Aesop's Touring Theatre Company

Christmas came and went

2012-01-20T07:11:00.003Z

While I was "sunning" myself on the beach in Australia the boss, pictured to my left, was left at home to entertain a couple of the grandchildren with her new play "TIMELINE".

I figured I had earned the break after the busiest run up to the year end ever.

Whatever happened to the wallabies, kangaroos and koalas? From Sydney to just below Rockhampton we never saw any. But we did manage to feed a couple of dolphins in Tin Can Bay.

Now it is back to the grindstone in earnest. Spring is our busiest school term so we are hoping the local authorities make an effort to keep the schools open during the snow and icy weather; no more unnecessary closures please. If we can drive from Woking to Birmingham for a 9.15 morning performance we don't want to find the school closed because the path was slippery!. You may think I am joking, or being cynical. Trust me it has happened.

I mentioned our latest production, "TIMELINE". An ambitious new project in which our leader, Karen, enlists the help of the audience on an amazing journey from the stone age to the present day. Still in the "costume and propping" stage this extravaganza will be ready to launch in the Summer term and, judging by the interest already shown, it looks like a winner.

I will keep you informed of its progress, but now back to work on yesterday's bookings, and getting ready for the telephone onslaught as the schools open.

Bye for now,

Yours Albert.

A fillip for when one is feeling down

2011-12-04T11:09:00.005Z

Every once in a while I wonder if it is all worthwhile. I know the kids love what we do, and that gives me a real buzz. Also, we get great feedback from teachers.
So now you are wondering what this is all about.
Well the clue is in the title "Theatre in Education". This is what we do. We aid in the education process by making the learning enjoyable.
Okay, so what is the problem? You ask.
Put simply, I have to wonder if the education system to which we contribute is really working.
On average I receive sixty emails a year from students studying the many aspects of theatre. I reply to them all with a standard document I have written that covers just about everything they are likely to need to know.
Whilst they are invariably polite enquiries, I am so often appalled by the poor spelling, punctuation, lack of correct English grammar, and the inability to construct sentences.
So what a breath of fresh air it was to hear from Rosie, and receive the following "thank you" for my response.

"Hello Albert,
Thank you so much for taking the time out to read and reply to my email. It is much appreciated - I understand that you have plenty of work to do!
I did read up on your fantastic company before writing to you, and I noted that you only perform for children up to 12. However, I decided to include you in my mailing list, because although our piece has been aimed at years 10 and 11, at some schools our audience has been as young as year 7. Thus, the follow up workshops we do next year are occasionally going to be for 11/12 year olds. I apologise that I did not explain this in my previous email; it was only because it was sent out to various companies at once. I am so pleased that you have got back to me, as I am going to have to be even more adaptable in my workshops now due to the unplanned varying age range - as I'm sure you know, 11 year olds and 16 year olds are worlds apart! Your guidance will be very helpful in this respect.
Many thanks also for your offer to attend one of your performances - I would love to take you up on it. Although, currently I am working with secondary schools, when I graduate from university I hope I am fortunate enough to have a career working with younger students in primary schools. They are where my real passion lies so it would be wonderful to gain some first hand experience. In the third term this year, I complete a 6 week placement and again I am looking to work with a younger audience!
Once again, thank you for your time and advice.
Kind regards,
Rosie"

Students, I hope I have made my point.

Until next time have a wonderful festive season.

Albert....

ONE FROM THE DIRECTOR

2011-11-18T09:50:00.002Z

Ah! This is the life; sitting on a horse contemplating the next scene of my new play.
'Timeline', a study of history through the ages, is to be launched in Spring 2012. The calm before the storm!
Not an easy task ahead of me writing a play with only one actor portraying so many interesting and relevant characters from Stone Age to Modern day. Tommy Cooper and the hats comes to mind! Now there was a talent. It does mean I get a chance to do my Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy impersonations though: not easy to practice those on a horse mind!
What's next...ah! The music and sound effects. This is the fun part and, of course, looking for props. Yes, the body parts for the Tudor section in the play are the bits I'm looking forward to finding. But, if I fall off this horse I may not need to go looking for quite so many!
So far I have written 23 pages, and this is supposed to be an hour long!
Page 24 beckons, so must go.
Karen

Not much of a Summer!

