Venue
Rayne Theatre, Chickenshed
Chase Side Southgate London N14 4PE
Accessibility information
Run time
2 hrs with 20 minute interval
Age guidance
11+

Back this spring, following a limited sell-out run in 2022.
The Washing Line explores the world of cults, through the story of Jim Jones and The People’s Temple; its ideals and aims and, ultimately, its horrific end.
“It looked like piles of washing hung out to dry. But they were bodies.“
Through Chickenshed’s unique approach to story telling, the difficult questions around what drives people to join alternative forms of community when they see no option within the mainstream are tackled. Movement, music, dance and multi-media go towards creating an all encompassing theatrical experience.
“We were looking for a better world. We found a nightmare.”
Content Warnings for The Washing Line:
This production includes:
• Themes of cults and mass tragedy, exploring manipulation, control, and loss of autonomy.
• References to mass death and suicide, inspired by real historical events at Jonestown.
• Graphic imagery and descriptions, including references to bodies and unsettling visuals.
• Historical events, with fictionalised depictions of real-life tragedies that some viewers may find distressing.
Reviews
“A distressing, beautiful, moving production that only this company could deliver (or conceive).”
“The true power of this show lies in its ensemble performances, and it’s when the entire cast of around 200 people is on stage that its impact is most keenly felt.”
“This really is theatre for everyone – there are no exceptions.”
“Being in the same space as so many committed and talented young performers is really what it’s all about.”
School performances
School performances
On Friday 28 March at 12pm, we are pleased to offer an extra performance of "The Washing Line" for schools and other educational groups. For more details and to check availability, please fill in the form below.
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Contact Jojo Morrall for further information or to book
jojom@chickenshed.org.uk

Jojo Morrall
Head of Education Programmes & Projects (Outreach)
Head of Education Programmes and Projects (Outreach)
Accessibility
Welcome to our Accessible Performances at Chickenshed. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy our shows to the fullest.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and email our access team here.
Captioned Performances
Audio Described Performances
Signed Performances
Audio Described Performances
Join us for audio described shows on:
Sat 29 Mar at 7pm
Sat 5 Apr at 3pm
Captioned Performances
Catch captioned shows on:
Thu 27 Mar at 7pm
Thu 3 Apr at 7pm
Signed Performances
Our British Sign Language interpreted shows are on:
Fri 28 Mar at 7pm
Fri 4 Apr at 7pm
Touch Tours
Touch tours can be offered before all Audio Described performances.
Keep in touch
Stay connected with us on social media! Give us a thumbs up on Facebook and tag us in your stories on Insta using #CSWashingLine. Get ready for a sneak peek at all the show updates and snapshots of rehearsals!.