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Superstars from the world of stage & screen donate treasured items to charity for the Theatre Super Auction

  Lord Lloyd Webber, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Joan Collins, Michael Ball, Whoopi Goldberg, Alexandra Burke & Martin McDonagh,  are among dozens of celebrities offering up their treasured personal possessions and ‘money can’t buy’ experiences to raise money for theatres and the performing arts industry.

The monies raised through the Bid-In Group auction will go directly to 3 charities: Acting for Others, Theatre Artists Fund and Theatres Trust.

• View all lots here www.BidInTheatres.auction

• #theatresuperauction

Tuesday 21^st July will see the launch of the Theatre Super Auction.   This one-off event will provide crucial funding for an industry which has been devastated by the effects of CoVid 19.    We know that not every theatre and freelancer will be supported by the government rescue package, as generous as it is.

As the government guidelines are eased much of the population is returning to work. Unfortunately, as our theatres nationwide remain closed, this isn’t the case for the 290,000 people employed within the UK’s Theatre industry.  Many of these people are self-employed or freelancers and aren’t eligible for any of the Government schemes leaving them without any means of financially supporting themselves and their families. 

There are more than 1,100 theatres in the country, 752 are local theatres. These are the theatres where you first saw your panto, performed on stage or visited with your school.  These theatres may become lost as a result of the pandemic.

The auction specialists Bid-In Group shows its support to the theatres and performing arts industry as they launch their free of charge Theatre Super Auction raising much needed funds for Theatres Trust, Acting for Others and Theatre Artists Trust.  Funds raised from this showstopping event will be donated directly to the charities and organisations involved whose businesses have been suspended during the CoVid 19 pandemic.   They have run several hugely successful online auctions during lockdown for Scrubs Glorious Scrubs, Global Radio, and 50 Best For Recovery, raising almost £2.5m, and donated their services free of charge.

Dame Judi Dench said: ‘We greatly appreciate this exciting fund raiser to support the Arts. The work of the theatrical charities is vitally important to help our industry survive and the Theatre Super Auction is a wonderful way support our cause.’

Cassidy Janson said: ‘Watching the effect of CoVid 19 hit the theatre industry so dramatically has been devastating for myself and my work colleagues who have built our entire careers and indeed lives around our profession – a profession whose essence is the upliftment of others.  This auction will help assist our industry’s individuals and the theatres themselves until we can get back to doing just that.’

Dame Joan Collins said: ‘The theatre is such an important part of our lives in the UK.  I am so glad to be able to be involved in this auction and help support this vital industry and its amazing talent both off stage and on and hope that we can get back to entertaining audiences around the UK soon.’

Amongst some of the incredible items available to bid for, Lord Lloyd Webber has generously donated 2 x VIP tickets to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway; the prize also includes 2 x BA Business Class flights and a 3 night stay in New York hotel.  The wonderful Miriam Margolyes has offered tea at home as well as some incredible Harry Potter memorabilia.  We have unique lots from David Tennant, Michael Sheen, Valentino jewellery from Joan Collins and the opportunity to watch the English National Ballet from the wings and an incredibly special and rare lot; Martin McDonagh has offered  his own hand annotated shooting script of THREE BILLBOARDS, his BAFTA award winning film.

From the world of TV we will have the opportunity for soap fans to enjoy a Super Lunch with the cast of Britain’s longest running soap opera Coronation Street and also another with Eastenders.  The cast of whom are regulars in panto so this is a cause close to their hearts.

The bumper auction also feature Gary Kemp’s handwritten lyrics to the song ‘True’, along with lunch with Gary & Martin Kemp.

The auction is designed to be accessible to everyone; alongside the opportunity to bid for some of these fantastic items, anyone can instead pledge a donation to this cause and will immediately enter a prize draw for the chance to win some incredible prizes.