2011-09-23T09:22:00.005+01:00

Is it really all over? Or are we still waiting for it to arrive?
Well, at least the actors did not complain bitterly about the heat when they were performing. A good thing really since TIE is so physical.

Sadly, we heard no more from Lara following her work experience spell with us. We had rather hoped she would write a review on one of our plays, and perhaps a blog we could publish. Still, she said it was enjoyable and worthwhile.

Now the run up to Christmas. I would urge those wishing to book us to get in early as we are filling very rapidly. Also, "Book Week" next March is also very popular.

Not anything more to say at present, but I shall be back when the new school year is in full swing. In the meantime, commiserations to those theatre companies that have fallen by the wayside. I know how you all must feel. It does not look too bright for any of us whilst the financial crisis continues.

On this bright note....

Albert

Summer nearly gone....

2011-08-21T08:25:00.005+01:00

What summer you ask. Yes, I take your point. But it is not all bad news.
The best bit is that Laurie just cannot bear to leave us and has signed on for another school year.
So all you lucky kids will again be entertained and, hopefully, learn something from our delightful duo of Laurie and Caroline.
Just to remind you, as if you could forget, here are their smiling faces.
Work is in progress on our new production "TIMELINE", a study of history through the ages, and all being well we hope to launch it in January 2012. This is a play to be performed by one actor taking on a multitude of roles, and engaging the children in the performance. My thanks to those who have already reserved a booking, and I look forward to many others joining their ranks.
I must tell you about Lara. She joined us in July for a few days as part of her work experience. It was a pleasure to have her on board and, as with the many others we have helped, we look forward to keeping in touch and hearing how she gets on. Who knows, she may even join us one day if acting becomes her chosen path.
Back soon....
Albert

2011-06-09T09:26:00.001+01:00

Have I really been away since February? If only!
No, it has just been one of those hectic times when everything else took precedence.
We had our busiest term ever in the run up to Easter, and then I got busy with the mailings for the Summer term: followed by the annual recruitment of new actors.
The news on this front is both happy and sad.
We are delighted that Caroline is staying for another spell, but sorry to be losing Laurie at the end of this school year.
I do have to admit to some foreboding with all the bad news about cut backs, especially to schools. However, it seems my worst fears have yet to be realised and, in fact, bookings are actually up on the last few years. I can only put this down to the extensive campaign we have run to combat the financial crisis, and the realisation by schools that it is far more cost effective to have us in than taking the kids out,sad as that may be.
Other news is that Karen is in the process of writing a new play, and she has also written a book she hopes to have published soon.
More news on these two fronts when I next write. I promise it will not be as long a wait as this time.
Until then....
Albert

Spring is on the way

2011-02-23T11:18:00.003Z

Just one more month and I reckon we are through it, in the South anyway. We can handle just about any kind of climate, but the schools are something else. In my day it was great fun watching the teachers crossing the playground and going base over apex on an icy slide hidden under a dusting of snow. I guess today there would be writs flying in all directions, but I doubt kids are allowed to make slides for fear of having a good time.
A teacher said last week "I bet you are looking forward to a restful half term break". If they only knew! We are just as busy with all kinds of events going on. Holidays are not for us, too many bills to pay.
March will be our busiest month ever with 55 performances booked already, and just a very few half days to fill.
If this rain ever stops I may get to bathe the dogs.
Time to stop rambling on and make the tea.
Until next time....
Albert

Snow and ice and MORE?

