The Winchcombe Area Cluster have played host to two touring theatre companies recently. Both have received fulsome praise from the cluster.

English Touring Opera

Sponsored by the British Council the ETO has been involved in its education programme for over 15 years. Some of its aims are to:-

• nurture an appreciation of opera, music and the performing arts.
• overcome traditional stereotypes surrounding the art form, particularly among young people.
• develop confidence and social and motor skills.
• support the National Curriculum.

The company, hosted by Winchcombe Abbey Primary School, consisted of 2 singers, 2 actors and a pianist. They performaned ’40 Hares and a Cunning little Vixen’. This was a combination of ‘The Cunning Little Vixen’ composed by Janacek and a traditional Czech folk tale.
There was much audience participation involved in this high quality presentation.

For more information : Tim Yelland, Outreach Manager, ETO 0207 833 2555
tim.yelland@englishtouringopera.org.uk

Martin Hannant head@winchcombe-pri.gloucs.sch.uk

Young Shakespeare Company

This company of a storyteller and 4 actors, hosted by Oakhill School in their new hall, provided a dramatic and enthralling rendition of Macbeth using the original language. The storyteller, with clever use of questions and answers, linked the scenes and led the children through the story and ensured understanding.

The company call this stratagem ‘Active Storytelling’. Again there was much audience participation with some children having small speaking parts and all being involved in ‘walk on’ and crowd scenes. Suggestions for follow up activities are provided and lesson plans for schools to undertake active story telling may be purchased.

The company’s programme for 2005 -2006 includes Macbeth, Twelfth night, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet. Early booking is advised.

For more information : Sue Proctor head@oakhill.gloucs.sch.uk

YSC Office 020 8368 4828