Ensors and Eastern Angles theatre company played host to drama students from The Kings School at Vivacity’s Key Theatre in Peterborough providing them with an ‘up close and personal’ look at the workings of a touring theatre company.
The day started at The King’s School with Jon Tavener, Education Outreach Officer and Karen Goddard, Marketing Officer (both from Eastern Angles) visiting the pupils in class to provide some background to the theatre company’s history, an insight into how it operates, and a quick masterclass on some of the tricks of the stage. It was then over to the Vivacity Key Theatre to enjoy a Page to Stage session on the set of their production Dial M for Murgatroyd led by Ivan Cutting, Artistic Director at Eastern Angles. Ivan put the pupils through their paces, getting several of them on stage demonstrating the challenges (and benefits) of using a traverse stage, the art of the ‘quick change’ and the impact of sound and light. Eastern Angles’ Stage Manager, Penny Griffin concluded the morning’s workshop with a behind the scenes look at how the Dial M for Murgatroyd costumes and props were made – including the use of a garden cloche to make a car and insulation foam to create realistic cup cakes!
Following lunch, kindly provided by Ensors, it was back in to the Studio Theatre for the matinee performance of Eastern Angles’ Christmas Show – Dial M for Murgatroyd – where the pupils could see in practice all the things they had learnt that morning.
David Aldred, Curriculum Area Manager for Drama at The King’s School said, “Our pupils had a super day that fed both body and mind. It was a really enjoyable, impactful and informative day of drama. The students were thoroughly entertained and learned so much about how a theatre company operates. We look forward to the possibility of future collaborations with Eastern Angles.”
Ivan Cutting, Artistic Director at Eastern Angles said, “It was a fantastic day for everyone involved. The pupils from The King’s School were excellent participants displaying some really good acting skills. I’m sure there are a few members of the group who could go on to make a career in the business”.
James Francis, Partner at Ensors Chartered Accountants, said “Ensors were very pleased to be involved and help support the Theatre Day with The Kings School. The pupils really seemed to enjoy it and it was great to see their enthusiasm to get involved in the practical workshop back at the Theatre.”
