A barefoot performer in a cream wrap top and brown shorts leans back with arms outstretched and head raised, mid-dance. In the background, another figure moves in a voluminous straw-like costume.

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Return to the Forest

immersive co-production with Factory International, co-commissioned by Sadler's Wells 2025. Adaption for stage, commissioned by Blackpool Grand

Our latest collaboration with Gregory Maqoma premiered at Factory International in May 2026.
A magical forest comes alive through dance, puppetry and play.

Step inside a museum where precious treasures are on display. But remember – strictly no touching! Dusk falls and the museum is getting ready to close but something is beginning to stir. Only a few visitors remain. These precious objects seem to call to them, yearning to be freed… Is this a heist happening in front of your eyes? Can it really be a heist when the objects are leading the way?

“exploring the cultural significance of art not just as artefacts to be observed from a distance, but as living carriers of memory and belonging”.   People of Theatre

This immersive experience is for a limited capacity of 300 audience members.

The stage version can play to approximately 800.

In our 30th anniversary year we are delighted to be collaborating once again with South African choreographer Gregory Maqoma, who we last worked with on The Global Playground for Manchester International Festival 2021.

 

Participation Programme

For the immersive production in Manchster and London we worked with Factory International and Sadler’s Wells to deliver a participatory community project led by Puppet Designer and Maker Alison Duddle and Associate Choreographer Stephen Quildan.  In each city we worked with 10 participants (18 plus) who attended workshops and then performed in rota on the show – 5 participants per performance working as museum ‘guides’ and then masqueraders.

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Artwork Design by Émilie Chen
Photograph © Chris Nash

Cast

Creative Team

Sue Buckmaster

Director

“ packed with humour and storytelling and mesmerising spectacle”  ”
British Theatre Guide
“ a fantastical journey to another world, or perhaps to a time before. Thoughtfully made with playfulness at heart, this show will spark curiosity in children and adults alike ”
Star rating: 4 stars
A Youngish Perspective
“ Recommended for seekers of adventure and wonder of all ages ”
Star rating: 4 stars
West End Best Friend
“ An enticing, magical production ”
Star rating: 5 stars
All That Dazzles
“ ”An Alice in Wonderland journey”  ”
Star rating: 4 stars
The Stage

Performance Dates

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Factory International

Five performers in a tangled, dynamic group on a black stage floor, bodies intertwined in an intense physical theatre tableau. One performer at the centre appears to be struggling to pull a stick, with long black hair attached to the end, from the ground. The other four performerr around her are joined in the struggle to pull the object.

©Tristram Kenton

Two puppeteers in floral and earth-toned costumes operate a large, realistic elderly figure puppet draped in a flowing fabric printed with a detailed map, surrounded by performers seated and kneeling on the floor.

©Tristram Kenton

A barefoot performer in a cream wrap top and brown shorts leans back with arms outstretched and head raised, mid-dance. In the background, another figure moves in a voluminous straw-like costume.

©Tristram Kenton

A diverse crowd of audience members browse an exhibition in a darkened space, gathering around illuminated plinths displaying sculptural objects including a mask-like Gelede head and a glowing red heart under a glass dome.

©Tristram Kenton

Three performers in patterned bodysuits manipulate a large red rope net on a circular lit stage, surrounded by atmospheric yellow and white stage lighting and a haze of smoke.

©Tristram Kenton

Five performers in earthy, minimal costumes handle large curved wooden bowls on a dimly lit stage, silhouetted audience members visible in the foreground.

©Tristram Kenton

A dancer in a simple costume bends backwards on a circular stage opposite a towering figure entirely covered in a shaggy straw and fibre costume, in misty atmospheric lighting.

©Tristram Kenton

Two richly costumed performers — one in a vivid floral-print bodysuit, one in a raffia and natural fibre costume — reach upward holding clay bowls, lit dramatically in deep blue light.

©Tristram Kenton

Five performers in dark streetwear and sunglasses crouch in unison in a heist-style choreographed pose on a pale stage, red string stretched across the scene, a red sculptural heart under a glass dome on a plinth to the left.

©Tristram Kenton

A large figure in an elaborate raffia and natural-fibre mask costume stands centre stage surrounded by performers in vivid, colourful floral bodysuits, with cascading red and orange rope hanging from above.

©Tristram Kenton

A traditional carved African Gelede mask rests on a white museum plinth in sharp focus, while figures in dark clothing run blurred through a web of criss-crossing red strings behind it.

©Tristram Kenton

Five performers dressed as thieves in dark hooded jackets, caps, and sunglasses crouch in choreographed poses on a pale stage, red string criss-crossing in front of them. A red sculptural heart sits on a plinth to the left.

A scene from Return To The Forest by Theatre-Rites @ Factory International, Manchester. A co-production with Factory International, co-commissioned by Sadler's Wells. Directed by Sue Buckmaster. Choreographer, Gregory Maqoma. Designed by Jean Chan. Co-Composer & Sound Designer by Frank Moon and Domenico Angarano. Costume Designer, Kinnetia Isidore. Lighting Designer, Guy Hoare. (Opening 07-05-26) ©Tristram Kenton 05-26 tristram@tristramkenton.com

Previous Slide
Next Slide
Five performers in a tangled, dynamic group on a black stage floor, bodies intertwined in an intense physical theatre tableau. One performer at the centre appears to be struggling to pull a stick, with long black hair attached to the end, from the ground. The other four performerr around her are joined in the struggle to pull the object.
Two puppeteers in floral and earth-toned costumes operate a large, realistic elderly figure puppet draped in a flowing fabric printed with a detailed map, surrounded by performers seated and kneeling on the floor.
A barefoot performer in a cream wrap top and brown shorts leans back with arms outstretched and head raised, mid-dance. In the background, another figure moves in a voluminous straw-like costume.
A diverse crowd of audience members browse an exhibition in a darkened space, gathering around illuminated plinths displaying sculptural objects including a mask-like Gelede head and a glowing red heart under a glass dome.
Three performers in patterned bodysuits manipulate a large red rope net on a circular lit stage, surrounded by atmospheric yellow and white stage lighting and a haze of smoke.
Five performers in earthy, minimal costumes handle large curved wooden bowls on a dimly lit stage, silhouetted audience members visible in the foreground.
A dancer in a simple costume bends backwards on a circular stage opposite a towering figure entirely covered in a shaggy straw and fibre costume, in misty atmospheric lighting.
Two richly costumed performers — one in a vivid floral-print bodysuit, one in a raffia and natural fibre costume — reach upward holding clay bowls, lit dramatically in deep blue light.
Five performers in dark streetwear and sunglasses crouch in unison in a heist-style choreographed pose on a pale stage, red string stretched across the scene, a red sculptural heart under a glass dome on a plinth to the left.
A large figure in an elaborate raffia and natural-fibre mask costume stands centre stage surrounded by performers in vivid, colourful floral bodysuits, with cascading red and orange rope hanging from above.
A traditional carved African Gelede mask rests on a white museum plinth in sharp focus, while figures in dark clothing run blurred through a web of criss-crossing red strings behind it.
Five performers dressed as thieves in dark hooded jackets, caps, and sunglasses crouch in choreographed poses on a pale stage, red string criss-crossing in front of them. A red sculptural heart sits on a plinth to the left.
Previous Slide
Next Slide

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