When her gang-leader brother leaves for WW1, Alice Diamond and her all-female crime syndicate seize their chance to take over London and stamp their mark on the streets of the West End. Together with her crew, Alice rules the city as Queen of the criminal underworld. But when the war ends – and the men return home – she isn’t ready to give up her newfound status without a fight. Sibling rivalry ensues in this Peaky Blinders-style romp, based on unbelievable real-life events.
The superbly multi-talented (The Scotsman) Young Pleasance return to the Fringe with another large-scale, high-energy, must-see hit in a new script by Emily Brook. Exploring themes of loyalty, family and betrayal, this ensemble piece with all performers aged 16-21 follows the real-life stories of this wild gang.
Alice Diamond was known as the Queen of the Forty Elephants, the notorious Elephant and Castle gang. Her criminal career began early when she was cautioned for stealing chocolate in 1912 and more convictions for theft quickly followed. Alice was a skilful organiser of large expeditions across the West End of London and spread her enterprise to the provinces when London became ‘hot’.
The gang was known for its stylish dress and wild partying. They could ‘put on the posh’ and take goods valued at hundreds of pounds from prestigious stores by using specialist garments and clever distraction techniques. Her favourite plunder was fur coats and bolts of silk, which were expensive commodities between the World Wars.
With soaring ambition and a wellspring of youthful energy, Young Pleasance is truly incubating the stars of the future, with alumni going on to work with the RSC, the Barbican, Curtis Brown, Trafalgar Studios and the Globe as well as in TV and film. Young Pleasance are dedicated in offering dynamic and professional theatre opportunities for young people aged 16-21 through workshops and large-scale productions delivered by the Pleasance’s ambitious creative team. Since its inception in 1995 this prolific producing arm has trained hundreds of performers, musicians and technicians.