The auction closes at 10pm on Sunday 26^th July

New dates and star-studded line up
announced for West End Musical Drive-In
The Drive In, Troubadour Meridian Water, Harbet Road, London, N18 3QQ
Saturday 8
th & 29th August and 12th & 26th September 2020

The UK’s biggest musical theatre concert continues as West End Musical Drive-In announce four new socially distant celebrations across August and September. Following huge demand for their launch event in July with West End stars Kerry Ellis, Alice Fearn and Jon Robyns, the team have assembled even more theatrical talent to take over The Drive In

Kicking off the August season will be theatre legend John Owen-Jones (Phantom of the Opera; Les Misérables) with special guests Sophie Evans (Wicked; BBC’s Over The Rainbow) and Oliver Saville (Wicked; CATS). Acclaimed performer Layton Williams (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie; RENT) X factor finalist Shan Ako (Les Misérables) will also be headlining later in the month, with
additional special guests. More exciting line-ups are still to be announced for the extra dates

Much like their West End Musical Brunch, which sell out months in advance, West End Musical Drive-In is an immersive event where the audience ‘become the cast,’ singing and dancing along with the West End stars. There will be multiple West End performers at each event as well as immersive characters, and the ‘West End Wendy’s’ dance troupe

Producer Chris Steward comments, The response from theatre fansfor our drive in event has been incredible. The Drive In has emerged as the market leading Drive-In venue in London and we are delighted to partner with them for our events

Best of A MAD DRAG NIGHT SUNDAY 26TH JULY 2020

LIVE ON YouTube 6.30pm

To Support the Make A Difference Trust’s Emergency Assistance Fund

A MAD Drag Night is one of the highlights of MAD Trust fundraising calendar and should have taken place thus year on 26t July. Looking back over the years we will be celebrating the joy that is A MAD Drag Night, with the help of John Barrowman, Faye Tozer, Dr Ranj, Sherrie Hewson Hayley Tamaddon, Tom Read Wilson, Harriet Thorpe, David Ames and Jenny ‘The Vixen’ Ryan.

A MAD Drag Night Co-Creator David O’Reilly said “Obviously it is very disappointing that we can’t put on our live show which has really become a highlight on the West End Theatre calendar.

However, we understand the risk that Covid-19 poses and with that in mind we are putting together the next best thing. Our audience will be taken on a trip down memory lane, looking back at A MAD Drag Night Best Bits from the last five years. It’ll take more than a world pandemic to stop our show!”

The Make a Difference Trust are asking for help to help support the community through this difficult time. The Trust has opened their COV-19 Hardship Fund with £5,000 from its own reserves and is aiming to raise £50,000 in order to grant out to as many performers, technicians, front of house staff, creatives, production staff, theatre administration and support staff as possible.

Many of those working in theatre don’t have three years accounts or may have been working in their first job, so do not qualify for government support. Some may have been working PAYE between acting jobs. Many are waiting for Universal Credit. Many live week to week and have now found themselves without any income.

To donate or apply visit: www.madtrust.org.uk

Melanie Tranter, Chair of the Make a Difference Trust said, “Since the Make A Difference Trust was established in 2008 the theatre community have joined together with us to raise funds for those less fortunate than themselves. They have entertained us, made us laugh and cheer, sing and stamp our feet in evenings of pure joy. They have given their time, talent and love so generously to raise funds to support those in need. Now, it’s our turn to support them. Every penny received from this initiative will go directly to theatre professionals in the UK who are affected by the theatre closures as a result of this crisis. We will work tirelessly to ensure grants are paid swiftly, and directly to those in need. “

For further information contact

David McMullan; [email protected] David O’Reilly; [email protected]

For COVID-19 Emergency fund information contact; Patrick Holzen: [email protected] Melanie Tranter; [email protected]

Frozen Light launch new podcast connecting with the
community of people with profound and multiple
learning disabilities

Nationally renowned theatre company, Frozen Light, has launched a podcast in response to the truly unprecedented challenges that people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) are facing during the Covid-19 crisis. The podcast is an opportunity for people with PMLD, their carers and companions to share their experiences of shielding as well as highlighting the challenges of supporting individuals with complex needs from home.

The Frozen Light Podcast documents the stories of people with PMLD whose underlying complex health conditions make them some of the most vulnerable members of our community. The first six episodes are already live featuring interviews with Dr Nicola Grove of Surviving Through Story; Rachel Wright, the founder of Born at the Right Time and Camp Jojo; as well as sensory engagement and inclusion specialist and TedX speaker Joanna Grace. Episodes
will be released every Wednesday across Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Play, and the Frozen Light website.

