NOT THERE YET, BUT LOOKING MUCH BETTER

Looking back through the diary and the wall calendar I sometimes wonder how we survived it. I mean did this country really grind to a halt for two years or so, and did so many businesses really perish through ill conceived plans and dreadfull advice from those in esteemed positions of power? I certainly know of Theatre in Education companies that did not have the resources to continue. How does one when the schools are closed! We were fortunate, or just plain lucky, because we are still here and business is picking up, albeit not at the rate we would like to see. And now, as if the pandemic was not enough to finish us off, we have strikes to contend with. We all sympathise with teachers including, alledgedly, our Prime Minister, but how can they expect justice when education figures so low down the list of priorities.Perhaps we are due a change of government. It surely cannot be any worse than the present one. Enough doom and gloom. I said things are looking up and we are now taking many bookings for the Spring and Summer terms. The Tudors are back in fashion as witnessed by the demand for our production "HENRY VIII". Also, protecting the environment is in vogue and we have the perfect play "ROBIN HOOD RESCUES THE FOREST". You will find a good deal of information on both these on our web pages, together with many commendations. I shall leave you now with some pictures. Until next time Albert.....

from the two plays.

AFTER HALF TERM

Where has the year gone? It seems like only yesterday we were basking in the sun and it is now November. Fortunately, the mild weather has not deserted us, although the warning signs for a cold winter are clearly visible: lots of acorns for the squirrels and red berries for the birds. Here at ATTC there is no reason to panic. Our snow shoes are at the ready and our winter tyres are on standby. We have lots of exciting shows on offer for Christmas so the schools need to start spending the money they have accumulated before they are assessed in the next budget review. Do any of you require assistance with your own Christmas production? Remember, we specialise in creating new shows so look no further if you would like some fresh ideas, or you wish to update your stock of plays. I am off now to help a local school that is struggling for new ideas but, fear not, I shall return ere long. Albert......

Just remembered I have to prepare the chicken for supper!

NOT LONG NOW

If the shops and stores are anything to go by, Christmas is already upon us. We have been hearing "shop early for Xmas" since we were babes in arms, but every year the message comes sooner. Of course, the retail trade like just about avery other is suffering, but I somehow cannot believe reminding everyone that Christmas is just around the corner will help during the current financial crisis. There is a glimpse of hope on the horizon for Theatre in Education though. Since schools are desperate for teachers, and they make up the highest percentage of cost, there is money in the kitty to be spent elsewhere. And, what better than having live educational theatre at the school. It is just pure common sense. Save on trips to the theatre. After all, the coaches alone cost more than a visit by a touring theatre company. And then there is the hassle of organising supervision for the students. The days of one teacher at each end of the "crocodile" are long gone. Health and safety requires more supervisers, and don't think they will get in free. Those days are gone too. So, it all comes back to common sense. Invite us to help educate and entertain the kids at a fraction of the cost you would spend going out and be relaxed in the knowledge they are learning in a safe environment and enjoying it. What more is there to say!!! Well, you can look at some more pictures and, until next time, farewell, Albert......

COMING SOON

We always try to stay ahead of the market and meet new requirements. Whilst we conduct Drama Workshops on just about any subject, we realise thst quite often more impetus is required to press home important messages, and this is best achieved by a live stage production. Folowing the unfortunate handling of the Covid crisis and the lessons learned from mistakenly closing schools, many school children have and are suffering stress from the breakdown in socialising. Some have even suffered mental illness. We have decided that whilst our P.H.S.E. Drama Workshops go some way in helping, more is needed and, for that reason, we are shortly to introduce a new play for the primary age range to help build resilience and combat feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. When ready, it will be launched through our website so, watch this space. That's all for now. Enjoy some pictures.

Albert......

BACK TO SCHOOLS

Summer came and went and now back to work in ernest. Workshops are becoming ever more popular and we have created a huge database to meet most requirements. At this poinet I need to pause and reflect on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.......... ..................................................................................................... Suddenly we are inundated with requests for something with a Royal flavour. Of course, we have "Henry VIII", my all time favourite, with just two actors portraying 15 different characters with a myriad of costumes and props. Also, we have a devised an interactive Workshop entitled "20th Century Monarchs" and that is now in heavy demand With the Christnas season fast approaching, we are dusting down our "Gingerbread Man" as this is a pantomime with a diference and the kids just love it. If you don't want to miss out, get emailing and phoning so we may book you in. I must now deal with the current enquiries and leave you with some pictures fro "our Enery" Until next time, Albert...

SUMMER IS FAST FADING

Well! We should not be complaining about the weather this year. The hotest July and probably August in most people's memories. Here at ATTC we were able to perform a number of outdoor shows with good size audiences. We even had the pleasure of the Lady Mayor of Sevenoaks attend on a couple of occaasions to the delight of our Gingerbread Man. Our environmental play "Robin Hood Rescues the Forest" was perfect for peforming outdoors in readily created settings. We will soon be packing away the gazebo as we prepare for a full season of performances in school halls. But, if the warm weather continues, hopefully, some of them will be on school fields and in playgrounds. As another string to our bow, we assist schools with their own Christmas productions, and it is a true delight seeing the excitement and devotion as progress is made towards the real live performances by the children. After the disruption to education over the past couple of years we hope the recognition of the value of Theatre in Education has not been lost. I expect the next crises will be the cost of fuel to heat the schools during the winter months. I am always hearing about stretched budgets from head teachers and the impact that has on learning and in particular the arts. We can only hope the government will do more than pay lip service, and come up with some substantial financial help. Here at Aesop's Theatre we are keeping bright and cheery in anticipation of a full programme of performances during this fothcoming school year. Enough for now, Until next time......Albert.

READY FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

We performed our last play for this school year today and the kids in Bromley loved the Gingerbread Man. Actually, we are not quite finished yet as we are performing it again tomorrow afternoon for an SEN group in Surrey. After that, one or two August bookings before we have our annual break-not that it will be anything special this year, what with the problems travelling. Thankfully, we have nothing booked that can go wrong, and will most probably stick with the UK, fuel prices permitting! I shall keep my mobile close by as, from past experience, we tend to get a flurry of enquiries as the new school year approaches. I sometimes wonder if teachers are taken by surprise when they have to return to school. I certainly was as a school kid. Sadly, and in keeping with everything else, we have been obliged to increase our fees, albeit modestly and, as we have always promised, we will respond to cries for help where funding is tight. Enough about us, let's hear from you out there. Tell us through our contact page what is occuring in your neck of the woods. Or send me an email to info@aesopstheatre.co.uk or a text or call to 07836 731872. You may even access us through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter etc. We would dearly love to hear from you. That's it for now. Be back soon, Albert.....