SO FAR, SO GOOD

 
I know one should not speak too soon, but I cannot ignore the fact that Christmas came and went without a single cancellation through bad weather.

We fulfilled every commitment, and took joy in seeing the happy faces of the children enjoying their Christmas treats.

We are now keeping our fingers crossed that the schools remain open throughout the rest of the Winter months.

Workshops are currently much in demand, and we are constantly adding to our already large portfolio. Healthy life styles are a prominent feature. Particularly sensible eating and drinking and plenty of exercising. We recognize how difficult it is to resist when so many sugary drinks are proffered on TV and in the media. The Governments ban on free refills for the worst offenders certainly helps us in re-enforcing the message on avoiding obesity.

Of course, it is not all so gloomy. We are looking forward to Spring when the children can be outdoors participating. We have lots of new ideas and programmes, all designed to keep the kids fit and healthy.

If you want some details and more information, please send me an email or give me a call.

Until next time, more pictures.

Albert…….

 

DID I MISS IT?

You may recall my aspirations for schools in the November budget.

Well, I have searched and searched again, but nowhere can I find mention of schools or education generally.

Of course, I must have missed it. After all, what chancellor could ignore such an important issue?

Moving on,

We have some great new ideas for 2026. We are adding to our repertoire with a batch of creative workshops entitled

“MYSTERY ADVENTURES”

There will be a choice of subjects, and the intention will be to solve the mysteries using the clues provided. Primary children of all ages will be able to participate and, with the aid of our actors, be encouraged to create their own plots. We believe working together plays a major part in a child’s development and assists greatly in the learning process, helping to develop children’s appreciation of what they will be facing in the next level of education and the outside world.

You may wish to use it as a way of rewarding children for their good work or attendance record, or just to have a themed party.

When you have a moment, give me a call or buzz me an email, and I will gladly tell you more.

Happy New Year.

Albert….

 

 

ANOTHER CHALLENGING YEAR AWAITS US

I am writing this in advance of the November budget in the firm belief that our eminent chancellor, Rachel Thieves (sorry, Reeves) will bestow vast amounts of money on our beleaguered schools.

No longer will the mums send their kids to school with their bags filled with writing pads, pencils and toilet paper.

Oh, if it were only true!

Sadly, we must return to reality. And what that means for us.

I have long argued the case for the arts in schools. I firmly believe in the benefits of live drama in the knowledge that so many children will never have the opportunity to enjoy a trip to the theatre. Running a Theatre in Education company, I can barely afford it myself, and I am in the business!

We soldier on, happy in the knowledge that we are here to stay. Our creative skills enable us to cater for every need. Whatever the study subject, we will enhance it with a play, or workshop, or both.

The good news for you is that like so many our fees have not kept abreast of rising costs. There are bargains to be had. Just ask.

Until next time, I wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR, and leave you with some more pictures from live shows.

Albert......

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…..