Co-Artistic Director, Amber Onat Gregory comments, We believe that people with PMLD should be proactively included, welcomed into and visible in their communities. Covid-19 has created a new barrier for people with disabilities wanting to access the arts and it is more important than ever that we continue to work to break those barriers down.

Having spent just under a decade producing accessible, sensory theatre for audiences with PMLD, the national shutdown of live performance meant that the company were unable to engage their community in their normal way. Even as lockdown eases, Frozen Light’s productions, which rely on touch and one-to-one engagement, are still currently unable to go ahead.

Frozen Light are generously supported by Arts Council England as part of the Elevate programme to encourage an increase of diverse led organisations within the National Portfolio. Frozen Light are generously supported by Arts Council England and the Foyle Foundation.

Silent Tours Presents:

WEST END MUSICALS SILENT DISCO WALKING TOUR

MUCH LOVED WEST END EVENT REOPENS TO GIVE THEATRE LOVERS A TASTE OF THE WEST END WHILST THEATRES REMAIN CLOSED

£5 FROM EVERY TICKET SOLD WILL BE DONATED TO THE THEATRE ARTIST’S FUND

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AFTERNOONS

LASTING BETWEEN 2- 2 HOURS 30 MINS  FROM SATURDAY 1^ST AUGUST

Booking: www.silenttours.net/tours/west-end-musical-silent-disco-walking-tour

Silent Tours, producers of Silent Disco Walking Tours (Westend)  Trip Advisor’s number 1 ranked walking tour for London is delighted to announce the team will once again lead musical theatre lovers through the streets of London, as restrictions on outdoor entertainment are lifted.

As musical theatre enthusiasts are unable to go to an indoor venue to see shows, Silent Disco Walking Tours, which has been running for two years, offer the chance for audiences to get their musical theatre fix safely, as they are taken on an all singing, all dancing tour of the West End. 

Visiting 20 theatres across the West End, guests are given commentary, facts, anecdotes along the way all of which make up a fascinating and vibrant history of London’s theatre.

In between stops, audiences listen to musical tracks selected from shows that are playing or have played at each of the venues via a Silent Disco headset. Attendees are encouraged to sing, dance and have fun throughout as they experience a slice of musical theatre, whilst maintaining social distancing.

Producer and tour host Shaun Ames said “whilst the recent government grant to the arts has been celebrated and welcomed, theatres and indeed all arts venues wait anxiously for news on how the funds will be allocated. As we cautiously welcome a return to the possibility of indoor performances, we’re well aware that for theatres, most will find the need for social distancing prohibitive, which is likely to mean that doors remain shut for months to come.

We hope that by relaunching our tours, we can not only provide musical theatre lovers with a chance to experience a slice of the West End in a socially distanced and responsible way, but also give people a chance to learn the rich history of West End Theatre and to understand how vital a part of both the culture and the economy it really is. In addition, we plan to give back what we can by donating a portion of the ticket sale to the Theatre Artist’s fund”

Tickets cost £24 for a tour that lasts between two hours and two and a half hours, £5 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Theatre Artist’s fund (https://theatreartists.fund) which has been set up by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) to provide emergency support for theatre workers and freelancers across the UK whilst theatres cannot operate.

As an outside event, Silent Disco Walking Tours are fully able to go ahead in compliance with government guidelines – by ensuring that all guests wear face masks – provided by the company and each tour has reduced its capacity to 16 people per tour.

PHOTOGRAPHER ALI WRIGHT LAUNCHES ENVIRONMENT PORTRAITS OF CREATIVES TURNED KEY WORKERS TITLED MY LATEST ROLE

With uncertainty still surrounding the support of freelancers in the theatre industryphotographer Ali Wright hascurated My Latest Role; a series of environment portraits of self-employed creatives who became key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. The project aims to celebrate the resilience and adaptability of freelance creatives who make up 70% of the theatre industry and to highlight that despite theatres being legally allowed to open on 1 August with social distancing, it is still unclear how the Government’s financial package announced on 6 July will support freelancers. The images will be available online here www.mylatestrole.com. 

