Ascending Ages

Climb up the historic St. Augustine’s Tower, see a play and do something different for bonfire night!

As you move up and up through the levels of the tower, treading in the footsteps of so many people who have gone before, you will travel through time. From the 14th century to modern day, you will be taken on a journey from the depth of the Middle Ages through the industrial revolution and the swinging sixties to the Hackney of 2019.

This is not a history of distant Kings and Queens, but the lives of normal people who have laughed, quarreled, and debated the site over the ages, told in their own language.

Ascending Ages features writing from five separate playwrights —each exploring a different era through contemporary language — with original musical composed by Olly Fox (Shakespeare’s Globe, National Theatre, RSC).

Please note that the performance includes climbing narrow stairs, and weather permitting will include some sections performed in the open air. Regrettably, due to historic nature of the building, this event is not suitable for those in wheelchairs.