2011-01-10T11:41:00.005Z

Hi and Happy New Year to both my readers. Just kidding, I hope!
Anyway, take a look at our two sparkling new actresses, Laurie on the left and Caroline next to her. They have settled in really well and are enjoying being with us, or so they say!
By some miracle we got to the end of 2010 with only one cancellation, and that was re-booked.
2011 has started off well despite all the foreboding about school budget cuts. If you cannot afford the trips out then I say "bring the mountain to Mohammed". It is far less costly for us to visit the school, probably less than the coach fare alone.
Think also of the other advantages; a safe and secure environment, no need to count the kids every few yards, and doesn't take up the whole day, Sadly, I am told the freebies for the staff no longer exist; hardly surprising when "'elf and safety" requires nearly as many teachers and helpers as there are children!
Oh well, I guess that's life.
See you again soon.....
Albert

The bullies took a beating!

2010-11-20T12:48:00.004Z

Last week was National Anti Bullying Week and didn't we all get busy.
Our recent production of "Not such an Ugly Duckling" was heavily in demand, and we managed no fewer than 12 performances at schools between Monday and Friday.
Well done Caroline and Laurie for meeting such a demanding schedule. Oh, and thanks to Karen (and myself) for being the "roadies".
The feedback was most encouraging and teachers all said how well we put the message across in a fun filled way. The children certainly enjoyed themselves, particularly the ones taking part.
Of course, anti bullying is not for just one week of the year and we have more bookings of this play spread over the next couple of terms.
It will soon be National Safety Week so I must away now and dust down "Billy Beware"!
Back soon,
Albert

Half Term already

2010-10-26T11:20:00.003+01:00

Looking out at the drizzling rain and wind blown trees I realise Winter is upon us. Some crazies are already talking about Christmas.
For us this is the busiest time of the year. Schools want to add fun and entertainment to the education programme during the festive season.
Most kids get to see a pantomime so we offer something different. Something that gets them involved, often up there with the actors; singing, dancing and generally having a good time.
If you have not yet booked us you may be too late. At the time of writing this we have no whole days free, and only a sprinkling of half days between now and the end of term.
Get on your bikes, or preferably on the phone and we will see if we can fit you in.
Must go now and write up the latest batch of bookings.
Until soon....
Albert

Braving it to Scotland

2010-10-10T08:24:00.003+01:00

Quelle surprise!
It all started back in May when we were approached by a popular teachers' resource website "Teachit".
In June "Teachit" were to hold a competition for the many thousands of teachers subscribing to their site and they were seeking a suitable prize for the winner.
We had the honour of being approached in May and asked if we would like to give a performance to the winning school as the prize.
Naturally, we were delighted to have been asked and immediately agreed.
In July we learnt the winner was St. Mary's Primary School in Haddington, East Lothian.
We made contact and packed our bags for a performance of "The Story of Aesop's Fables" on Monday 4th October, travelling up on the Sunday and staying overnight at The Toll Bidge Hotel in Haddington.
The Toll Bridge made us most welcome and we spent a really enjoyable night there feasting on their magnificent locally caught haddock for supper and a scrumptious Scottish breakfast before departing for the school ten minutes away.
The performance was very well received and the Head Teacher wrote thanking us.
A truly wonderful experience.

Until the next time,
Albert
p.s. I must learn to speak the language!

How remiss of me!

2010-09-02T11:53:00.002+01:00

I got so carried away with Summer I forgot to mention the delightful young lady who brightened our days during her work experience with Aesop's.
Sythey joined us for a week in July and after spending a day in the office gaining an insight into the running of the business, she joined the actors on the road.
Her time was well spent assisting with get ins and outs, introducing us to schools, and helping with Drama Workshops.
Judging by her eagerness and enthusiasm I guess she really enjoyed the experience.
Sythey is one of many placements we have had the pleasure of meeting. Each one has brought ideas of their own, reviewed our plays and provided useful input.
We look forward to receiving another one in 2011.
Thanks again Sythey.
Bye for now.....

