From the blitz to the bikini, Listed Lido is based on the true stories surrounding the legacy of the stunning art-deco public pools and swimmers who use them. Listed Theatre's romp, through the thrills and chills of England's lido, dives off when a group of petty criminals are assigned community service in an outdoor swimming pool. The offenders' hard work pays off as they discover the real life stories of love, loss and most importantly freedom that these magnificent pools have offered Britons since they were built just under a century ago.

In April 2009 Listed Theatre began work to develop a performance piece exploring and celebrating the history of Broomhill Pool, a derelict lido in Ipswich, Suffolk, and the current campaign to save it. The company recorded interviews, gathering memories and experiences from the community surrounding the Lido in Ipswich.





All the material gathered was brought into rehearsal at The Woodmill, a studio and gallery complex in London Bridge, and from there developed into Listed Lido.

The Company

Jessica Manley (Artistic Director) Tyne Rafaeli (Director) Kirsty Amiss (Production Manager) Alice Rigby (Designer)

Lucy Norris (Jamie) Maya Levy (Kylie) Georgina Landau (Marie) Tom Railton (Dave) John Sandeman (Paul) Danny Kennedy (Mark)

The Lidos

The term Lido comes from the Italian name - Lido di Venezia, which refers to the barrier beach that encloses the Lagoon of Venice. Unlike traditional swimming pools, a Lido usually has areas for sunbathing, spectating and eating and is designed for activities that take place around, as well as in, the water. The Golden Age of new Lidos was in the 1930’s when architecture and politics came together to create a place for the community to enjoy. Read more at The Telegraph & Open Democracy

Peterborough Lido 26th & 27th June, 2010 "First, swim in the lido at dawn, next ...rule the world." This unique Lido holds an important place in the heart of the community of Peterborough, commissioned in 1933 and designed by five different architects in a one of a kind collaboration. The performance at Peterborough would not have been possible without the help of: Lee Holden, Nick Jones, Tracy West, Dave King & Shez Cope.

Ilkley Lido 29th & 30th June, 2010 "When we get down to swimming we get down to democracy." Ilkley Lido was built by local miners from the Ingleton Colliery in 1935. It is renowned nationwide wide for its spectacular views of Ilkley Moor (and the Cow and Calf). The performance at Ilkley would not have been possible without the help of: Mick Wood, Andrew Knight & Christine Binks.

Performance at Crown Pools for Broomhill Pool 3rd & 10th July, 2010 "I can't fly, but swimming is the next best thing.... The water is my sky." As Listed Lido was originally based on, & inspired by, Broomhill Pool and the surrounding community, bringing Listed Lido to Ipswich was essential. The performance at Ipswich would not have been possible without the help of: Mark Ling, Mike Cook, Paul Green, Steven Warren, Jon Tavener, Tim Snook, Sally Wainman & Vicki Luetchford.

Tooting Bec Lido 5th & 6th July, 2010 "I’ve seen people transformed in here." Tooting Bec was originally known as Tooting Bec bathing lake, opened in 1908 and has thriving community of swimmers. The performance at Tooting Bec would not have been possible without the help of: Susie Gray, Lucy Neal, Janet Smith, the South London Swimming Club, Chris Ruse, the events team at Wandsworth Council and the Cultural Wealth Fund.

Come back soon for updates on where we'll be appearing next summer 2011!
Thanks from the Listed team and long live Lidos!