The Real Reasons We Drink - at The Ranelagh

The Real Reasons We Drink is an experiment in bringing local history to life.

In a performance curated and presented by its regulars, a pub will become the setting and the subject of a pointedly personal, entirely subjective presentation of its own history – for one night only.

The Ranelagh pub in Bounds Green, North London is the social centre of its community. It’s been the spontaneous pint, the all-nighter, the first date, the hair of the dog and the unofficial babysitter since 1861.

Since May, Travelling Tent have been collecting interviews with The Ranelagh’s customers and former staff, combining their experiences with archival research and original music to create a live event shaped by its participants and unique to its location.

The Real Reasons We Drink is part of The Ranelagh Story Project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Stuart Hobley, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, says, “Going to the pub is such an intrinsic part of our culture and our grant will help communities to tell those tales and enjoy history at the same time.”

What people said about Travelling Tent’s past projects:

“Delighted our audiences young and old with their charming and original storytelling piece" - Nina Lyndon, New Future Collective

“Intimate, sensitive and encouraged a genuine exchange of sharing and listening” - Lydia Fraser-Ward, Fantasy High Street

Travelling Tent is an arts company founded in 2013 by Eleanor Harding, Miriam Sherwood and Annie Ward to combine their history, theatre and documentary backgrounds with their interest in fostering new and existing communities.

Suitable for ages 16+
Wheelchair accessible