Ali Wright today said, “As a theatre photographer, I lost six months of work overnight and only qualified for a fraction of my previous wage. I was interested in discovering how other freelance theatre artists were coping in this new context. I soon discovered that many across the industry were taking up roles as Key Workers to financially survive, many having been excluded from government assistance, and volunteering as a way to help others in a time of crisis. My Latest Role has been a way for me to play my small part in amplifying the theatre workforces’ resilience, adaptability and generosity.”

The professionals include:

• Actor Sarah O’Connor who was a swing on Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre and became a care home worker.
• Paris Rivers who is a Special Effects Makeup and Cabaret Artist who became a funeral service operator.
• Dev Danzig who is a Designer, Stage Manager and Prop Maker who began assembling and testing ventilators.
• Nadia Nadif who is an Actor and Director who began volunteering with the food poverty charity Feast! providing meals for the vulnerable.
• Andrew Ellis who is a Lighting Designer and was managing the spring tour of BalletBoyz’ ‘Deluxe’ who became a Tesco delivery driver.
• Kara Chamberlain who is a Writer, Producer at Crossline Theatre and Actor began working in an independent health shop.
• Parvinder Shergill who is an Actor, who has worked as a Doctor in a hospital before and during the pandemic.
• Karl Best who was performing in The Visit at the National and began working as a porter at King’s College Hospital.

Ali Wright is a theatre photographer. Her theatre photography credits include The Song Project, Inside Bitch (Royal Court Theatre), The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (Park Theatre), Angry, Islander: A New Musical, How Love Is Spelt (Southwark Playhouse), Little Baby Jesus, Macbeth (Orange Tree Theatre), Coming Clean, La Boheme, Tosca (Trafalgar Studios), The Niceties (Finborough Theatre) and Going Through (Bush Theatre). During lockdown she also photographed theatres across London for SCENECHANGE’S #MissingLiveTheatre campaign which wrapped shut venues across the UK in messages of hope and visibility. 

If you are in a position to support, please consider making a donation to The Theatrical Guild, whom directly supports theatre workers facing financial hardship – https://ttg.org.uk/donate/ 

Instagram:          @aliwright_photographs

Twitter:                @aliwrightphoto

Mikron Theatre Company reach fundraising target for 50^th anniversary year in less than 3 weeks

Yorkshire theatre company, Mikron Theatre, are delighted to announce that they have not only reached but shot past their fundraising total of £48,337.49 which will help them to stage their 50th year of touring in 2021.  

Mikron Theatre Company, who have been touring the UK’s canals, rivers and roads for the past 48 years, had to cancel their entire 2020 season due to the Coronavirus outbreak, but with help from their supporters and the general public they can now continue planning for next year’s exciting anniversary tour. 

The company’s Artistic Director Marianne McNamara said:

“We cannot thank people enough. We are absolutely humbled by the support we have received. It is testament to not only how valued the company is, but also to the work we have done for the last 50 years. We’ve had letters and emails from all over the world; Texas, Catalonia and the Netherlands and of course every corner of the country from Cornwall to Cromarty, saying how much Mikron means to them and that they couldn’t see us miss out on our 50th year of touring.”

 “Every penny raised over the minimum amount we needed for the appeal will, of course, be used wisely, and carefully. We have Tyseley, our narrowboat to keep shipshape, and we will be able to continue our aims of developing new writers, directors and creatives for the future of Mikron and the industry as a whole.”

Based in the village of Marsden, at the foot of the Yorkshire Pennines, Mikron Theatre Company are like no other. For starters, they tour for most of the year on board a vintage narrowboat, secondly, they put on their shows in places that other theatre companies wouldn’t dream of; a play about growing-your-own shown in allotments, a play about bees performed next to hives, a play about chips to audiences in a fish and chips restaurant, as well as plays about hostelling in YHA Youth hostels and the RNLI at several Lifeboat stations around the UK.

2021 will, with the success of this appeal, see Mikron tour two brand new shows; Amanda Whittington’s Atalanta Forever which tells the story of Women’s football in the 1920s and Polly Hollman’s  canine comedy caper A Dog’s Tale’.

