ABOUT
Hornsey Pennell Productions are an independent theatre company based in London. We use myth and folklore to inspire new stories. We don't rely on commercial backing in our attempt to make professional, interesting theatre. Our effort is to re-enliven the fringe scene with high quality productions whilst not compromising our artistic integrity.
PRODUCTIONS
Present
We are currently working on our latest production, Er. Playing at Riverside Studios 23rd, 26th & 27th of July.
Er is inspired by Plato’s Myth of Er and all the other myths surrounding it. It looks at reincarnation and karma, setting these ancient themes in the modern setting of a party. These types of plays our important to us, as they go beyond the commercial appetite for psychology and reason, they hark back to a more primordial version of theatre, interested in exploring the mystical elements of our nature, the parts which cannot be reached by science or knowledge, the parts which are best revealed through story.
Jay and Tess are stuck in purgatory, waiting to be re-born on earth. As they wait, they sift through various professions and jobs, discussing what they would like to be in their next incarnation. They also pass time be recounting the tale of how they met, the house party that brought them together and the fateful night that ended their lives on earth.Er explores and challenges the idea of destiny and reincarnation and gives way to the idea that we are all searching for something higher, even at a house party surrounded by drugs, music and temptation.The play unfolds across three timelines: past, present, and future. The past comes through most strongly when they talk about their time on Earth—the things they could’ve been or should’ve done. It reflects their longing for Earth and the material world.
The future appears in the act of choosing what they’ll become. As they sift through different professions and possible destinies, the future begins to take shape in the present.
The present hits hardest in the breakout scenes from the past. At various points, as Jay and Tess recount old memories, they relive them—acting them out in the moment, as if for the first time.
Everything builds toward a final scene, after they’ve both been reborn on Earth, where past, present, and future collide and come together.
Past
Putrid Beauty - 2023 Actors East in association with The Shed Theatre Company
Lucifer is trying to find God. Sapphire has a plan to help him. One Faustian pact later see’s this unlikely couple stretching the boundaries of heaven, art and self-acceptance in attempt to find the truth. Highly ironic and absurdist-ly brutal, this dark, romantic comedy explores the self-torture and nihilistic pursuit of trying to find purpose in this world.Putrid Beauty was inspired by an Anthroposophical idea - that Lucifer and the darker parts of ourselves are always trying to find the divine.
Fox-Light - The Hope Theatre 2022 directed by Simon Usher
Fox-Light followed two young artists as they unfolded in love at a party. Fox-Light pushed the boundary of performance art and theatre, we brought real life scenarios of the artists involved into the production and reconstructed them as a narrative play.
Support
Our work is kindly supported by the Hermes Trust and individual members of the public. As we don't often 'tick' regular funding boxes, we rely on donations from members of the public and those who believe in our work. If you would like to find out more about how you can support us, please email.
Hornsey Pennell Productions was established in 2025 by Barnaby Tobias.
Contact
The best way to reach us is by email.
[email protected]