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Three Men On A Billboard

Zoo Co

— ,The Pit
Two people stand around an orange billboard where three figurines of men stand on it. On a yellow background with white clouds.

A charged, playful and unpredictably live performance based on the remarkable true story of three men who turned into unlikely celebrities.

In 1982, at the height of an economic crisis, three men entered a competition to win a mobile home. The challenge was simple: whoever could live the longest on a 30-foot billboard beside a motorway would win. The radio station thought they would last a few weeks… They stayed for 261 days.

As weeks turned into months, what began as a marketing stunt for a small-town radio station became one of America’s strangest media sensations.

Following the multi-award-winning Perfect Show for Rachel, Zoo Co founders Flo O’Mahony and Fleur Rooth join forces with writer Jackson Used to bring this true story to the stage. As they live-direct the action each night with input from the audience, life on the billboard becomes entangled with their own decade-long creative partnership, exploring what it takes to build, share and sustain something together.

Tagged with: Theatre & dance Young Barbican Theatre and Dance: Spring 2027

Running time: 1h 30 mins

Age guidance: 14+

This show depicts themes of an adult nature, including mild references to sex and drugs and some strong language.

Improvisational in nature, the show is live-directed on stage each night based on suggestions provided by the audience. Audience members will be invited to input, but this is completely voluntary and will be facilitated by an experienced team.

Accessibility: 
BSL is integrated into all performances. All performances will be Relaxed, with integrated creative access for Deaf and blind/visually impaired audiences. Full details will be confirmed.

Presented by the Barbican.

Zoo Co has received support from Arts Council England, Cockayne Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Garfield Weston Foundation.

Creative Team

  • Created by Zoo Co and Jackson Used  
  • Written by Jackson Used  
  • Directed by Fleur Rooth and Flo O’Mahony  

Ticket prices

Standard
From £21.50 (£20 + £1.50 transaction fee)

These accessibility provisions are available for this event.

BSL
Relaxed

Reviews

  • ‘a total delight... devised with deep affection and attention to detail‘
    Guardian (on Perfect Show for Rachel)
  • ‘Witty, winsome and inventive. It is rare to find such a generous ensemble as Zoo Co‘
    The Stage (on GIANT)
  • ‘A disarming labour of love ‘
    The Times (on Perfect Show for Rachel)
  • ‘‘

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The Pit

Location
The Pit is located on Level -2 within the main Barbican building and can be accessed via the stairs or lifts on Level G, next to the doors to the Lakeside Terrace. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
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