Since they were formed in 1972 they have written 64 original shows, composed and written 384 songs, issued over 236 actor musician contracts, spent 30,000 boating hours on the inland waterways, covered 530,000 road miles, performed over 5060 times and performed to over 428,000 people 

For further information on Mikron Theatre Company and the opportunity to donate visit www.mikron.org.uk/appeal

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE DEFIES EXTINCTION!
AUGUST SUMMER SEASON LIVE AT ‘THE DRIVE IN’ ANNOUNCED TODAY

Dinosaur World Live, the interactive children’s theatre show that brings dinosaurs to life on stage, today announces an extended summer season with performances throughout August, despite having its full tour cancelled by Live Nation two days ago which threatened its demise. The show will rise from the ashes and take residency for the summer holidays in North London at The Drive In at Troubadour Meridian Water from Friday 7 to Sunday 30 August 2020. 

Nick Brooke, Producer of Dinosaur World Live says: ‘We were devastated on Wednesday when we received news from Live Nation that they were cancelling their entire Drive In series. In 48 hours, working with fellow independent producers, we have secured an extended summer season at The Drive In in Enfield, which means our casts, stage management, tech crews and freelancers can get back to work and we can get back to providing live theatre for family audiences during the summer holidays. Kids have been deprived of this for over 4 months now. The show will go on!’

Laura Elmes, Producer of The Drive In says: ‘Since we opened The Drive In two weeks ago we’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible response from audiences. Not only are we the highest grossing cinema in the UK but we’re also staging live shows that are selling out. Being able to step in at the final hour to help save Dinosaur World Live this summer is a huge boost for everyone involved; and our family audiences will be thrilled!’

The Drive In is fully contact-free and designed to comply with all official safety guidelines to protect audiences, artists, crews and staff at all times. Performances are in a raised central location giving everyone a great view wherever they park up and the majestic roars of Dinosaur World Live will be played direct to your vehicle’s FM radio. Snacks and drinks are available to order from your mobile and safely delivered to your car by a team of 1950s drive in attendants.

Using stunning puppetry to bring remarkably life-like dinosaurs to the stage, Dinosaur World Live presents a host of impressive pre-historic creatures including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, along with a Giraffatitan, Microraptor, Segnosaurus and Triceratops. The show introduces Miranda, daughter of palaeontologists, who grew up surrounded by dinosaurs on a far-away island off the coast of South America. She has brought her pre-historic pals to our shores and would love you to meet them. Warning: some of these dinosaurs aren’t as docile as they seem!

Dinosaur World Live is fast becoming an international smash hit, following a hugely successful US tour earlier this year visiting 35 cities across 19 states, three major UK tours and London seasons at Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre and Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.  

If looking for fun things to do with the kids in a safe and socially distanced environment this summer, Dinosaur World Live offers the perfect treat, with an entertaining and educational live show that will delight the whole family, all from the safety and comfort of your car. Suitable for all ages 3+.

Tickets for the extended summer season at The Drive In at Troubadour Meridian Water go on sale today at 2pm Book tickets at dinosaurworldlive.com 

The cast includes: Ashleigh Cheadle (as Miranda), Emily Cooper (Puppet Tech/Puppeteer), Emma Thornett(Puppet Captain/Puppeteer), Mikey Brett (Puppeteer), Rosie Nicholls (Puppeteer), Tom Norman (Puppeteer).

Dinosaur World Live is written and directed by Derek Bond (Sweet Charity, Manchester Theatre Awards 2017 winner, Little Shop of Horrors Manchester Royal Exchange). The creative team includes: Puppet Designer Max Humphries (National Theatre, Royal Opera House, Cirque de Soleil); Puppet Director Laura Cubitt (Running Wild, Chichester Festival Theatre; Don Quixote, RSC; War Horse NT Berlin); Puppetry Consultant Toby Olié (for the National Theatre: Elephantom, Peter Pan, The Light Princess, Hansel & Gretel, NT: 50 Years on Stage and also the original hind puppeteer of Joey in War Horse); Set & Costume Designer James Perkins; Lighting Designer John Maddox and Sound Designer Tom Mann. Produced by Nicoll Entertainment.

The government released news this morning regarding the stage 4 reopening date for theatres.  In response to this, I’m pleased to share a statement from Jon Morgan, director of Theatres Trust. 