New School Year Ahead

2010-08-30T14:50:00.003+01:00

Sorry for the long delay, but even we have to take the occasional break!
Summer is virtually over. We have dealt with the "crazies". That is those who want us to write a play, costume it, prop it, compose the music, rehearse the actors, etc. etc. and then perform it once for 50 kids. Oh yes, we do get asked.
Talking of actors, we have two new ones joining us for the next year, and maybe longer. I am sure Caroline and Laurie will enjoy being with us. They are currently heavily into rehearsals. and their profiles will soon be appearing on the "actors" page.
We are hopeful that the Government cut backs will not cause schools to curtail "live drama". We all recognise what an important part it plays in the education process.
Bookings have been coming in for the first and second terms of the new school year which confirms my belief that teaching is not at all about long holidays and short days; our business has taught us that the teaching profession demands a great deal of effort, work and preparation outside of school hours.
On the subject of which I must get back to some preparation of my own.
Until the next time....

Basking in the Sun

2010-07-04T11:03:00.003+01:00

I have to admit I have been enjoying the final arrival of Summer so much I have been lax in keeping up the blog.
The end of the school year is rapidly approaching and, sadly, we shall be losing Mike after some two and a half years with us. He feels the time is now right to move on to something different, and we will be wishing him every success furthering his acting career. I have no doubt that his natural talent will carry him far.
Next month will be devoted to rehearsing two new actors, and I will tell you more about this next time I write.
Yesterday was great fun as we performed "The Gingerbread Man" to a packed audience at the Amphitheatre on the promenade in Folkestone.
We had envisaged all manor of disasters that might befall us, including being swept out to sea. But the day was perfectly still with bright sunshine. In fact, the only real danger was sunstroke!
Since I last wrote, as well as schools, we have been busy at a number of theatres, including Lauderdale House, The Riverhead in Louth and The Landmark in Teddington: all to big audiences. Next weekend we will be back at The Hub in Verwood.
Now I must busy myself checking rehearsal schedules.
Until the next time,
Albert.

We Don't Do Crazy!

2010-05-03T09:05:00.004+01:00

I will start this comment with an apology to my readers if they feel offended in any way by what follows.
At least once a month I am guaranteed to receive an email on these lines.
"Hello, we are a school in (Slovenia) and we are proposing a day dedicated to the thousands of workers who have contributed to making our country what it is. We should like you to come and perform a one hour play for our 60 primary children on the subject of achievement. Is this something you can do? Many thanks SV"
Now this may be a touch extreme, but I am making a point.
We have a very active website that provides in depth information on the plays and workshops we perform. Nine plays are current and have to be learnt by our actors.
So do I reply:-
"Yes, of course we should love to write, prop, costume, music, choreograph etc. etc. a play to perform just once to 60 kids. I can give you a ball park fee, but somehow I don't think I will hear back from you"
Or do I just bin it, and with a sigh recognise this is now the silly season?
Until the next time,
Albert

That was the week, that was!

2010-03-14T09:30:00.002Z

In this business the one thing you can be sure of is you will be breaking your neck to meet commitments during National Book Week.
Christmas may take some schools by surprise. Oh, should we have booked earlier is heard only too often in early December.
Never so for N.B.W. Oh no, we are already being asked for next March, and we have yet to recover from this one.
Now the one thing of which you may be certain is that the schools that book early will be in the most remote and inaccessible locations. Motorway! What motorway? Try and find one in Suffolk. Of course there is the M11, or motorway to nowhere as I prefer to call it. Dumped in Cambridge and then what? You may try the A12. Okay to Ipswich, but thereafter watch out for moving haystacks.
Not that I am complaining, business is business. But it would be nice to have the occasional lie in say, to 6 a.m.
Oh, must remember to get to bed early tonight, have to be up at 5!!!

The show must go on.

