The Performance by Rankin exhibition took place at the Fujifilm House Of Photography in Covent Garden.

Having shot the cast and creatives behind some of the West End’s best productions and theatres, alongside some of the biggest names in the London theatre industry, you can now see the portraits hanging in-situ where they were shot.

A book of the portraits is also available to buy at the exhibition and from a variety of bookshops, with proceeds going to the Theatre Artists Fund and the Mayor’s chosen London youth homelessness charities.

Charlie Stemp, 'Bert' and Zizi Strallen, 'Mary Poppins' in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre (c) Rankin
Charlie Stemp, ‘Bert’ and Zizi Strallen, ‘Mary Poppins’ in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre (c) Rankin
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One of photographer Rankin’s most ambitious projects to date, over 150 actors, theatre owners, directors, backstage workers and creatives from make-up artists to stage managers have been photographed in and out of costume over the last month.

Inspired by the resilience of London’s world-leading theatre industry over the pandemic and in celebration of theatres being able to reopen in full swing, this project has been produced in partnership with the Mayor of London and the Society of London Theatre as part of the #BackOnStage campaign.

You can read interviews done at the shoot live in the Fujifilm House Of Photography below, and hear all about the impact lockdown had on cast and creatives, and what it’s like to be back.

Rankin Panel

You can also watch and read the panel discussion here. Emma De Souza is joined in conversation by Rankin, director Jamie Lloyd and theatre owner Nica Burns.

Mazz Murray as Donna in Mamma Mia at the Novello Theatre. Photo by Rankin.
Mazz Murray as Donna in Mamma Mia at the Novello Theatre. Photo by Rankin.

Performance by Rankin is in support of Theatre Artists Fund and London youth homelessness charities – Depaul, akt, Centrepoint and New Horizons Youth Centre. Visitors to the free exhibition will be able to donate to both at the event. A limited edition printed book is also in production, to be launched later this month with all proceeds going to these charities. 

Rankin said: “Everyone working in theatre has a story to tell of their experience over the past eighteen months, inspiring tales of hardship, perseverance, patience, innovation, despair and joy. With this project and exhibition, we want to celebrate the jewel in the crown of our city’s unparalleled culture sector – epitomised by these countless faces and voices who make up the backbone of London’s theatre community and will spearhead its post-Covid recovery.”

Alice Afflick-Mensah, sound engineer for Hamilton. Photo by Rankin.
Alice Afflick-Mensah, sound engineer for Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Photo by Rankin.

Open now, the exhibit runs until 12th of March so whether you pop in in the middle of present-shopping or make it part of your Christmas trip to Theatreland, make sure to come and experience the exceptional portraits for free this winter and help us celebrate theatre #BackOnStage.