HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY AESOP’S

Who would have thought when we launched our first play on the Ides of March,1999 I would be here today writing this!

YES, on the 15^th March 1999 Karen and Glenn performed “The Story of Aesop’s Fables” at Springhallow School in Ealing.

Having always loved Aesop’s Fables at school, Karen Brooks, the proprietor of Aesop’s Touring Theatre Company (ATTC) and principal actor decided to write a play. At the time it was nothing more than an idea.

Karen produced leaflets and circulated them to schools in London. She was truly amazed at the response; 70 bookings before Christmas that year!

So, truly amazed but delighted, she formed the company we now have and proceeded to write more plays.

Today we have ten SCRIPTED PLAYS and literally dozens of DRAMA WORKSHOPS that are ever growing.

We have created productions to celebrate occasions whether they be for children or adults, and still do.

We have and will perform nationally and abroad. There is no limit to the challenges we meet. Just ask and we will rise to the occasion.

When they say “The World is your Oyster”. That has certainly been true of us.

Some shots from our productions:

Until next time, Albert.......

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

 Our colourful brochure depicts our scripted productions, and is there for all to see. However, we offer much more than that.

 Very often we are requested to follow up a play with one or more workshops with the aim of enforcing the lesson learned, and affording the opportunity to engage in some action from the performance.

 Here is a brief summary of how it works:

 Initially, we gather the children in a large circle and introduce ourselves. The children have the opportunity to do likewise preferably with a loud voice and interesting movement.

By means of a brief period of theatre games in the style of the play they have seen, they are warmed up, body, mind and voice, and then randomly divided into mixed groups of 3, 4 or 5.

Each group is provided with a storyboard sheet depicting characters, time, place, event, etc. so that from the options provided, or from their own ideas, they may choose an episode from the play that they will enact.

Our actors encourage and assist and give help in rehearsing the chosen 2/3 minutes performances.

Each group then performs its piece to the rest of the class, and are given praise/advice by the actors.

We believe our Drama Workshops do much to add impact to the performance they have seen and, most importantly, contribute in developing and encouraging social intercourse.

Apart from the workshops associated with our plays, we have created a large portfolio on numerous subjects which is constantly growing. Ideas on these are shown in our SPECIAL OFFERS.

 Next time I will tell you about our popular scripted plays for the juniors.

 PS Invariably the kids love the death scenes but, fortunately, not all end up dead.

 

Best wishes, and stay bright,

Albert…..

STILL WITH THE NURSERY AND INFANTS

My recent writings have concentrated on important messages for the young ones; “The Gingerbread Man” (be happy with your lot); “The Hare & the Tortoise”, (the value of true friendship) and “Billy Beware!” (be aware to the dangers in the home and elsewhere).

I will mention just one more equally important production’

“NOT SUCH AN UGLY DUCKLING”

I suspect at some stage in our lives we have all been subjected to bullying. Perhaps we have inflicted it on others.

Our play makes it very clear that bullying will not be tolerated, and we believe it is important that this message is delivered at an early age before it becomes a problem.

With the use of two four-foot puppets and the skill of our actors, we demonstrate in a serious but fun-filled way how bullying is wrong, and that being different is acceptable.

As one of our most recent additions, we are pleased that it is proving popular not only with schools, but also libraries, play groups, children’s centres, local institutions and public bodies.

It is truly a splendid production and the children are mesmerised when the ugly duckling transforms into a beautiful swan on stage.

I urge you to visit it on our website.

As I leave you, here are some shots from the show.

Albert….

A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE LITTLE ONES

 Please forgive me if you think I am putting too much effort in promoting shows for the toddlers.

 BUT, from our experience I know that come Christmas they are often left behind because they are considered too young to be taken to the theatre. 

 SO, our theatre comes to them.

 I have said enough about “THE GINGERBREAD MAN”, but close on his heels comes

                                               

 “THE HARE & THE TORTOISE”

 I have to tell you that this is our actors’ most popular show. It’s all about friendship, and what can be more important when growing up and meeting new people.

 Of course, it does not start off that way. No indeed, as we have a very well-mannered tortoise and a very bad-mannered hare. That is until the race proves to be more than just an equaliser.

 Since you all know how it ends, I will just add that songs, music, humour, fun and games and much participation make this a joy for the kids, and parents too.

 The show is performed throughout the year but, do remember if you are seeking a Christmas booking, we do become inundated as December approaches, so please get in touch as early as possible.

 As always, some pictures from the show to savour,

 Until I next write, Albert……..

                                                                               

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