Most of the production details are shrouded in secrecy, in a bid to retain an element of surprise for the audience. We do know though that The Architects takes its starting point from the Minotaur myth and uses it to create a labyrinth within the Biscuit Factory walls. If that already sounds obscure, then just wait. The production process the group draw on relies little on directorial hierarchy and rather just allows the actors to respond to a theme, creating their own scenes and using few traditional theatre methods.

Shunt have been working together since 1998, but became most widely known for their residency in the London Bridge vaults between 2004 and 2010. Their last production Money in 2010 was housed in a Bermondsey Street warehouse and was an all-encompassing production that took the audience on a journey through scenes of consumerism and financial corruption. So don’t expect to be a passive audience member – their style is in ya face and interactive. But do expect to be entertained and dazzled.  (Words: Laura Thornley)

The Architects runs from November 27th to February 2nd, 2013. For more info, visit  http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-architects-shunt-at-the-biscuit-factory

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With several production members, including  director Marianne Elliot and Treadaway of War Horse fame, Stephens’ play  (based on the bestselling novel originally written by Mark Haddon) bears the hallmarks of an award winner. New ideas are brought in as contemporary dance is incorporated into the minimal staging that puts the spotlight onto the actors and not an elaborate set, as some plays do.

To paraphrase director Elliot’s words, ‘viewers who are slightly on the spectrum themselves will find the lack of literalism annoying’. But the play, with high production value and aptly located in the 300-people seating  Cottesloe Theatre, is highly engaging and well worth seeing. (Words: Li Yin Soh) 

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at National Theatre is on until Wednesday 12th September 2012. For more info, visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

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Performance art group ‘Home Live Art’ are curating a night of roasted marshmallows, singsongs, barbecued food and magical storytelling round the campfire in National Theatre Square on Friday, August 26th.

In addition, there will be a chance for a limited number to slumber under canvas, followed by a hearty breakfast the next morning and an egg delivered in an eggcup created by your good self the previous evening.

And if you’re not ready to pack up and leave just yet, then Saturday will involve a variety of down-to-earth traditional activities in the Square including ‘radical craftmaking’ in the big tent and an old-fashioned hoedown.

Be sure to bring a sleeping bag and some warm clothes with you; here’s quite an urban adventure…! (Words: Aoife Moriarty)

For more info, visit: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

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Monday 15 August to Sunday 21 August will see the arrival ‘Dance Week’ to the space, and among those on the bill are theatre company dANTE or dIE, whose previous work has involved offbeat locations such as ski lifts, a ship and a disused aircraft hanger.

Their performance of La Fille à la Mode – an exploration of the concept of the ‘It Girl’ through the decades – will see audiences taken through the corridors, staircases and car parks of the National Theatre. Women dance in a secret room to the sound of a harp, a young accordion player leads you around the twists and turns of the building and young girls dressed in 60s mod outfits shake their funky thing to the beat.

There is something magical about an ordinary space being turned into somewhere entirely different. We recommend you take yourself along for the ride – but be warned; tickets are limited so turn up early! (Words: Aoife Moriarty)

The performances of La Fille à la Mode will take place from August 17th to 20th.  For more info, go to: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/wts

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