
An immersive world…
…made by kids, for adults.
February 2018
About the project
The Droves was an ambitious interactive experience created by Coney and a company of over 600 young people from across Tower Hamlets and beyond. Designed entirely from the imaginations of children aged 6–11, the project combined escape room-style puzzles, theatrical storytelling, and world-building on a remarkable scale.
Led by a core group known as The Droves Young Company – who took on roles as writers, directors, designers and performers – the piece offered audiences a rare opportunity: to step into a world adults couldn’t have made on their own.
Through 42 workshops and 12 performances, this collective of young makers reshaped what theatre can be. The Droves premiered in February 2018 during a festival weekend that brought together young talent, creativity, and a spirit of playful adventure.
Through the process of this project, The Young Coneys were born – a new ongoing programme supporting young people to make theatre, games, and adventures for others (especially grown-ups) to play. Coney met these young makers wherever they were – in schools, homes, youth groups – guided by the belief that being a Young Coney could have lasting impact on confidence, creativity, and agency.
Gallery
Images from performances of The Droves CoLab Factory.
Related blogs
Reviews Round-Up: The Droves
We are incredibly proud of The Droves Young Company, the reviews are in and audiences have been amazed, delighted and surprised since The Droves opened on Saturday. Here’s a round-up of what press and audiences have been saying. What the press have…
Read moreThe Young Coneys – the next step
Across the Autumn, we’ve been working on some new developments for the Young Coneys, our resident group of young change-makers – and we’re really excited to share them with you. Thanks to funding from the Backstage Trust and generous individuals,…
Read moreCredits
Creators Coney and The Droves Young Company
Concept, Director, Writer Tom Bowtell
Company Producer Natalie Raaum
Associate Producer Lizzie Jenkins
Associate Director Toby Peach
Sound Design Dinah Mullen
Visual Design Kirsty Harris
Ear Tassos Stevens
Associate Dominic Garfield
Consultant Producer Lizzie Stables
Illustrator Pat McGee
Graphic Design Ben Jones