Jon Morgan comments:

Theatres Trust welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement today that theatres can reopen from 1 August for live performances with a socially distanced audience.  Alongside the support package and performing arts guidance announced last week, this is a step in the right direction, but for most theatres it will not be economically viable to reopen with 30-40% audience required under social distancing.

We now need to progress as quickly as possible to an announcement on the all-important Stage 5, allowing theatres to reopen fully with the appropriate safety measures.   Without this most theatres cannot reopen viably and we need the go-ahead for Christmas shows, on which the survival of many theatres depends, in the next few weeks at the very latest.

As always, please do let me know if you’d like to arrange to speak to Jon or need anything further

Theatres Trust is the national advisory public body for theatres.  Jon Morgan sits on the Entertainment and Events Working Group which is working with DCMS and health officials to determine how theatres can reopen with minimised risks to staff, performers and audiences. 

RSC ACTORS DO THEIR BIT TO SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH COVID-19 CRISIS

As the Summer term ends and many young people across the UK look ahead to returning to school in September, the Royal Shakespeare Company has today released highlights from its nationwide Homework Help initiative which saw over 100,000 people receive advice on performing and studying Shakespeare from RSC actors and alumni.

Highlights of the campaign include contributions from RSC Associate Artist, David Tennant, who responded to a question about his favourite Hamlet soliloquy, and actor, director and writer Adjoa Andoh, who, in response to the question – Is Shakespeare relevant? – discussed  some of the ways in which Shakespeare can speak to us today, as we navigate how to live in the world amidst the global pandemic, Black Lives Matter and environmental emergencies. Paapa Essiedu, who can currently be seen playing Kwame in I May Destroy You, gave students a masterclass in making characters their own, star of the Harry Potter film series, David Bradley, shared his tips about how to get into theatre whilst RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran gave insights into the downfall of Richard II and the complex morality of Measure for Measure.

WATCH: IS SHAKESPEARE RELEVANT? Actor, director and writer Adjoa Andoh speaks about Shakespeare and homophobia, racism, injustice and love.

WATCH: WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HAMLET SOLILOQUY with David Tennant.

WATCH: DAVID THRELLFALL ON PERFORMING SHAKESPEARE

WATCH: PAAPA ESSIEDU ON MAKING CHARACTERS YOUR OWN

The actors, who are currently unable to rehearse or perform on stage, volunteered to share their tips and answer questions about Shakespeare and drama studies whilst under lockdown, helping students, parents and teachers adjust to their new home-schooling environment.

From questions about acting and directing to the life and times of Shakespeare, his comedies, histories and tragedies, topics covered as part of Homework Help have been incredibly diverse; from ‘Did Shakespeare have a happy childhood? to ‘Was Richard III truly villainous’, ‘Why are genders reversed in productions and, does it work?, ‘Are female characters dressed as boys ever convincing?’, ‘If Julius Caesar was a radio play, how would you stage the assassination scene?’, ‘Why does Romeo make such terrible decisions?’, ‘Did Shakespeare write in posh or colloquial English?’, ‘Why should students study Macbeth?, ‘Which sister is in King Lear is worse, Goneril or Regan?’, ‘Did Shakespeare ever visit Scotland’, ‘Why was he obsessed with fairies’ and ‘Was William Shakespeare really a woman?’

Since launching in May 2020, the #RSCHomeworkHelp initiative has received over five hundred submissions from young people studying Shakespeare in the UK and around the world from Australia to New York, Indianapolis and Tanzania.

Since the closure of UK schools on 23 March 2020:

• The Royal Shakespeare Company’s dedicated education website Shakespeare Learning Zone  has received over 1 million views, an increase of 300% in comparison to the same period last year. 
• David Tennant’s video response to the RSC ‘Homework Help’ campaign received a total of 89k views.
• 33,000 young people have accessed the RSC’s ‘Live Lesson’ of Macbeth directed by Polly Findlay and featuring Christopher Eccleston

• The RSC Education pages have received over 8.5K pageviews with downloadable Teachers Packs and a newly launched programme of 15-minute Activity Toolkits for KS3 pupils including digital activities from our education partner, Adobe.
• Over 280,000 unique users have accessed the RSC’s daily BBC Bitesize Shakespeare Lessons for KS3 & 4. In the last two weeks of June there were a total of 38,000 users to all RSC lessons (both Year 10 and KS3)

Commenting on the campaign, RSC Director of Education, Jacqui O’Hanlon, said; ‘“We have been overwhelmed by the volume and variety of questions received in response to our RSC Homework Help initiative and are incredibly grateful to our RSC artists for giving up their time to help, support and inspire young people through this challenging time.

