2026 IS NEARLY UPON US

 While the actors are rushing to fill their pre-Christmas engagements, I am busy backstage preparing for the new Spring term.

An opportunity to repair and replace props and costumes and, perhaps, scour the markets for new ideas and items.

We are always being complimented on our appearance on stage, and pride ourselves on having eye-catching sets.

Masks depicting animals and large heads figure in many of our productions, and these take quite a battering, especially from the children who are intrigued by them and want to try them on, particularly the tortoise shell.

Of course, it is all part of the show, and we love explaining how they are made, shaped and coloured to make them look realistic. 

Some of the venues we visit can be quite challenging. I particularly remember Folkestone Promenade where we performed on the cliff top with our backs to the sea. Our south coast is not renowned for calm days, and this one was no exception. It took some ingenious planning to ensure our backdrop did not end up in the ocean; stage weights and ropes galore, with me hanging on for dear life!

Certainly, a day to remember, and I will tell you about some more next year.

In the meantime, a collage of some of our plays.

Albert…..

YOU MAY STILL BE IN TIME

Last month I urged you to book early for Christmas and, thankfully, many of you took notice.

I am now writing to say we still have some morning and afternoon slots available for those still pondering what to do.

Whilst we do not cater purely for Christmas, and our shows are available all year round, some do work particularly well in the festive season. For example, “The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man“ is very popular for Nursery, Reception and KS1 as it has a wonderful element of pantomime with the cunning fox who, incidentally, is outwitted by our hero. No child goes home crying!

“Robin Hood Rescues the Forest” is another one, this time for infants and juniors. With all the Robin Hood characters, it makes for great end of year entertainment. Likewise, “The Story of Aesop’s Fables” is a popular choice for both the young ones and KS2. The use of half masks depicting animals, and the way the morals are demonstrated by the actors makes for wonderful entertainment.

Sadly, “fings aint wot they used to be”. We are fully aware of the cut-backs, particularly with school budgets. But do not let that stop you from asking. We will do all we can to accommodate the tightest margins. Remember our motto “THE KIDS COME FIRST”.

Until next time, some pictures from the three shows I have mentioned.

Albert….

CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

How often do we hear this, and do we take notice? Sadly, not always.

I have never understood why Christmas takes people by surprise. After all, it comes about the same time every year!

Nevertheless, I find myself juggling with performance dates from September onwards.

“Sorry it’s so late, but any chance of a show for the kids on the last day of term?”

Believe it or not, that happens every year; usually about mid-December.

Of course, I try to accommodate, or get as close as possible. Maybe the afternoon if the morning is taken, and we are not having to travel the length of the country.

I love the schools that start the enquiry with “any day that week will do”. Except, of course, whilst that is sincerely meant, it is not the case. “Oh, sorry, I forgot swimming on >>>>> and music practice on >>>>>”

Notwithstanding the hassle, every school that asks gets served, and the kids get to enjoy the play.

BUT PLEASE, DO TRY TO REMEMBER TO BOOK EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS.

Some more pictures, Albert….

IT DOESN’T JUST HAPPEN

How often do you hear that said?

Over the years I have served on many committees-bridge clubs-residents associations-property management and, latterly, bowls clubs.

They all have one thing in common. You don’t get paid and you don’t get thanked. What you do get are complaints, criticism and unheralded advice. 

That said, I have enjoyed them all, and now I have found my true niche-helping others enjoy live theatre.

Going back to my heading, there is much that happens behind the scenes that goes unnoticed.Apart from creating plays and drama workshops, we offer advice and assistance to those wishing to present their own productions.

We help with directing, choreography, music, stage management and more.

We recognize we are not dealing with professional actors, but school children keen to impress their teachers and parents on the day

Making sure the presentation is colourful , visual and contains lots of movement is essential when the performers are amateurs.

If you are considering a “home-made” production, remember we are here to help.

Until next time, some more pictures, Albert…..

 

GOING PLACES

 
I have written a great deal about our plays and workshops, how and where we perform them, the part the weather plays, the timings etc. etc.

Perhaps now is the time to tell you how we get there.

We have two diesel estate cars, fully serviced and regularly polished. They serve us well, with a pod on the roof for when we are performing more than one play in a day.

Of course, if the Government had their way, they would be consigned to the rubbish dump, and we would be struggling to get to you with “all electric”.

Just try to imagine leaving Woking in Surrey and arriving in say, Leeds or Liverpool for a 9.30 a.m. performance on “a tank full of electricity”. Stretch the imagination a little further to add freezing cold or boiling hot weather, Heater or Air Con at full blast, perhaps also the windscreen wipers. Also, the Sat. Nav. Let’s now add the invariably present motorway traffic congestion. So, at what time should we leave? Assuming we have enough electricity to arrive, and that is no certainty, how do we cope with the return journey???

Enough of that. Rest assured we will keep dieseling for as long as we can.

Look at some more pictures, NO, not of cars, Albert….

.

I THINK IT’S SUMMER!

A rather tentative start with moderate temperatures, plenty of wind but, thankfully, little rain. Sorry gardeners. I know you need it, but we prefer to A rather tentative start with moderate temperatures, plenty of wind but, perform in the dry outdoors.

Yes, we often forgo the school hall and act out our plays in the playground or, ideally, the playing field.

Workshops, in particular, lend themselves to the great outdoors, especially if they are related to climate change or ecology and the environment.

With an ever-increasing demand for “healthy lifestyles”, we are again looking to create the atmosphere by being outdoors when conducting these related workshops.

We are ever mindful that our summers are short-lived and we must make the most of them whenever we can.

Whether it be a play or a workshop, please be mindful that the great outdoors is there to welcome us, and mention it when booking.

Hopefully, the weather will be on our side.

Until next time with some non-obliging pictures, Albert….

HELPING CREATE A SMOOTH CHANGE

The move from a Junior to a Senior School has long been recognised as an exciting, but often scary time for eleven-year-olds. They will be leaving the comfort of a more homely, perhaps even  "family-orientated" learning zone, and entering the realms of "the unknown"!

We have devised Drama Workshops in which the four main elements are actively involved: the children, the primary school, the senior school and the parents.

Fully participatory, and with the guidance and assistance of professional actors well versed in Theatre in Education, the children will be encouraged to play out scenes focusing on the major issues.

We will concentrate on the areas of most concern to the children - fear of getting lost - afraid of being bullied - losing friends - making new friends - pastoral care - new teachers - adjusting to a different and more intense place of learning. All these and more as the children themselves elucidate and open up throughout the Workshop. 

Through role play and drama the children will gain in confidence and self-esteem.

This is just a brief insight of what we cover. Often the children will tell us more so we are able to allay their concerns.

If you wish to make a booking, please give me some possible dates, and let me know the number of classes involved.

Until next time, Albert…..