2010-02-28T11:21:00.002Z

A few days ago the coolant light on our V W Estate came on with a warning not to continue driving. The problem was clearly loss of coolant, but no indication from where, and the temperature gauge did not register a problem.
The only free time available to sort it out was Thursday afternoon. Unfortunately, our regular dealer could not accommodate us but, thankfully, Martins of Camberley came to the rescue.
We scurried over on Thursday afternoon and, after a pressure test, got the news we were fearing-radiator leaking and must be replaced immediately.
By now it was around 4pm and Martins could not guarantee they could effect the repair that evening in case they hit an unforeseen problem.
What now? The guy on reception was most helpful and suggested Kendall Van Hire close by. Needless to say it was pouring with rain, but a kind lady, also on reception, drove us there. Within no time we were fitted up with a van and on our way.
Martins finished the job on Friday and we picked up the Estate Saturday morning. There was no charge as it was done under guarantee.
Now whilst this is a pretty boring story, we did have the pleasure of joining the ranks of the most hated and feared road users, albeit our van was blue and not white.
It was probably clear to those around us that we were not truly professional van drivers and that alone was sufficient to install terror in their minds.
Anyway, all ended without mishap, and our aching necks and backs have left us feeling somewhat more sympathetic towards white (and blue) van man.

Recession, what recession?

2010-02-13T13:42:00.002Z

If anyone out there is looking for something before Easter I may be able to fit you in in the afternoon of 19th March, provided you are near Reading, where we have 2 shows booked for the morning. Yes, we really are that full.
Now you are probably thinking next week is half term so there's the break. Forget it! Next week we are performing "Billy Beware!" at 7 Children's Centres and "Gingerbread Man" at 3 more, all laced with a sprinkling of Drama Workshops. And, to cap it all, we are back at Blacheath Halls on the Saturday with "Robin Hood rescues the Forest".
Not that we are complaining. Actors want to act, and I want to keep paying the ever increasing bills.
Have to go now. Got to sort out the VAT!

Keeping our fingers crossed

2010-01-31T14:47:00.003Z

Well we got through January mostly unscathed, despite the weather's best efforts to hinder us. But it aint all over yet!
February is threatening to be a testing month if we can believe the forecasters, and we have much travelling to do.
Bookings this coming few weeks will see us in Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, Bath, Bristol, the extremes of Suffolk (that's the County where the roads disappear beyond Ipswich!) and the wilds of Somerset.
But I shouln't complain as with the exception of two or three half days we are fully booked right through to Easter. Anyway that is the good news, but the downside is if we do get snowed off at any time there is no room to re-arrange this school term.
Having spent most of the weekend catching up with the paperwork I think I will take a leaf out of the Hare's book and have a snooze.
Until the next time then......

A time to reflect

2010-01-10T09:27:00.004Z

With most of England snowbound and many schools closed we are shuffling our bookings and endeavouring to re-arrange those that had to be postponed.
Amidst all this I have taken the time to look back on some of the experiences of the past couple of years.
From time to time we take on drama students for work experience placements. In the recent past Georgina, Bethany and most recently Imogen have joined us.
Whilst I like to think that we are doing our bit for the community, I have to say that we seem to gain more than we give. Each one of these young ladies has been like a breath of fresh air about the place. Apart from delighting us with their presence, they have each contributed on a day to day basis helping with the get ins etc. but more importantly with their views, opinions and suggestions. Since in terms of age they are all closer to the audience than we are their input has been extremely valuable.
Unfortunately, we can only accommodate one or two placements per year, but all you keen students out there do please get in touch as we want to hear from you.

