“Coney has rewritten the rules of theatre and done it with care, invention, playfulness, and often a lot of joy” – Lyn Gardner
Coney was an arts and social change charity on a mission to spark change through the power of play. For over fifteen years, we co-created interactive theatre and experiences, from bespoke games for individuals to city-wide adventures for thousands. Every Coney experience aspired to make the world a little lovelier – whether by fostering self-care and resilience, or inspiring community action that led to meaningful change. Our distinctive, playful practice took place in schools, heritage sites, workplaces, theatres, streets, and online.
We were BAFTA-winning and listed in The Stage 100, recognitions that reflected our innovative approach to blending play, performance, and social change.
What’s behind ‘Coney’?
It all began on Valentine’s night in 2006, with an adventure along the banks of the Thames. A secretive network of theatre-makers was invited to create a mystery that wound through the labyrinthine foyers and corridors of the National Theatre. Curious members of the public followed the clues, culminating in a spectacular finale that took over the entire building for one unforgettable night.
To get security passes without raising suspicion, the makers had needed a cover. They created ‘Coney Communications,’ a fictional PR company. When the time came to become a public-facing entity the following year, they remembered ‘Coney’… and many chapters later, our story unfolded.
‘Coney’ is an old word for rabbit. Little did they know that Rabbit would become Coney’s symbolic guide – the spirit of curiosity and playfulness that would shape everything to come. This marked the beginning of a playful secret and the entrance to a rabbit hole that would lead thousands of participants on extraordinary journeys over the next fifteen years.
Find below some grainy imagery of that early-days adventure at the National. Rabbit’s name, up in lights!
Our partners & collaborators
Throughout our journey, Coney had the privilege of creating projects for and with a wide range of esteemed partners. Our collaborative approach allowed us to bring playful experiences to diverse contexts and communities.
Our partners included major arts and heritage organisations such as Barbican, The National Theatre, and The National Archives; NGOs including Greenpeace and Teenage Cancer Trust; universities including Manchester University and University College London; and local authorities including Wandsworth Probation and The City of London Corporation.
These collaborations enabled Coney to extend our reach and impact, bringing our unique methodologies to new audiences and contexts while learning from the expertise and insights of our partners.
