Druids in the Deadhouse

On 28 October, Somerset House will present Druids in the Deadhouse, an evening of multisensory druid-themed entertainment, programmed by acclaimed Welsh artist Bedwyr Williams as part of Museums at Night’s October festival.

The immersive evening will take the form of a druidic open mic night set in modern-day London. On arrival, visitors are invited to don druid’s robes and fake beards whilst enjoying a complimentary drink. Bedwyr Williams, as Arch Druid for the evenng, will then lead a procession through the atmospheric Lightwells to the Deadhouse, so-called because of the historic gravestones set into the walls.

Once inside the Deadhouse, the evening’s Iron-age open mic night will begin in earnest. The 100 druidic participants will be encouraged to bring song, dance, music and comedy to a specially commissioned stage reminiscent of Stonehenge. A range of hand-crafted pagan nibbles and specially designed cocktails will be available throughout the evening.

Somerset House was shortlisted by Bedwyr Williams to host his vision of a druidic open mic night following nationwide applications from cultural organisations, and was officially selected by public vote through Museums at Night’s ‘Connect!’ competition in May.

As part of Somerset House’s exclusive partnership with Wild Life Drawing, there will be a Druidic Special with Hawks, Owls & Snakes class on the evening of 27 October from 6.30 - 8.30pm in Somerset House’s New Wing, with tickets priced at £25. Earlier in the week on 24 October, two Family Wild Life Drawing: Halloween Special - Wolves classes will also take place in the New Wing, with a ticket permitting one adult and one child for £30.

Ends

For press enquiries and images, please contact Adam Roberts: 
adam.roberts@somersethouse.org.uk / 020 7845 4624.

Notes to Editors:

Date: 28 October 2016
Time: 7-11pm; enter via Great Arch Hall
Address: Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
Admission: £10 (ages 18+ only)
Transport: London Underground: Temple, Embankment, Covent Garden; Network Rail: Charing Cross, Waterloo, Blackfriars
Somerset House public enquiries: 020 7845 4600 | www.somersethouse.org.uk
Somerset House Facebook: www.facebook.com/SomersetHouse
Somerset House Twitter: @SomersetHouse
Somerset House Instagram: @SomersetHouseLondon
Hashtag: #DruidsInTheDeadhouse
 

About Somerset House
A unique part of the London cultural scene, Somerset House is an historic building where surprising and original work comes to life. From its 18th century origins, Somerset House has been a centre for debate and discussion – an intellectual powerhouse for the nation. Somerset House is today a key cultural destination in London in which to experience a broad range of artistic activity, engage with artists, designers and makers and be a part of a major creative forum – an environment that is relaxed, welcoming to all and inspirational to visit while providing a stimulating workplace for the cultural and creative industries.  Since its opening in 2000, Somerset House has built up a distinctive outdoor public programme including Skate, concerts, an open-air film season and a diverse range of temporary exhibitions throughout the site focusing on contemporary culture, with an extensive learning programme attached. It is one of the biggest community of creative organisations in London including The Courtauld Gallery and Institute of Art, King’s College London Cultural Institute and over 100 other creative businesses. It currently attracts approximately 3.2 million visitors every year. www.somersethouse.org.uk.

About Museums at Night
Museums at Night is the biannual after-hours festival of arts, culture and heritage, which sees hundreds of museums, galleries, libraries, archives and heritage sites over the UK open their doors for special evening events. www.museumsatnight.org.uk. 

About Culture 24
Culture24 is an independent non-profit company that exists to support the cultural sector to reach and connect with audiences. It is best known for publishing great websites about culture; producing the successful Museums at Night festival of after-hours openings and leading Let’s Get Real, the collaborative action research project involving cultural organisations across the UK and Europe. www.WeAreCulture24.org.uk.

About Arts Council England
Arts Council England champions, develops and invests in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people’s lives. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2015 and 2018, we plan to invest £1.1 billion of public money from government and an estimated £700 million from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country. www.artscouncil.org.uk.