Happy New Year to all our readers

2010-01-02T14:57:00.003Z

We finally finished off the Christmas fayre and celebrated the New Year and now back to work.
After the break our actors have little time to settle in for the new school term as we have bookings already for most of the first two weeks in January.
"Robin Hood Rescues the Forest" is proving to be a real winner. I suppose it is popular because it is suitable for both infant and junior ages, and environment and ecology are high on the agenda.
Lots of enquiries still coming in from nurseries and Sure Start Centres. I guess our theme plays on safety and anti-bullying hit the spot.
All this is happening before we even send out our latest mailings and emails.
Do please get in touch early if you are looking to book a "Theme Day" as whole day availability does become scarce a the year progresses.
I will finish on a polite message to Local Authorities. If we can travel 100 plus miles to reach the schools throughout the winter please don't close them because of a flurry of snow. Remember when you were kids how much you enjoyed playing snowballs in the playground.

Christmas well in sight

2009-12-12T16:24:00.002Z

I do so hope our actors are still standing come Christmas!
Every year is busy at this time, but this one has really capped them all. Imagine the outcry when I delivered the news that they had to fit in three schools on one day, and each with a different play. Although geographically possible I did keep my fingers crossed that the speed cameras were not out in force.
Schools are always wonderful places during the pre Xmas run, with the festive decorations and activities and the excitement it all creates.
At this time of year the emphasis is invariably on entertainment, but come the new school term it will be back to education and, I suspect, a continuing demand for Theme Days allied with Drama Workshops. Gone are the old days I remember when one sat and made notes while the teacher seemed to be "droning on" (no offence). No, today it is all "hands on" and are we glad to see it. Given the right encouragement and stimulation the children never cease to impress us with their initiatives and innovations.
On the subject of droning on.... enough.
In case I do not get another chance I now wish all my readers a Merry Xmas and a Prosperous New Year.

That was some week!

2009-11-22T10:41:00.003Z

So many performances last week of "Uggers" as it is affectionately known by us!
Children all over London and the Home Counties were enthralled and delighted when our hero made friends first with a frog, then with a cat and, finally, with all the other beautiful swans.
The audiences joined in, some coming on stage to sing "The Jumping Song" with Frank "Revit", and even more for the little ducks that went swimming one day. Fortunately, they did all come back.
I cannot speak for the Nation but for us National Anti-bullying Week was a great success, and we got the message across to over 1,500 children in just five days.
Before I leave just to remind all you teachers that most schools have their "book week" in March. So, if you want to avoid disappointment in 2010 get on the phone or email me quickly as we are already taking many bookings .

"Hanging from the rafters"

2009-11-15T16:39:00.004Z

Well we really packed them in yesterday at The Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn for two performances of "Not such an Ugly Duckling".
This coming week is "National Anti-bullying Week" and we have lined up no less than ten performances of this play and several associated Drama Workshops at nine different schools.
Is there somebody out there who can give us a hand please?
Joking aside, we are thrilled to be so sought after, and feel proud that we are able to offer a little something towards the endeavour to halt bullying.
I think I can reasonably predict that this relatively new play with its life size puppets is very much here to stay.

DIWALI (Festival of Lights)

2009-11-13T15:16:00.002Z

Last month we were thrilled to have been invited to conduct some Workshops during the Diwali Festival. The Workshops were for pupils at Freemantles School in Mayford, Surrey. A school dedicated to the education of children with autism.
The Workshops consisted of creating rangoli floral pattern designs, mask making and lamp painting and decorating.
The children were just as excited as we were and the morning fairly flew by.
Whilst we would never presume to be experts in this form of art, we certainly benefited from the experience, and were pleased we had previously attended some Diwali festivities and witnessed the magnificent artwork.
Hopefully, we will be asked back next year; perhaps even to other schools.

Half Term is over

2009-11-02T17:31:00.002Z

Not much time to rest as we were in theatres, sure start centres and art centres most of the week.
Highlights included another visit to Lains Barn near Wantage, The Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington where we performed "Henry VIII" to a packed house, and a trip to The Hub Theatre in Verwood by The New Forest where 150+ seats were filled to watch " The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man".
The phone is still ringing, mainly with late enquiries for a Christmas show. Strange how Christmas takes so many by surprise. I usually find it comes around towards the end of December!!!
We have managed to squeeze in the odd one still, very often after school hours.
Our thanks to those of you who have said so many kind things about "Robin Hood Rescues the Forest". Any misgivings we might have had have now entirely dispersed.