Every year, RSC Education reaches over 500,000 young people who experience, first-hand, the extraordinary power of Shakespeare’s language in their school and local communities.

Whilst our buildings remain closed and performances postponed, it is important that we continue to offer support to students, families and teachers across the country, whether through initiatives like Homework Help, our  partnership with BBC Bitesize or through tailored packages of support delivered to our  Associate Schools in collaboration with our 12 regional partner theatres across the UK.”

REGIONAL PARTNER THEATRES

The RSC forms lasting partnerships with regional theatres, community groups and schools around the country and has been working with its network of 12 regional partner theatres and 261 Associate Schools under lockdown to help support a range of distanced learning initiatives with support from members of the RSC’s current acting company.

In Bradford..

Highlights include a collaboration between Bradford College, Bradford Alhambra and RSC actor Andrew French, who was due to appear as Polixenes in The Winter’s Tale with the Royal Shakespeare Company when theatres closed in March. Andrew has been working with members of Bradford College’s ESOL ‘Shakespeare Club’ to lead an online question and answer session with students on Romeo and Juliet. The students, many of whom are asylum seekers or members of the refugee community, all have English as a second language.

In Blackpool..

Elsewhere, in Blackpool, RSC actor Joseph Kloska, who was due to appear as Leontes in The Winter’s Tale, has been working with GCSE students from Highfields Academy to support their study of Macbeth. Students and teachers at Highfields Academy joined Joseph Kloska for a taoilred Q & A via Zoom to share their questions on the play which included: Was Macbeth weak? Macbeth is told his fate, would you want to know yours? Would you say Lady Macbeth is an emotional character? What do you like about Macbeth as a character?

In Canterbury and Hull…

Other facilitated Q & As include ‘Ask An Actor’ sessions with Joseph Arkley, who recently appeared as Kate in Justin Audibert’s gender-flipped production of The Taming of the Shrew for students of The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury’s Youth Theatre and Associate School, and a ‘Routes into Acting’ Q & A with Laura Elsworthy delivered to students of St Mary’s College, Hull.

EXISTING RESOURCES TO SUPPORT HOME LEARNING

The RSC also has a number of existing resources that can be used to support learning in school or at home including:

• Shakespeare Learning Zone – games, videos, timelines, character, plot summaries and more help to unlock the plays rsc.org.uk/shakespeare-learning-zone
• Live Lessons: The RSC’s Live Lessons on Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet are available to watch and take part in at any time. There are also a number of Primary and Secondary lessons co-produced by the RSC and the BBC that can be watched at any time. Click here for more information
• The RSC YouTube channel: contains a selection of educational videos including introductions to language terms such as iambic pentameter, actor-lead tutorials exploring the techniques they use to get to grips with a text and full online performances including Tim Crouch’sI, Cinna.
• Teacher resources are free to download from the RSC website including teacher packs by play and Key Stage.
• Home-educators can also access up to seventeen RSC productions in partnership with Digital Theatre+ alongside supporting resources including backstage insights, practitioner interviews, written analysis and over 450+ productions of the world’s finest theatre.

The RSC is a charity with a mission to transform lives through amazing experiences of Shakespeare and great theatre. The financial impact of temporary closure for the RSC, and theatres across the country, is considerable and damaging, and alongside many theatres the RSC is urgently appealing for support through the Keep You RSC campaign to:

• Keep Your RSC educating
• Keep Your RSC transforming lives
• Keep Your RSC open for everyone

The impact of school closures means that any donations received will make a difference for young people, particularly those with less support at home.

For more information on how to  help Keep Your RSC educating, visit https://www.rsc.org.uk/support/keep-your-RSC-educating-the-nation