Step inside STOREHOUSE, one of the most artistically ambitious, large-scale immersive theatre events ever to be staged in the UK.
In a vast, disused warehouse in Deptford – once the paper store of Britain’s most influential newspapers – you’ll uncover a sprawling, hidden archive, built to house every news story, message, memory and meme ever transmitted across digital networks the world over.
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| Dawn Butler. Photo by Helen Murray |
Since the dawn of the internet in 1983, these have been gathered and meticulously catalogued by an underground collective, in the belief that if all humanity’s stories are brought together, they will reveal a higher, universal truth that could change everything.
But the narratives inside the Storehouse are beginning to compete, and its only remaining founder is fading fast. A successor is desperately needed to safeguard the mission and decide what’s preserved, rewritten or destroyed…
We sat down with cast member Dawn Butler to learn more.
Storehouse is an underground world full of volunteers who have been recruited to undertake a mission which collects every solitary piece of data ever shared on the internet, in order to collate it all into an algorithm which will reveal one enlightening truth that they have been assured will be the answer to humanity’s problems. I play the role of Andie, a nervous Bookbinder whose role is to investigate each post/article with the aid of her lantern and to seal the information so that it can be protected until the Great Aggregation, the revelation of truth is realised. Andie is a woman who has abandoned her life in the above because of pain and disillusionment. She is fixed on the path of finding a better world to return to, and even when Storehouse begins to unravel she finds it almost impossible to admit its flaws.
What first attracted you to this piece?
As part of the audition process, we were sent monologues from the script to self-tape for and I was really taken by the back stories of the characters, which revealed their reasons for being vulnerable to a cult like kind of recruitment. I was also inspired by Sage and Jester’s obvious personal and genuine motives for wanting to create this piece of theatre.
Storehouse promises a huge immersive experience. How have you been preparing for this?
I have been ensuring that I look after my voice because of all the different spaces you have to fill in the huge expanse of Storehouse – so warming up before rehearsals and shows are essential. I also try to do daily meditation so that I am open to whatever the audience may throw at me, and so that I am more present when responding to them and relating to them.
What is your own creative process like when you are preparing for a show like this?
I always read the script over and over again to look for clues to the character I am portraying, and that includes not just what my character says, but how other people view them. I try to immerse myself in the role as much as possible so that I can understand every move they make. With this show I have tried to throw myself into the world of Storehouse and Andie, really getting to grips with her motives and their life for the past 42 years whilst inside Storehouse and what it was like before she moved there. I think my creative process is quite simple – know my lines inside out and know my character.
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| STOREHOUSE, Sage & Jester. Photo by Helen Murray. |
How will an audience experience and take in this piece?
Good question! Every audience member is unique and will take something different away. The more playful an audience member is, the more they will hopefully get from the show. They get opportunities to explore the space, take part in problem solving activities and answer personal questions, whilst simultaneously watching the storyline unfold. There is a lot to take in, as the world of Storehouse is full of rules, systems and constant surprises but hopefully by the end of the piece the audience will feel invested and part of the mission.
How thrilling will it be for you to have close interactions with the audience whilst telling the story?
Utterly thrilling! It is a privilege to be in such close proximity with audience members and it is really important for me to take them in as much as possible and for Andie to relate to them as honestly as she can. In the climax of the piece, we really get to hear from the audience and this is probably my favourite part of the experience.
Why do you believe that this story is right for now?
In a world now where anyone can put any information out there on social media, it is crucial that people do not succumb to propaganda and fear mongering, as history teaches us that this leads to disaster. I have seen an increase amongst my own friends posting inflammatory material online and I worry that this kind of sharing will create hysteria and fear and hatred.
What was the first piece of theatre you saw that had a big impact on you?
I remember aged 11 being taken by my Primary School to see a musical called Spike performed by the Secondary School I was about to go to. It was a new school with a thriving arts department, an orchestra, music teacher as conductor and a stage full of teenagers having the best time ever, and I could not believe that come September I would have the opportunity to be part of this exhilarating world. It was the most exciting thing to witness, and I was desperate to get up on that stage!
What keeps you inspired?
Acting for me is like a drug and if I go without it for too long, I wither like a parched plant! Sad but true!
Inspiration comes from knowing that people have always wanted stories and will always need to be entertained. It’s no good me strutting about on stage if no-one wants to see that! So I am inspired by the fact that stories can change minds and hearts and attitudes, or just simply give someone a great night out. I come across directors and actors all the time who inspire me to own my profession and to always strive for better.
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| Dawn Butler, STOREHOUSE, Sage & Jester. Photo by Helen Murray |
How do you reflect on your own career to date?
I’ve had highs and lows and great opportunities and no opportunities. I’ve had big chips on my shoulders for not being able to get through doors and thrills when I seem to have made progress. Normal actor life really! But I have worked with some of the best people ever and had such enriching experiences. I try not to strive for visual success now, but to stay present in the job I am in at the time and soak it all up!
What do you hope someone takes away from the experience of Storehouse?
I really hope they have a great time first and foremost andcome away thinking about the issues affecting society today and feeling more empowered to affect positive change.Hopefully they are reminded to stay grounded and to search for truth, particularly after witnessing their fellow audience members offering reflective wisdom and advice in the final moments of the piece.
Storehouse plays in Deptford Storehouse and books until 20th September 2025. Tickets are available from https://sageandjester.com/shows/storehouse/
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