CRACKING ON

By the time you read this it should be around mid-March with the worst of the weather behind us.

Not that the weather plays any real part in my working day, stuck in an office dreaming up new ideas.

Very different for our band of actors though. As their performances are very physical, they welcome the cold days and, in the Summer, hope for fine weather when they can perform outdoors.

Of course, that can be quite demanding when the wind gets up and our backdrop becomes a sail!

Many is the time I have been behind hanging on to the set, battling the elements with just me, a tripod supporting a “T” bar and back-drop, and a couple of stage weights.

I recall an instance when we were performing on a sea front strapped to the sea wall with our backs to the ocean. Not sure the kids were aware of what we were suffering, nor if they could hear us over the wind and waves. Nevertheless, it was quite an experience, dare I say never to be repeated!

The most fun can be had when putting on a show at a child’s birthday party, particularly when the non-forecast rain arrives. Is it a brief shower soon to pass? Or, has it set in for the duration? These options call for split-second decisions, and you’d better guess right! Of course, we always insist on a fall-back arrangement which usually means a quick up the set and retreat indoors. Now the one- hour performance has become nearer two hours, and will we make it to the next venue in time?

We rarely have two parties booked for the same day. However, you can be sure when we do that will be when it rains. 

I will tell you about more of our fun and games later but, for now, some more pictures.

Albert….

                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                     

 

 

A LITTLE OF WHAT YOU FANCY

 I hope I am not always painting a picture of doom and gloom. Every so often I receive an amusing request. “Can you do a workshop on The Thames?” I am so tempted to reply “do you have a boat in mind?”

 Not as silly as you may think. When we were asked for a performance on London Zoo, we never realised they actually wanted us to conduct some plays on a stage right by the monkey arena. So, there we were acting with the little blighters upstaging us and stealing the limelight. The late, great W. C. Fields got it right “never work with children or animals”.

 One of our finest challenges was an approach from a successful retired business man wanting a play as part of a celebration on his wife’s 60^th birthday. She loved Shakespeare and, in particular

“A Midsummer Night's Dream” So, we went to work and created a lavish 60 minutes portrayal of “The Lovers”; scenes featuring Hermia – in love with Lysander · Helena – in love with Demetrius · Lysander – in love with etc. etc. I rather enjoyed my cameo controlling the many kids as “ELF and safety”.

 Often, in Summer, we are asked to perform outdoors. Usually at parties and, weather permitting, never a problem in a large garden. However, a completely different matter at festivals, “Latitude” in Lowestoft and “The Big Feastival” (pun intended) in Kingham spring to mind. The first challenge starts on arrival with the get-in; proving you are a performer and not a gate-crasher. After passing security checks, searching for your pitch amongst the hundreds of acts of all descriptions can be demanding. Having located your spot, and adapting it to suit the show, (it may be a barn piled high with bundles of hay for seating) comes the search for power to run the sound system, a generator and a guy who understands it, and then the setting up amidst hundreds of metres of cables. Two or three hours after arrival, and all ready to go, you pray you will have an audience.

Thankfully, it all invariably comes together, and everybody loves it. I won’t bore you with the get-out!

 I will tell you about some more of our exploits sometime. But, for now some pictures from our version of “The Bard”

 

LEST WE FORGET

 I am temporarily interrupting my flow of newsletters as I am reminded of an important date.

On 8^th May 2025 we will be celebrating the 80^th anniversary of the end of World War II.

I wish to take this opportunity to remind my readers of our popular play entitled

 “World War II”

This production is suitable for the whole junior age range and years 7 & 8 in the secondary schools.

The interactive 75 minutes play follows the fortunes of a typical working class London family during the whole period of war-torn Britain.

All the major issues, evacuation, rationing, make do and mend, air-raid shelters, black market, home guard and more are covered. With genuine extracts of speeches, sound effects, props and costumes it brings to life the reality of life at the time.

To make it both educational and enjoyable, we have added a good touch of humour.

In addition to the play, we offer 75 minutes Drama Workshops.

You will find many pictures and commendations on our website, and I will happily tell you more.

As I write, we have availability for the Spring term.

For more information, or to discuss a booking, please give me a call on 07836 731872 or email  info@aesopstheatre.co.uk

 Here are some pictures from our performances. Enjoy Albert....

KEEPING IT GOING

 In my last post I mentioned how times have changed. However, as the French would say

“la plus ca change, la plus c’est la meme chose”

Progress can be a double-edged sword.

We are all familiar with the phrase “one step forward and two steps back”

Okay, enough of the idioms, now to the point.

The average per-pupil funding in schools for 2023-24 was £7,460. For 2024-25 it is expected to rise by a little over 3%.

How does this compare with increased Government spending in other areas?

