The World of Theatre

I had a somewhat reflective theatre going week this week as I got to see John Godber’s ‘Bouncers’ at Harrogate Theatre and Told By an Idiot’s ‘Charlie and Stan’ at York Theatre Royal.

Having worked alongside John Godber for the best part of a decade at Hull Truck Theatre it was interesting to see this newly directed tour by Jane Thornton embracing the 1980’s time period of the original setting- making it deliberately retro rather than dated. And the story behind John Wright’s ‘Charlie and Stan’- that Stan Laurel was Charlie Chaplin’s understudy as they toured the music halls of the UK- was the subject of my play ‘Laurel and Charlie’ back in 2008. This new version is staged in the silent movie format with loosely interweaved sketches inspired by the biographical events.

This put me in mind to look ahead to the next offering from the John Godber Company which is a brand new comedy from John Godber ‘Living on Fresh Air’ that comes to Stephen Joseph Scarborough 19th-22nd April 2023. “Newly retired couple Caroline and Dave have everything they have ever wanted; a nice house, a hot tub, a small mortgage, a few savings and a new smart meter. But with Covid and the cost of living crisis things are changing. Their children have moved back home, their money is disappearing, the hot tub’s gone, the lights are going out and the smart meter is stressful. No wonder they feel like starting again, and with their new found hobby of walking it feels like they have.”

So join John Godber and Jane Thornton for this “state of the nation” comedy –tickets via https://sjt.uk.com/ Meanwhile 14th-18th March York Theatre Royal hosts the new touring adaptation of HG Wells ‘The Time Machine’. Billed as “Fast-paced, wisecracking, this is an adaptation like no other. When the world of science fiction and science fact collide extraordinary and mind-boggling things can happen. Expect the most surprising and unforeseen consequences as we go on a journey through time.” https://www. yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-timemachine/ for details and prices. More next time…

Footprints in the Community to hold Information & Networking Event for local charitable organisations and frontline professionals

Local charity Footprints in the Community are delighted to be holding an Information and Networking Event on the morning of Thursday 23 March at the Grangetown United Community Hub. The event is aimed at frontline professionals and local organisations who may need to refer their clients to one of Footprints’ projects. The event will bring together agencies, charities and other organisations who all work within Redcar and Cleveland, to explore ways in which they can work together to improve people’s lives. Staff and volunteers from Footprints in the Community will give a number of short presentations about the impact of Footprints’ projects within the community.

Whilst attendees may have heard of Footprints’ largest projects, such as Redcar Area Foodbank, the event will also give a spotlight to some of the smaller projects. There will also be plenty of opportunities for all attendees to network and share information with each other about their own role and the work of their organisation.

Footprints in the Community’s last Information and Networking Event was held in March 2022. It was well-attended by over 60 individuals, representing approximately 40 different local organisations. The charity hopes that this year’s event will grow on that success.

Local professionals can find out more information and reserve a place, by emailing administrator@ footprintsinthecommunity.co.uk with their name and the organisation they represent.

Footprints in the Community supports people living in Redcar and Cleveland to help reduce poverty and isolation and improve health and wellbeing.

● Information and Networking Event - March 2022

2023 marks a significant milestone of 10 years as a registered charity for Footprints. During that time demand for the charity’s projects, and the number of clients and members it supports, has grown each year. With many people worrying about the increased cost of living, this demand is expected to continue to grow.

Footprints in the Community CEO Ruth Fox said “Footprints in the Community is dedicated to reducing poverty and isolation in Redcar and the surrounding area. We are delighted to be holding another Information and Networking Event which will bring together representatives from so many local organisations. We hope it will enhance the way we work together to support clients, so they can overcome a crisis and move forward from it.”

You can find out more about the work of Footprints in the Community at www.footprintsinthecommunity. co.uk or visit @FootprintsRedcar on Facebook.