sd40 by Mousetrap Theatre Projects

November, December 2009 & January 2010

Issue 40

StageDirections Cover image: A Christmas Carol, Birmingham Repertory Theatre

for members of the Teachers Preview Club

Celebrating 10 years of the Teachers Preview Club!

www.mousetrap.org.uk Features: Peter Pan for KS1 and 2 KS3 and KS4, The Woman in Black

In this issue: Cirque du Soleil, Hairspray and Oliver!, Cinderella, The Line and Peter & the Wolf Live on Stage.

Dear Members,

West End

Welcome to the 40th edition of StageDirections. As you may have noticed this means that the Teachers Preview Club is now 10 years old! Over the years we have seen the club expand in both membership and the number and variety of productions on offer. Many thanks to all those members who have been spreading the word; we owe the success of the club to you, long may this continue! This issue has a number of shows specifically for Key Stage 1 and 2 audiences, in the West End, The Gruffalo, A Christmas Carol and Oliver! And further afield; Peter Pan, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Peter And the Wolf Live on Stage. We would also like to welcome back The Arcola, The Bloomsbury Theatre

and The Royal Albert Hall, all venues we haven’t seen in a while! Mousetrap Theatre Projects would like to say a special thank you to Melanie Lewis who, as many of you will know, as been volunteering with Mousetrap since May and is helping to run the preview club. We don’t know what we would do without you, keep up the good work Mel! Best wishes and seasons greetings

Billy Elliott the Musical

Blood Brothers

Chicago

Hairspray

Oliver!

Sister Act

Stomp

The Gruffalo

The Shawshank Redemption

The 39 Steps

Wicked

The Woman in Black

Other London Venues Nancy Shakerley Programmes Manager

How to book The Teachers Preview Club is designed for you and a guest to see a show before taking a school group. Group bookings need to be made with the box office. Please read the following terms and conditions carefully. How to BOOK your tickets: • You are entitled to book two tickets per performance at the offer price for any of the productions in this newsletter. • Most West End theatre offers can be booked through See Tickets on 0871 230 5544, otherwise the telephone number will appear at the end of the offer information. You cannot book tickets through our office. • Productions at other venues can be booked via their own box office. The telephone number will appear under the theatre’s name. • All tickets are subject to availability. Please book early to avoid disappointment. • You can book for as many or as few productions as you wish. • You can book again for the same production on a different date. • When booking tickets, you will be

A Christmas Carol

asked to give your TPC membership number, shown on your orange membership card. • Tickets cannot be transferred or bought on behalf of others. You may be asked to show your membership card when collecting tickets at the box office. • If you lose your TPC card, please call our office on 020 7240 1248 or email tpc@mousetrap.org.uk • All offers are published in good faith but shows can close unexpectedly. If there are any changes in production dates or booking details after this newsletter’s publication, you will receive an email with the updated information. • If you haven’t registered your email address with us, please contact nancy@mousetrap.org.uk to receive additional theatre offers during the quarter. Mousetrap Theatre Projects is an independent charity dedicated to creating access to London’s best theatre for disadvantaged young people. Any proceeds from the Teachers Preview Club support our education work. Visit www.mousetrap.org.uk to find out more.

Bedroom Farce

p10

Breathing Irregular

Charlie and Lola's Best Bestest Play

Cinderella

p12

Comedians

Comedy of Change

p11

Darker Shores

Dial M For Murder

Jack and the Beanstalk

Miss Julie

p10

Our Man In Havana

Peter Pan

Peter & the Wolf Live On Stage

p12

Pride & Prejudice

Sandi Toksvig’s Christmas Cracker Starring Ronnie Corbett p12 Skellig

p10

Stick man

p11

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs

The Kreutzer Sonata

The Line

The Woman In Black

p10

Time for the Good Looking Boy

p12

Treasure Island

p10

Three Sisters

Varekai

p11

Touring and Regional Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

p13

Cling to me like Ivy

p13

George's Marvellous Medicine

p13

Horrible Histories

p13

Skellig

p13

Mousetrap Theatre Projects

West End Shows The Gruffalo Apollo Theatre The smash hit show returns for another monster Christmas Season! Following its sell –out success last year, everyone’s favourite monster is back – live on stage in the West End this Christmas! Since its premiere in 2006, this magical, musical adaptation of the

