is a brand-new performance created by a group of writers, performers and creatives who have spent time at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch exploring how we see and experience nature. Alongside their own work, they’ve also collaborated with local Havering residents. The result is both a unique stage performance and a thought-provoking exhibition, each offering fresh perspectives on our relationship with the natural world.