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 Faulty 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…...

OUR MOST RECENT POPULAR PRODUCTION

                                                                Here is an easy question.

What is in the news every day?

You got it.

“GLOBAL WARMING”

Since this is not just the flavour of the month, but something rather serious that should concern us all, Aesop’s Touring Theatre Company has produced a play for the primary age range vividly explaining the part we all can play in combating this threat.

“Robin Hood Rescues the Forest”

is a 75 minutes interactive play that tackles the need to protect the environment, with strong messages delivered in a light-hearted, fun-filled way. Put simply, Prince John has decided to burn down Sherwood Forest to rid it finally of outlaws. Yes, he is quite mad, as the audience quickly point out, but that will not deter him.

All the legendary Robin Hood characters are portrayed in costume and the audience become part of the action, joining in with the humour, songs and music. Some lucky ones get to display their skills with a spot of Morris Dancing.

Bookings for this new production have exceeded our expectations. I urge you to get on board.

Until next time with more popular shows, some pictures from the production,

 Albert…

 

 

CONTINUING WITH KS1 & KS2

I now wish to tell you about our most ambitious project to date.

This is an 85 minutes extravaganza performed entirely by one actor with a myriad of props and costumes, depicting history through the ages from Stone Age Man to the Present Day.

 “TIMELINE”

“HISTORY THROUGH THE AGES”

From Stone Age to Modern Technology

 A play performed by one actor and many of your children.

 This is a particularly interactive production with many props, costumes, music and sound effects; in which the children work with the actor in portraying the growth of civilization and embracing major moments, characters and events in history.

 The play has been fully researched for accuracy of content, and contains a good deal of humour to ensure it is both educational and enjoyable.

Read the reviews on our website and take a look at some of these pictures.

 

 

SOMETHING FOR KS1 & KS2

 

This is the first play written way back in 1999

“THE STORY OF AESOP’S FABLES”

From a very early age Karen Brooks L.L.A.M. (Hons.) Dipl. was determined to become an actor and, as a first step, decided to write a play in which she could act.

From her apartment in Ealing, West London, she circulated over 200 London schools and, in her first year, received 63 bookings; the first from a S.E.N. School in Ealing on the Ides of March 1999.

Amazed, but delighted at her success, over the next few years she added nine more plays and numerous drama workshops to her portfolio.

With the aid of a picturesque set, half masks, costumes and props, two actors portray eight of the most loved and best-known fables, ensuring the associated morals are delivered in a fun-filled, light-hearted and interactive manner without ever losing sight of their importance.

To quote Karen

  “Aesop’s Fables”

  “A fun filled story packed with surprises and lots of audience participation, encouraging children to question their own morals through entertainment”

As always, some pictures from the show, Albert…..

 

MORE FOR THE JUNIORS

                            I have mentioned my favourite history play “Henry VIII”

I have also told you about “Search for the Lost Tomb”.

Still on the subject of history, I now wish to turn to something quite different. We have taken a very dark subject and, with much poetic licence, but without ever losing sight of the facts, turned it into a light-hearted, fun-filled production.

I refer to our play

“WORLD WAR II”

Two actors, with the aid of many props and costumes, and a delightful set adorned with original war-time artefacts, depict a typical working class London family during the whole period of the war.

 More than that, we have an Air Raid Warden, a member of the Home Guard, a School Teacher, a Policeman, a Wireless Quiz Interviewer with his glamorous assistant Doris, and, of course a Black-Market Spiv.

 Oh, and be wary of the black-market spiv. He may try to sell you some chocolate and sweets and you know you have already used up your meagre supply of coupons.

There are extracts of speeches by the Prime Ministers, Neville Chamberlain and Winston Churchill, and many authentic sound effects. Listen out for the doodle bugs and be very afraid when the sounds stop.

 All the major issues like evacuation, rationing, make do and mend, and many more are covered during war-torn Britain.

In particular, be moved by the last scene that I will not spoil by telling you more.

 Until I next write, take a look at some pictures.

Albert....

CONTINUING WITH THE JUNIORS

                The last time I wrote I told you about my favourite play “Henry VIII”.

 Following close on its heels comes

“SEARCH FOR THE LOST TOMB”

or

 “WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE YOUR MUMMY!”

This is an absolute must for those classes studying Ancient Egypt.

Brim full of facts, this historical portrayal of life around three thousand years BC, is packed with major events, characters and drama as our professor and her loyal guide and companion explore the River Nile, Desert, Cities and Pyramids.

Discover how little you know about the simple date palm.

Experience a dust storm

Go into battle with the great Pharoah Ramesses II and his Pet Lion.

Meet a young boy studying hieroglyphics and hieratics.

Enter the catacombs in search of the lost mummy.

Track the path of latter-day tomb robbers.

And more.

BUT

 BE ON YOUR GUARD LEST YOU BECOME MUMMIFIED!

Take a look at these until I next write, Albert

....

TIME FOR THE JUNIORS

Many of my recent posts have concentrated on Nursery and Infant children, and I have given you some insight into the plays we have for the 2 to 7 years age range.

I now intend spending some time with Key Stage Two, that is the 7 to 11 age range, and some of what I cover will be appropriate for young seniors as well.

I shall start with my all-time favourite:

“HENRY VIII”

If your studies include The Tudors, this is an absolute must and, if you don’t, have it for the pure entertainment and enjoyment.

With two actors and a myriad of props and costumes, we portray no less than fifteen different characters; Henry, of course, and his Six Wives, Grave Diggers, Executioners, The Pope, Cardinal Wolsey, a Court Jester. (I hope I haven’t forgotten any.)

Historically accurate, but with much licence, Henry is portrayed throughout his tumultuous life from the death of Henry Tudor to his own demise.

Songs, music and humour abound in this 70 minute production with more than a little audience participation, particularly when one of the less fortunate wives is led to her execution. (We ensure the axe is well sharpened so not too much blood splatter, and the head falls neatly into the basket.)

I urge you to look at some of the pictures and reviews. You will then understand why so many schools book it year after year.

A few pictures to savour until I write again, Albert…..