An Evening Celebrating the Best Music Videos of All Time: TAKE ON STEVE

Theatreship, the London's Docklands' independent arts venue onboard a converted historic cargo ship, is thrilled to announce an intimate evening with acclaimed director Steve Barron.

Join us for a very special evening as Steve delves into his groundbreaking career, sharing insights from his iconic works that defined an era of music video. From crafting legendary visuals for top artists like Michael Jackson (Billie Jean), A-Ha (Take On Me), and Dire Straits (Money for Nothing), to his diverse film projects, Barron will unpack the creative processes, behind-the-scenes stories, and the maverick spirit that has driven his vision. The event will also have readings from his book of his life and work, "Egg ’N Chips and Billie Jean," offering a unique perspective on the art and industry of music direction from one of its true pioneers and some very funny annecdotes. Don't miss this chance to hear directly from a legend in a setting as unique as his legacy.

The first 20 to book full price tickets will receive a signed copy of Steve’s memoir (other copies will be available for purchase on the night).

"Egg n Chips & Billie Jean: A Trip Through the Eighties" details Barron's journey from a young film enthusiast to a sought-after music video director, including his work with various artists like The Jam, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Michael Jackson. It offers an inside look at the creative process behind the Billie Jean video, highlighting the energy and innovation that characterised its era. Barron also reflects on the cultural shifts and challenges faced by music video directors in the age of YouTube.

Born in Dublin, Steve Barron began in films as a camera assistant on the classic movies Richard Donner's Superman (1978), Richard Attenborough's A Bridge Too Far (1977) and Ridley Scott’s first movie The Duellists. He began directing music videos in the early eighties for The Jam, Human League, and Adam & the Ants, with his work helping to inspire the formation of MTV. In 1982 he conceived and directed the award winning Billie-Jean, the first single from Michael Jackson's incredible Thriller album. More seminal videos followed, and at the 1986 MTV Awards Dire Straits' Money for Nothing won Best Video, with A-Ha's Take On Me awarded Best Director. His second movie as director, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), became the first independent feature to break the $100 million theatrical mark. Steve would go on to direct more features, including Coneheads, Rat, Mike Bassett: England Manager, and TV network mega-series Merlin, Arabian Nights, Dreamkeeper, and Treasure Island, all garnering him a slew of awards including 27 Emmy nominations and 5 Gold Globe nominations.

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Doors open at 4pm for drinks in the bar.

Theatreship is committed to broadening access to the arts - we know that ticket price is a huge barrier for some. If the regular ticket price is beyond what you feel able to afford for whatever reason, please don't hesitate to email us at tickets@theatreship.co.uk and we will do everything we can to help, no questions asked.

We also offer arts supporter tickets, for those that can, to pay a higher price to support the venue, the artists who perform here and subsidised tickets for others.

Due to the historic nature of the ship, we’re sorry to say there is not currently step-free access into the theatre space. We have dedicated staff on hand to help with stairs, and an onsite wheelchair once you’re inside the venue. If you have any access needs, please do e-mail us at access@theatreship.co.uk.