 Not too well I think you will find.

What it does mean is that with limited budgets, every pound has to be spent wisely.

So, this is where Aesop’s Touring Theatre Company comes in with our moto

“THE KIDS COME FIRST”

When a school says they cannot afford us, we endeavour to meet their budget, no matter how tight that may be.

Theatre in Education is as important today as it was 20 years ago when we were struggling to fit all the bookings in a school year of less than 200 days.

Maybe, just maybe, those halcyon days will return.

But, until then, we are only a call or an email away.

Allow me to whet your appetite with some of these.

 Albert …..

  

HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED

I have distant memories of school trips to the theatre when I was quite young, particularly before the Christmas break when it would be a popular pantomime.

We were lucky to have a theatre close by so we could walk there; a long crocodile with a teacher at the front and another at the rear. Not now of course. With the advent of “elf & safety” the teachers nearly outnumber the kids!

And that is not all that has changed. Back in the day, the teachers got in for free. Not so now. Well with so many of them, who can blame the theatres for charging.

Years ago, classes were much smaller, so it was a simple job to count the numbers leaving and ensuring the same number returned. Glad to say we never lost a child.

Of course, not all could do the trip on foot, so often coaches were needed. No big deal. A bit like getting on a bus. Not so simple now though. The cost of the coach will often outweigh the theatre tickets.

So, where is all this leading you ask, well, TO US

AESOP’S TOURING THEATRE COMPANY

Book us to come to you and you will save on the coach fare, not have to provide several teachers and assistants, not have to count the children in and out and, most importantly, not have any concerns over “elf & safety”.

And, if that is not reason enough, think of the time lost on administering the trip, and the teaching time lost in travelling.

We have something to offer for all ages at a reasonable cost and we do the hassle. All you need do is provide a space. Oh, and a "cuppa" would be welcomed.

Please give it some thought.

Until next time some more pictures, Albert….

WE HAVE SO MUCH TO OFFER

As we are approaching the year end, I am taking the opportunity to remind you of the scripted plays we love to perform at your school.

Starting with the youngest and working through the whole primary age range, we are currently carrying the following:

For Nursery, Reception and Key Stage One performances with a strong message delivered in a fun-filled, light-hearted manner with masses of humour, music, songs and audience participation.

"The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man": a clear reminder to be happy with what you have.  

"The Hare & the Tortoise": the value of true friendship.

"Not such an Ugly Duckling": a reminder that bullying is very unkind, and will not be tolerated.

"Billy Beware!": awareness to danger in the house, garden, park and outdoors generally.

For Key Stage Two plays that are linked to the National Curriculum and fully researched for accuracy of content. Also delivered in a fun-filled, light-hearted way with plenty of humour, music, songs and audience participation.

“The Story of Aesop’s Fables” – Eight of the best-known fables performed by actors in half masks depicting animals to illustrate the morals.

“Timeline” – English history from stone-age to the present day; with many important characters and events portrayed by one actor employing numerous costumes and props.

“Henry VIII” – From the death of Henry Tudor to the death of Henry VIII; a play with 15 characters and an execution for good measure.

“Search for the Lost Tomb” – An expedition into the lives of the Ancient Egyptians with an eccentric professor and her faithful aid, and a mummification to enthrall the audience.

“World War II” – Follow the trials and tribulations of a typical working-class London family during the whole period of war-torn Britain. So much nostalgia and emotion for those who experienced it.

“Robin Hood Rescues the Forest” – An environmental, ecological study with all the Robin Hood characters, and a touch of Morris Dancing thrown in.

I suggest you check our website for the many commendations on all the above.

Next time I will tell you about what else we can offer but, in the meantime, a few pictures.

Albert…..

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NEED HELP WITH CHRISTMAS?

I am invariably amazed that Christmas takes so many people by surprise.

 After all, it does come on the same date every year!

But, notwithstanding that, so many schools get in touch at the last minute and often find that the last day of term has already been booked. In fact, probably booked six or more months earlier.

Of course, I understand that teachers have enough on their plates, and last minute treats for the kids may present a problem.

If you find yourself in that position, we are here to help.

Our principal actor, Karen, is also a Drama Teacher and, when she is not performing one of her plays, or portraying Sybil from Fawlty Towers, or conducting Murder Mysteries, she may be found in a school helping students with their Drama Lessons.

Not only that but, with a qualified team, and bringing her expertise to the fore, she can assist schools with their own Christmas productions. After all, she did write, produce and direct all the plays Aesop’s Theatre Company performs, including the music, songs, choreography and everything else required to create a successful show.

So, if you are struggling with finding the time and resources to tackle the job, remember we are here to assist.

Before I leave, take a look at this collage of our plays and workshops.  Albert…...