We were so sad to hear of the death of a star and pioneer of the street theatre and outdoor arts sector, Dave Danzig of The Grand Theatre of Lemmings. Dave and his colleagues worked around the world in many distinct iterations of outdoor work, at a variety of scales and with different audiences. Anyone working in the outdoor sector today owes a happy debt to the Lemmings…
Here is the post from the Lemming’s Facebook page:
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our lovely Dashing Dave Danzig, founder of The Grand Theatre of Lemmings, and all-round brilliant man.
He has been dazzling audiences for 40 glorious years as a pioneer in the outdoor arts world. He was not only talented but also the kindest, most generous and loving person. Words can’t describe how much he will be missed.
David Danzig, you fought so hard but for now, sail on xxx
Angus, OAUK’s Director, recalls…
Dave and the Lemmings had a particularly unusual relationship with the National Theatre. When I was the producer of the Watch This Space Festival it was brought to my attention that ‘The Smallest Theatre in the World’ had been languishing in the backstage caverns of the National Theatre for many years; no one could quite remember how it had got there or why it had been left behind, but it had been in ‘Drum Road’ for ages.
This provided me with the opportunity to reach out and see what the Lemmings were up to. In my hazy recollection, the festival that year was fully programmed but somehow we found a way to slip the Lemmings and their theatre into the schedule – probably for expenses only and as a late addition – but it meant that I was able to have my own Lemmings encounter during my time as the festival producer.
I’m very glad I did, as Dave and his colleagues represented a wonderful link to some of the history and tenacity of the sector – as well as being a great addition to the offering that summer. Personally, I was so very pleased to have an opportunity to see that famous tiny theatre in action, as it had acquired near-legendary status and I would have been the poorer for not having had it in the programme.
As a sector, we are beyond grateful for all that Dave gave us and for all the artists he inspired and all the audiences he entertained.
Thank you, Dave.

Mandy, his partner in life and work, and the rest of the Lemmings invite those who knew Dave to a special ‘Festival of Dave’ in Manningtree.

Festival of Dave
Mon 22 May 2pm-6pm(ish)
Stour Sailing Club Marquee
10 Quay Street, Manningtree, CO11 1AU

If you’d like to come and share some silly memories (and there’s been a few), please email Mandy at lemmingstheatre@icloud.com