Time for scarves and wooly hats!

Isn't it amazing how a freezing cold day is described as "bright" by every dog walker you meet. I guess it's a euphemism for "I'm freezing my what's-its off"!
Anyway, the one thing we all seem to care about when the thermometer goes blue is the elderly and how
will they cope?
I was thinking about this only this morning, as I tried to keep my balance over the exposed ice laden tree roots. And I was reminded of the times we have performed our plays in care homes - such appreciative audiences, who make you feel welcome, and tell you how you have brightened their day.
My thoughts then turned to the sick, and I vividly recalled the looks on the faces of the children when we gave a charity performance of "The Gingerbread Man" at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital - so satisfying to see.
We fear the cold, not the icy roads, nor the threat of snow, but the "molly codling" Local Authorities and their obsession with Health and Safety.
One winter we drove from Woking to Birmingham for a 9.30 performance, only to find the City had decided to close the school, as the playground could be dangerous. Really, we managed the trip without sliding once!
Talking of which, I remember the fun we had at my school making slides that became dusted with snow, and waiting for an unsuspecting teacher to step on them.
I've rambled on enough and I'm starving, so off for some porridge the proper Scottish way, with honey and a "wee dram".
Until the next time, I leave you with these chillers......Albert.....

Did your pets enjoy the fireworks?

I would love to say thank God that's all over but, of course, it isn't. Bonfire night, as we once knew it, now stretches from the beginning to the middle of November with little if any warning, unless you have caring, considerate neighbours.
Now I accept I am always beefing on about something or other, but this one really does get to me. Our government intrudes into most aspects of our lives; tells us what to eat, how much we can drink, half heartedly attempts to stop us smoking, and pretends to be concerned with our health and safety, whilst at the same time cutting back on the health service, policing and education.
But where in all this is the regulation on fireworks. Oh, I believe you have to be 18, or pretend to be, to buy them. Thereafter, do what you like with them.
I say let us have proper effective controls. Only sell to licensed buyers, and have similarly licensed displays on approved days that are advertised well in advance.
It may not suit everyone, but I bet our cats, dogs, rabbits and all the other pets will vote in favour and have a good night's sleep as depicted below.
That's me for now.
Albert ...

Glad to be indoors!

Just back from walking Bonnie, the Shih Tsu, and definitely not a day for shorts and a tee shirt!
A touch above freezing at 8 a.m.,
Today, I am expecting many enquiries for National Book Week, Anti-bullying Week, Child Safety Week and a whole host of other special weeks. Oh, did I forget Halloween?
Did you know Tesco have devoted two aisles, special promotional staff and three days to this crazy American non event!!!
Needless to say, we will be celebrating with some of our scary character actors.
1st November is the UK start of Christmas, terminating around the end of December, or January if you are in pantomime.
So you have only two months to organise for the biggest retail event of the year. We are all going away. Can't be doing with all the doings!
Have you noticed England closes after New Year's Day and re-opens about mid January?
Anyway, enough of the moaning and groaning and back to work.
Just before I go, see if you can spot which is my dog and which is the one from "Billy Beware!"
Until next time,
Albert xxx

October in the rain

I don't know what it is like where you are, but it is pouring it down in Woking.
Last time I told you about our two new actors, Alia and Fergus, well I can now show them to you.
Of course, some of you may have already met them as we are very much up and running with the new school year.
We have mailed nearly 11,000 schools and enquiries and bookings are pouring in.
Sadly, education does not seem to figure highly in government circles, hence the ever decreasing school budgets and, of course, drama is always amongst the first to suffer.
Do remember our motto "THE KIDS ALWAYS COME FIRST". So, if you are feeling the strain, do please ask us for a special deal. We will always endeavour to oblige, even if it does mean going hungry that day!
Enough doom and gloom, take a look at our two new guys, and I will see you next time.
Best wishes,
Albert

Alia

Fergus

 

Not much of a Summer was it!

