Get ready, Shoreditch creatives. The groundbreaking documentary The Last Show is about to hit screens with an exclusive online premiere, and it’s free to view. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 15th January 2025, at 7 PM, as Open Sky Productions unveils their award-winning homage to the legendary London International Mime Festival (LIMF). This film isn’t just a love letter to visual theatre—it’s a rallying cry for innovation and artistry.
The Last Show: A Tribute to the London International Mime Festival
The London International Mime Festival wasn’t just a theatre festival; it was an institution. For 47 years, LIMF shaped the trajectory of contemporary visual theatre, nurturing some of the most dynamic British and European talents. Yet, despite its popularity and industry impact, the festival hosted its final iteration in 2023. The announcement left artists and audiences in disbelief, cutting off a vital platform for boundary-pushing performances and new voices in the theatre world.
The Last Show takes viewers behind the scenes of this iconic festival’s final bow, blending stunning archival footage, compelling interviews, and breathtaking moments from its last edition. The documentary captures LIMF’s unparalleled legacy, spotlighting its influence on productions like Shockheaded Peter and War Horse and its nurturing of innovative companies like Gecko, Ockham’s Razor, and Theatre Re.
A Multi-Award-Winning Masterpiece
This isn’t just another documentary. The Last Show has already made waves on the international circuit, scooping up Best Documentary awards at the Los Angeles Film Awards and the London Film & Television Festival, with nominations at the New York International Film Awards and Toronto Art Film Spirit Awards. Its mix of nostalgia and artistry resonates with creatives and audiences alike, making it a must-watch for anyone passionate about theatre, film, or storytelling.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Theatre Visionaries
Expect candid insights and vivid recollections from some of the biggest names in the industry. The film features:
– Nola Rae, Toby Sedgewick, and Phelim McDermott, pioneers of physical visual performance.
– Modern trailblazers like Gecko, Ockham’s Razor, and Theatre Re.
– Iconic slow-motion footage from Peeping Tom’s Triptych, the festival’s closing act.
These voices, coupled with Lisle Turner’s direction, make The Last Show an emotional and intellectual deep dive into visual theatre’s transformative power.
Don’t Miss the Live Q&A
After the screening, join a live Q&A with Joseph Seelig and Helen Lannaghan, LIMF’s co-artistic directors, and Lisle Turner, the film’s director. Dive into their creative process, reflect on LIMF’s impact, and discover the challenges and joys of capturing nearly five decades of groundbreaking artistry on film.
Director Lisle Turner describes the project as “a privilege to film some of the festival’s final performances, delve into archival footage, and create a love poem to the medium.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply in a community that thrives on creativity and reinvention.
Why Shoreditch Needs The Last Show
Shoreditch has long been synonymous with innovation and bold artistic statements. The Last Show speaks directly to that ethos, celebrating the courage to experiment, the beauty of collaboration, and the resilience of creative communities. This documentary isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a call to action for the next wave of visionaries to take the stage, screen, or streets.
How to Watch
Clear your schedule for Wednesday, 15th January 2025, at 7 PM. The online screening is free, making it an unmissable event for creatives and culture enthusiasts alike. Stay for the Q&A to connect with the minds behind this cinematic celebration.
