High-Five Escalator activity?

[Alice_Yu-Chen_Chang]

Hi, I am from Taiwan and I am an MA student from Leeds Beckett University, currently working on a performance project for my degree. The project is to challenge myself to step out my comfort zone because I am very introverted and have anxiety issue when interacting with strangers. With such characteristics I am hoping through the High-Five Escalator event I can gain some positive interactions and bring some joy to the people in this wonderful city.

origin of the event

High Five Escalator

To achieve this, I wonder if it is appropriate to have such activity taken place at any of the underground stations (there must be stairs next to the escalator) ? Also, because there will be filming for the whole process, it is possible to do so without being chased away by security?

I did think of writing a letter to the underground company but I really don't want to be charged or draw unnecessary attentions before I get more information to do so.

Really appreciate any comments/feedback/advice!!

[Vladimirs_Zlotnikovs]

Hi Alice, sounds like a good idea and something in the true spirit of London. Having said that, I would strongly recommend you contact someone at Transport for London (TfL) beforehand, as I can see at least two potential issues: (1) not all stations have stairs next to the escalators, and those which do may actually be in use during rush hour (i.e. people using both escalators and stairs to go up/down), so you don't want to obstruct anyone's way; (2) professional filming is definitely something you need to get a permit for given the ongoing security concerns etc.

Having said the above, TfL do encourage all kinds of performances underground (e.g. buskers, Art on the Tube, poems in lieu of add, etc.), so hopefully they will like your idea too. Good luck!

[Alice_Yu-Chen_Chang]

Thank you Vladimirs!!!! Really appreciate your information!! Xxx

[Nic]

To add to what Vladimirs said: TFL is happy with performances, but everything needs approval/license. That said, you won't get in trouble for high-fiving people, the worst they'll do is ask you to stop. Keep in mind that Londoners are quite grumpy & introverted (more than in the North, and even more so on the Tube), and may not be so eager to play along. Don't be sad if it happens, it's just... London. Why not contact one of the improvisation groups in London? They'll know how best to arrange a Tube event, and may have tips to make Londoners more happy to participate. There are a few:
http://www.londonimprovtheatre.com/gallery
http://thenurserytheatre.com
http://www.hooplaimpro.com/
and the most famous, NYC-based but have a London chapter: https://improveverywhere.com/

Meetup groups whose members may be happy to help:

London Improvisation Meetup

https://www.meetup.com/377c3f32-967d-4588-be47-7c97f00ce033/

[Alice_Yu-Chen_Chang]

Thank you Nic! This is a brilliant idea!!! Xxx