I am almost glad it is over.
Anyway, there is some wonderful news, during the break we had the pleasure of discovering two truly wonderful new actors: Alia and Fergus will be educating and entertaining our audiences over the coming months. Rehearsals are all completed, and you can read all about them under "Actors".
I will attach a couple of photos next time, and some of you may recognise them as real professionals who have been performing for young audiences for some time. In the meantime, take a look at some authentic material from our "World War II" production. Some of your grand parents may recognise them!

Our "Drama Workshops" have certainly proved a hit, both as adjuncts to our ten plays, and in isolation.
Do remember we can create them to meet any requirements, both in terms of content, audience size and length.
We managed a trip to the Highlands of Scotland last month; absolutely beautiful countryside with so much to see and enjoy. We stayed in many B & B's where we were always given a warm welcome and a "wee dram". Our hosts were most impressed when we told them what we do: such a pity it is not possible to perform up there, but with  single track A roads with passing places, getting to schools would prove a real challenge. Perhaps, one day we may arrange a tour with a couple of plays.
That's all for now, as I have to confirm some bookings before tomorrow's onslaught.
I will be in touch ere too long.
Albert

THE CHALLENGE - NINE PLAYS TO LEARN

As we welcome our two new actors Fergus Davison and Alia Wilson with open arms, we reflect on some happy and notable times over the years with past actors....
Like the time we went to Abertillery in Wales and performed in surrounding Leisure Centres during the day and partook in the local pub entertainment by night. The locals made us feel very welcome.  Or the time we performed 'The Hare and Tortoise' show at a school in Somerset and we managed to take in a trip to Stonehenge enroute!  Research for future Stoneage workshops and performances!  All good stuff!!
I remember it was the last performance for one of our actors at a school in Kent, and, as a parting treat, we took her to Hever Castle, where she had always wanted to go but had never managed it in the past.  Our play, Henry VIII, had inspired her to find out more about the tyrant King.  We had a fantastic time and even managed a picnic in the castle grounds.
A fun trip to Scotland and Yorkshire for performances of 'The Story of Aesop's Fables' with overnight stays in some lovely hotels.  Combining acting, sight-seeing and even some paddling in the sea! Performing on many occasion at the Tricycle Theatre in London and even the Bristol Old Vic Theatre in Bristol, not forgetting Lauderdale House in Highgate, which has recently been refurbished by the way and well worth a visit.  We are looking forward to returning there!
It has been and, I hope will continue to be, a wonderful education and experience, not just for the children to whom we perform, but also for the actors who work with us to create such vibrant, fun-filled plays that are both educational and entertaining.
As I always say...we hope you enjoy our work as much as we do.
Love,
Karen, Proprietor, A.T.T.C.

You call this Summer!!!

Well folks, I don't know about you, but where I am it's freezing cold and it looks like another year without fruit. Last night's frost has doubtless seen to that.
Anyway, that's quite enough of the gripes!
I need to tell you about our wonderful one man (actually a woman) play "Timeline".
This is some extravaganza! We take the kids back to the Stone Age and then with a myriad of props and costumes, not to mention amazing acting, we carry them through major events in British history, meeting many famous characters, to the present day.
This all happens in an eighty minutes play designed for infants and juniors.
Suddenly it has become the flavour of the month, and I have taken three bookings for June already this morning.
Make sure you do not miss out. Give me a call on 07836 731872 and I will fit you in.
Here are some pictures to whet your appetite. But take a look at the website under "Productions" for more and some wonderful commendations.
I must go now, but will be back soon,
All the best,
Albert.....

Cold but Sunny

I never believed it could get any colder. But then we travelled north to Manchester and then on across the Pennines to Wakefield. That is where I discovered what real cold is about!
With only the Gingerbread Man costumes to keep us warm, we very nearly perished. In fact, had it not been for the lovely people, particularly the teachers and school staff, and the bright smiling faces of the children, we would have wished we hadn't.
Unfortunately, we had little time in Manchester to savour the northern hospitality and delights, but we were truly blessed in Wakefield. What a lovely city, so much to see and, to use that dreadful American expression, the Cathedral was AWESOME!
We are now back in Woking. The sun is shining, and we are enjoying the half term break with just a sprinkling of Children's Centres to visit.
I must now get on with the next half term's arrangements so, until I write again, keep warm.
Albert