The Silk of a Thousand Spiders

A unique immersive performance event at Fort Luton – Chatham’s extraordinary, forgotten Victorian land fort.

Spanning over 150 years of local history, The Silk of Thousand Spiders was inspired by the true stories of Chatham’s immigrants and invisible labour force who shaped our landscape and lives.

From the sailors, convicts and workhouse inmates who helped build Fort Luton, to today’s migrant workers, The Silk of Thousand Spiders explored and brought to light Medway’s untold stories and forgotten lives.

This spectacular show featured original live choral music and a large-scale community ensemble to create an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Funded by Arts Council England with additional support from Medway Council’s Arts Development Team.

'Icon has been ahead of the curve in understanding that the arts have a role to play in bringing people together, helping them be heard by telling their own stories in their own way, and in the process creating a sense of pride in place and space.'

— Lyn Gardner, Theatre Journalist

★★★★ ‘It is easy to take for granted the acting skills of a top theatre company. But when actors embody characters as superbly as this, you can’t help but notice.’

— The New Statesman

‘It has been lifechanging. Lady Unchained has helped get my life changed, I’ve started to look for opportunities on the outside, and see that there is life after prison.’

— Young Artist, Cookham Wood Young People’s Theatre Programme

‘Icon Theatre has given me new friends, taught me new skills and challenged my lack of self-belief’

— Community Performer

'It was the first time I got to see drama as something for myself and something I could actively participate in and enjoy.'

— Tef - Icon Youth Theatre (Medway)

78% of the participating young people said they were more confident and had more friends as a result of the project

— Six Ways To Wellbeing, young people's wellbeing project

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