Choreodrome: next steps

LoonHeads and Nacre

This image is divided into two parts. On the left: two people in a dimly lit space, appearing distressed. One of them has tattered white fabric wrapped around their hands. On the right: three figures in a bright studio wearing dark, oversized attire and large glowing orbs instead of heads; one sits while two stand behind.
Photos by Susu Laroche and Jorden Brooks

About Choreodrome: next steps

LIMITED EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE*

A double-bill of new work developed through Choreodrome, The Place’s annual residency and commissioning programme which provides dance makers with a nurturing space, time, and resources to develop new ideas.

*Early Bird discount applies at checkout

LOONHEADS BY ORLA HARDIE

The morphing landscape of the human psyche is brought to life by distorted figures known as the LoonHeads. Blending the comic with the uncanny, choreographer Orla Hardie combines contemporary dance and physical theatre to create a playful yet poignant exploration of the contradictions and nuances that make us who we are. Accompanied by an original sound score rich with riddles, clues, and infectious grooves, LoonHeads lifts the lid on the spaces between thought, feeling, and imagination.

Three performers pose dynamically against a neutral gray background. They wear dark, oversized streetwear with patchwork textures and black hoods that feature large, opaque white orbs in place of faces. Their hands are raised in various expressive gestures, including open palms and a raised fist.
Photo by Jorden Brooks

NACRE BY SAMARA LANGHAM

Four figures move between polar forces. As they endure cycles of effort, they feel the edges, and what may exist beyond them. A dark mass moves quietly. Eyes become stars as mouths, ears, tears, and fingers are bound together.

The word ‘nacre’ describes the iridescent substance of a pearl. When a parasite enters an oyster shell, the oyster produces nacre and engulfs it. This becomes a pearl, nestled inside its own body. The pearl remains forever unknown to its maker. Lying shut on the seafloor, it never sees light.

A top-down, dramatic shot of two performers in a dark space. One of them lies back with white bandages wrapped around her fingers and wrists, while the other leans over them. Both have expressive, shimmering makeup on their faces, illuminated by a harsh spotlight from below.
Photo by Susu Laroche
About Orla Hardie

Orla Hardie is a London-based choreographer and dance artist creating character-driven work that blends contemporary dance and physical theatre. Her practice explores physicality, theatricality, and emotional depth, drawing from film and psychological theory to open up the complexities of being human. Working closely with designers across sound, lighting, and costume, Orla creates cohesive, emotionally resonant worlds, balancing playfulness with vulnerability. Her work invites audiences to sink inwards for a moment — to feel and spend time inside their inner worlds.

LoonHeads: Cast & Creatives

Choreography: Orla Hardie (in collaboration with dancers)

Performers: Jemima Colin & Pete Butler

Music & Sound Design: Sam Robinson

Costume & Set Design: Nell Rose

Lighting Design: Barnaby Booth

LoonHeads: Credits

LoonHeads is commissioned and supported by The Place through Choreodrome, with additional support from South-East Dance, Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants, Swindon Dance, Bath Spa University, FABRIC, and Dance City.

About Samara Langham

Samara Langham is a dancer, choreographer, and artist based in London. Working with improvisation, choreography, symbolism and experimental music, she approaches performance as a process of unearthing. She is drawn to things behavioural, essential, liminal and intangible.

Her works include Nacre (The Place, 2026), angels’ mumble (Brunel Museum, Totally Thames Festival 2025, Brompton Cemetery residency), Erase Your Name (Les Urbaines Festival, Lausanne 2025), SKYE ZONE Burial (Resolution Festival 2025), Okaeri (2025), Haku (Théâtre Paris-Villette 2024), as if almost erasing (2023) and Cilia (2022).

Samara trained at London Contemporary Dance School at The Place, The Royal Ballet School White Lodge and Sadler’s Wells National Youth Dance Company.

Nacre: Cast & Creatives

Choreography: Samara Langham

Music and Sound Design: Shimz343 and Samara Langham

Lighting Design: Edward Saunders

Costume Design: Zelda Attard

Makeup: Samara Langham

Rehearsal Assistant: Jesse Baggett-Lahav

Performers: Jesse Baggett-Lahav, Elvi Rose Christiansen Head, Sophia Morton, Lydia Walker

Nacre: Credits

Nacre is commissioned and supported by The Place through Choreodrome. Special thanks to Spike Fern and Susu Laroche.