The Vanishing Elephant

Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, 2009
Performed in The White Tent, Quarry Road
8th – 20th June 2009

Mary Roots’ life changes dramatically during the events of 1888. First there were the Skeleton Army street riots, then the Baltic Sawmill murder and the petition to save two unlikely lads from hanging.

The costs were high – betrayal, loss and two illegitimate children. Twenty years on, those two children’s aspiring lives have become inseparably linked. Alice Roots, who shows the spirit of adventure her mother once had whilst Frederick Medhurst’s ambitions ‘to be someone’ are thwarted by the outbreak of war. Tunbridge Wells has become a hotbed of radical suffragettes but in 1914 these remarkable women put down their banners of protest to join forces with the working women of Camden Road in the war effort. The war brings more than its share of tragedy, but the tenacity of the women sees them not only pulling through, but emerging stronger and freer.

A not-to-be-missed production, with a local company of 150 takes its audience into the heart of real events and which was used as an Arts Council case study here.

In an instant the audience are surrounded by the skeleton riots, become a crowd at the suffragette parades and civic celebrations; ships float above their heads, then it’s a giant effigy of the Kaiser that’s towering above them. In the flicker of an eye the space becomes a thriving market, a courtroom, or the battlefields of the Somme.

This is an historic production with poignant and powerful music that will be remembered long after its performance, contributing to the rich and vibrant history it celebrates. It is a call to arms to the people of Tunbridge Wells to respect Camden Road’s history and potential. Claque Theatre is an internationally renowned company and the leading exponents of community plays. They have produced plays across England and in Europe, Canada and America. This production marks the company’s 30th anniversary but the first in Tunbridge Wells, their hometown.

The Patron of this play was comedian and writer, Jo Brand.

“I am delighted to be associated with this inspiring project which aims to bring together people from all backgrounds to create a musical play for Camden Road.”

Jo Brand

“A return to the community spirit in Camden Road”

Audience Member

“The whole experience was above and beyond my expectations. I was simply blown away. Superb.“

Audience Member

For a look at the gallery of images from the process to the performance, click here.