Thanet, where we work, is an area with three main towns: Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Each is two miles apart and about the same size, each with it's very distinct character. The Westwood Cross Shopping Centre is in the middle, the centre of the wheel of Thanet. Back in 2013 we asked if we could bring our mini theatre caravan, the #MadVentureVan and a puppet-making workshop to the centre, to engage shoppers with new creative activities and ideas. Since then we have worked in partnership with Westwood Cross to bring highly engaging activities and enliven the space - from Pirates, to Bears, to Elves, you never know what you might see! The ideas are co-produced with We Are Nearly Normal, who make choreographed walkabout theatre for public spaces around East Kent.

Christmas Lights Switch On 2023
Join the We Are Nearly Normal street theatre team Christmas Elves for the light switch on events across Thanet this year. You can see them and their mischievous ways at Westwood Cross on 17 November and Ramsgate Town Centre on 26 November.
Join the We Are Nearly Normal street theatre team Christmas Elves for the light switch on events across Thanet this year. You can see them and their mischievous ways at Westwood Cross on 17 November and Ramsgate Town Centre on 26 November.
Recent Activities

Valentines Day at Westwood Cross
11 & 12 February 2023
Three Thanet-based actors presented Off With Their Heads!, written and directed by Ellie Jones. The Queen of Hearts led a game of Croquet, to the joy and sometimes dismay of the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit. Our street theatre work directly involves its audience, as well as providing a stimulating visual experience.
11 & 12 February 2023
Three Thanet-based actors presented Off With Their Heads!, written and directed by Ellie Jones. The Queen of Hearts led a game of Croquet, to the joy and sometimes dismay of the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit. Our street theatre work directly involves its audience, as well as providing a stimulating visual experience.

Christmas Lights Switch On - Ramsgate Town Centre & Westwood Cross
27th & 28th November 2022
Ramsgate's annual Christmas Lights Switch On is a family-friendly town event which includes Santa's Grotto, a Land Train, live music and entertainment, Christmas market, children's rides , face-painting and lantern making workshops. Looping the Loop brings interactive street theatre with a team of naughty Elves. We have been known to help push Santa in his coach.
Last year at Westwood Cross for the Christmas Lights, we partnered with East Kent College and trained their drama students, who made a wonderful team of Elves, working alongside three professional actors. You can catch the Westwood Cross lights switch on here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxjMWxqN06g
27th & 28th November 2022
Ramsgate's annual Christmas Lights Switch On is a family-friendly town event which includes Santa's Grotto, a Land Train, live music and entertainment, Christmas market, children's rides , face-painting and lantern making workshops. Looping the Loop brings interactive street theatre with a team of naughty Elves. We have been known to help push Santa in his coach.
Last year at Westwood Cross for the Christmas Lights, we partnered with East Kent College and trained their drama students, who made a wonderful team of Elves, working alongside three professional actors. You can catch the Westwood Cross lights switch on here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxjMWxqN06g