Mostly for the Young'uns

2009-10-17T09:46:00.003+01:00

A busy week with lots of "Billy Beware!" and "Ugly Duckling" is coming to a close. Well, almost, as we will be at Blackheath Halls this afternoon with "Aesop's Fables".
Thursday was a really special day we will not forget in a hurry. We had the pleasure of performing on the open day at the Bagshot Children's Centre (2 performances of "Billy" to packed audiences). But what made it so memorable was the official opening of the Centre by the Countess of Wessex, who delighted everyone by visiting the children in their classes.
I was the "roady" for the day and took great pleasure in seeing so many kids and parents enjoying themselves. The Centre had laid on many treats; Bouncy Castle, Go Carts, Punch and Judy, Lego Building, Smoothie Making, Face Painting, Balloon Modeling, to name just a few. Oh, and everything was free including the food.
It was a deserving success, and I and the actors thank you for our bag of "goodies",. Perfect for the grandchildren when they go swimming.

Christmas on the Horizon

2009-10-12T16:02:00.004+01:00

Well haven't I been remiss! Mid way into October and nothing written.
Well, the truth is I am so knocked out by the reviews we are getting following the September launch of our latest production "Robin Hood Rescues the Forest" that I am having trouble just keeping up with the bookings.
Add to this the effort of trying to accommodate those looking to book "Ugly Duckling" for National Anti-Bullying Week, and then allow also for the frenzy associated with the demand for "Billy Beware!" during National Safety Week and you start getting the picture.
And as if this is not enough to contend with I am also juggling with schools and their "Literacy Weeks". They all want "Aesop's Fables".
Of course the literacy week invariably clashes with the other two making life a complete nightmare.
But don't get me wrong. I love every minute of it
Now please excuse me as I have to rush off and deal with yet another crisis.

Now the Autumn term has started

2009-09-26T15:29:00.003+01:00

Summer seemed to fly by this year and we are now filling rapidly in the run up to Christmas.
Plenty of Saturday and the odd Sunday bookings are adding to the busy spell; no time for relaxation!
Today we entertained the children at Luton Library with "The Hare & the Tortoise". It was a lovely end of summer day and the square was busy with an international food festival, and firefighters' demonstration; a real carnival atmosphere.
On Monday we start in earnest at the schools with bookings every day, and next Sunday we are looking forward to performing at Wyllyots Theatre in Potters bar. The following Saturday you will find us doing two back to back productions of "The Gingerbread Man" at Lauderdale House in Highgate. We love this venue as, having once been the home of Nell Gwynne, it has bags of character.
If you still want us before Christmas do pick up the phone and call 07836 731872 or email Albert at brooksa4@sky.com to avoid disappointment.

The New School Year

2009-09-05T16:49:00.005+01:00

No sooner had the Autumn term begun on the 2nd September than we found ourselves driving to Birmingham the very next day to perform our ever popular "The Story of Aesop's Fables" to a lively bunch of 4 to 11 year olds. My, those Foundation Stage kids were tiny!
Everybody loved it.
The long journey proved useful as the actors were able to do a line run on the new Robin Hood play while I had the easy job of dealing with the motorways!
I guess we are back in the thick of it now as the phone is melting and the emails are pouring in.
Our two plays for the young, "Billy Beware!" and "Not such an Ugly Duckling" are in demand, particularly as schools and nurseries are responding to the Government's "anti-bullying" and "safety" initiatives.
At this rate I shall be lucky to find the time to write any more.

Two interesting days

2009-08-25T17:00:00.003+01:00

Last week saw us at two very different venues.

