Don't be afraid when you see an enormous elephant striding through the streets of London. For The Sultan's Elephant and its young girl companion come in peace, courtesy of French street theatre company Royal de Luxe. Originally created to mark the centenary of French science-fiction pioneer Jules Verne's death, The Sultan's Elephant has been on a journey through time and space that would leave even Doctor Who dizzy. Now landing in London after enchanting the people of Amiens and Nantes, The Sultan's Elephant is a spectacle sure to enrapture all who see it, and a 50 ton reminder that magic still exists in a cynical world.

The Sultan's Picnic

Londoners will take away their memories, but The Sultan's Elephant will have its own souvenirs of its time in the city. For The Sultan's Picnic, hundreds of schoolchildren have created digital postcards and time capsules full of items which they believe explain their lives. This treasure trove will be presented to the majestic visitor during a special ceremony to which all are invited.

 

How Many Elephants Does It Take?

As The Sultan's Elephant's footsteps fade away, 150 delegates will gather to discuss the lasting effects this magical visit has had on London. Representatives from lead-producer Artichoke will be speaking about the practicalities of bringing the Elephant to London, with other speakers discussing the event in a theatrical context. But most importantly, How Many Elephants Does It Take? will be about sharing personal memories of the elephant and the little girl. Instigating a debate about theatre as public spectacle, the conference will explore the elephant as a manifestation of collective belief and how it stamps across artistic boundaries as much as the city streets.