Welcome to Speakeasy. All is not as it seems and if you happen upon it, best walk the other way.

Speakeasy features a spectacular 1920’s themed set, world­-class projection visuals, a cinematic soundtrack comprising big band classics and contemporary hits, alongside the distinctive Southpaw movement vocabulary that has been called, “atmospheric, vigorous, and breath­taking” (Sarah Crompton, Daily Telegraph).

Speakeasy is a reinterpretation of the classic tale of Faust, where Faust enters a seemingly normal prohibition era bar, unaware that the bar is owned by the devil and populated by his demons, including the charismatic barman, Mephistopheles.

The professional cast includes some of the UK’s finest Bboys (breakdancers) who combine the vocabulary of breaking and contemporary seamlessly alongside Charleston, Lindy and other swing styles of the roaring 20’s. Southpaw Dance Company perform alongside a community cast featuring members of local swing dancing communities, the fantastic Swing Tyne in this promo.

Big band classics such as Benny Goodman and Count Basie alongside contemporary legends like Tom Waits and Clint Mansell, forming an audio landscape to the piece that is at once vintage and contemporary, intimate and spectacular.

Speakeasy is currently booking for AUTUMN 2023.

Interested in booking Speakeasy?

Artistic Direction: Robby Graham

Choreography: Robby Graham

Dancers: Christian Paul, Alicia Meehan, Daniella May, Gavin L Vincent, Marta Sweirczynska, Dzikamai W Mudamburi

Community members: Capa College, Sunderland College

Projection Animation: Robby Graham

Responsive Projection: Davide Santini

“The most explosive piece of dance I’ve ever seen energetic, risky, quirky, humorous – hypnotic from the start” (Vikki Todd, audience member)

“Great story- telling & exceptional lighting responsive to breath-taking dancing.” (Teresa Kirby, audience member)

“Tonight was amazing, just couldn’t take my eyes off the stage” (Arianne Megan Davies, audience member)

“Stunning performance of Speakeasy last night! Responsive lighting was really cool!” (Michelle Gerencser, audience member)