On Monday we performed "The Story of Aesop's Fables" and conducted a Drama Workshop for Richmond Mencap at Orleans School in Twickenham. The play was a great success and everyone had a deal of fun with the Workshop, none more so than the carers and helpers. The groups came up with some really novel, and often amusing ideas for their 2/3 minute performances, and we all went away knowing it had been very worthwhile.

In contrast, on Thursday we travelled north to Worksop, and performed "Not such an Ugly Duckling" to a packed house at the Acorn Community Theatre. A venue we have visited before, and one that always makes us truly welcome. The children and the adults were enthralled by the puppets, and we breathed a big sigh of relief since this was our first puppet show in a theatre. The initial stage fright soon melted away as the audience quickly took up the theme and really got into it. It certainly helped with the long journey home.

Gingerbread Man at Lains Barn

2009-08-25T15:48:00.002+01:00

The Gingerbread Man has certainly run away from some magnificent places in his attempts at finding somewhere better to live, but he would be hard pressed to improve on this one for his perfect home.
Dating in part from 1750, this listed timber building set in rural Oxfordshire with views over the Vale of the White Horse, and once a store for corn, was the perfect venue for our most popular play for the very young.
Yesterday, we entertained an almost full house and, despite the hot sunny weather, and with all "his run, run as fast as you can" our eponymous hero managed to keep his cool.
The kids had a wonderful time, as did all the mums, and a good many dads and grand folk.
We hope to be back there in the Autumn half term with two more of our favourite plays.
Many thanks Lains Barn for a glorious day.

"The long hot Summer"

2009-08-14T17:29:00.002+01:00

On the 6th August we had a welcome break from the intensive rehearsal schedule, and had the pleasure of entertaining children at the Children's Theatre Marquee as part of Cambridge City Council's "Summer in the City 2009" festival at Jesus Green.
It poured with rain all the way there from Woking, but 30 minutes after we arrived at 9.00 a.m. the sun came out and stayed with us all day until the return journey. In fact, we just about got loaded when the Heavens opened.
What a super day it was. We performed "The Gingerbread Man" to a packed house in the morning, and "Search for the Lost Tomb", our play on Ancient Egypt, to a large receptive audience in the afternoon.
Between times we enjoyed the many delights of that historic University City, including watching the many punts on the river Cam.

Finishing the Summer Term

2009-07-23T13:02:00.003+01:00

Another successful school year has about come to a close. This one was particularly rewarding as we celebrated our tenth anniversary as a Theatre in Education Company.
A new play was launched for nursery and infant children, and it was our first venture into puppetry. Judging by the excellent responses and new bookings we have received, it seems we mastered it well. The subject we chose was anti-bullying and the play we wrote was based on the traditional "Ugly Duckling" story. Anti-bullying week in November is filling rapidly.
Between Summer bookings we are heavily into rehearsing another new play. This time the theme is "Environment and Ecology". We have used a well known mythical character, Robin Hood, and created a production for the whole primary age range. Without giving away too many secrets, the wicked Prince John intends burning down Sherwood Forest to finally rid it of outlaws. Recognising the ecological disaster looming our hero has other ideas. Fully researched and brim full of music, humour and even some Morris Dancing, this play has already been pre-booked. I hope we gather the props, backdrop and costumes, oh, and learn the script before the first performance!

Test Post

2009-07-13T17:10:00.002+01:00

Aesop's Touring Theatre Company specialises in Theatre in Education, touring Schools, Art Centres and Theatres nationally throughout the year with plays and workshops specifically written and designed for Nursery, Infant and Junior age groups.

In addition we perform regularly at children's parties where the emphasis is very much on fun and entertainment. There is always a good deal of music, songs and participation and interaction with the children. Our four nursery and infant productions "Gingerbread Man", "Hare & Tortoise", "Billy Beware!" and "Ugly Duckling" all fit the bill perfectly.