A Christmas Carol Arts Theatre A truly delightful Dickensian festive treat awaits you and your family this Christmas at the Arts Theatre in London! Gareth Hale stars as Scrooge in Susie McKenna and Steve Edis’ magical new musical A Christmas Carol. With a cast of extraordinary performers, fabulous

Billy Elliot the Musical Victoria Palace Based on the smash hit film, Billy Elliot the Musical is an inspirational story of one boy’s dream to realise his ambitions against the odds. Set in the 1984/5 miners’ strike, Billy pursues his passion for dance in secret to avoid the disapproval of his struggling family. Full of life, laughter, spectacular dancing and

...inspiring young people

award –winning picture book has achieved huge international acclaim and delighted audiences worldwide. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 to 300! www.gruffalolive.com All performances From 25 Nov – Until 13 Dec £8.50 Ages 3+ To book call tpc hotline 0871 230 5544

puppets and a sumptuous sprinkling of festive charm, you’ll have never seen an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic like this before! Tues & Weds eves & Thurs mats 11 Nov – 10 Jan (plus mats on Wed 9, Tue 15, Wed 16 Dec) excl all perfs From 20 Dec – Until 3 Jan £15 All Ages. To book call tpc hotline 0871 230 5544

unforgettable songs by Elton John, Billy Elliot the musical is an uplifting and emotional theatrical experience that will stay with you forever. Mon – Thurs, Jan 4 – 29 £20 Age 12+(contains strong language) To book call 0207 834 1170 and quote ‘teachers preview club’ (box office open 10am – 6pm Mon)

Hairspray Shaftesbury Theatre Hairspray, the mother of all musicals, follows Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular dance show. Can this ordinary girl realise her extraordinary dreams, inspire her

Oliver! Theatre Royal Drury Lane Oliver! is the fastest–selling West End show of all time and this new production at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is more spectacular than ever before. The sensational score is full of Lionel Bart’s irresistible songs including Food Glorious Food,

The 39 Steps Criterion Theatre The Olivier Award winning comedy, based on John Buchan’s gripping whodunit – memorably filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935 – is now in its fourth year at the Criterion Theatre in the West End. With four actors playing one hundred and thirty nine roles in one hundred minutes, it’s the most astonishing

Sister Act London Palladium When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won't be found – a convent! Based on the smash-hit movie, Sister Act features a brand new score by 8 time Oscar winner Alan Menken. US actress Patina Miller is ‘A genuine star’ (Independent) in

mum and still have time to win the boy she loves? Tues to Thurs at 7.30pm and Sun at 3pm From 2 Nov Until end of Jan (excl 21 Dec to 3 Jan) £20 Ages 6+ To book call tpc hotline 0871 230 5544

Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Picka-Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more.

Wed at 2.30pm, Wed & Thurs at 7.30pm. From 2 Nov – Until 17 Dec 4 – 28 Jan £15 Ages 5+ To book call tpc hotline 0871 230 5544 (valid on Balcony & Upper Circle seats) theatrical tour de force! 46 page education pack downloadable at www.love39steps.com Mon – Fri at 8pm and Tues at 3pm, Sat at 4pm From 1 Nov – Until end of Jan (excl 26 Dec to 2 Jan) £15 Age 7+ To book call tpc hotline 0871 230 5544

her West End debut as Deloris Van Cartier, the role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg, co-producer of this divine new musical comedy. Sheila Hancock as Mother Superior. Mon – Thu at 7.30pm and Wed at 3pm From 2 Nov Until end of Jan (excl 28 Dec – 2 Jan) £20 Ages 6+ To book call tpc hotline 0871 230 5544 Mousetrap Theatre Projects

The Shawshank Redemption Wyndham’s Theatre Based on the classic novel ‘Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption’ by Stephen King, this iconic story inspired the perennially popular film and is now a smash hit

West End play. Don’t miss this uplifting story of drama, humour and salvation. Dreams are what the future is made of...hope will take you there. Tue – Thu 7.30pm Fri 5.30pm, Sun 4pm From 1 Nov – Until end of Jan £15 Age 15+ To book call 0844 482 5125 and and quote ‘Teachers Preview Offer’.

adventures in Oz ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the Apollo Victoria West. Experience this unforgettable, Based on the acclaimed novel by award-winning musical and discover Gregory Maguire that re-imagined that you've not been told the whole the stories and characters created story about the land of Oz... by L. Frank Baum in 'The Wonderful Mon – Wed at 7.30pm Wizard of Oz', WICKED tells the and Wed at 2.30pm incredible untold story of an unlikely Until 2 Nov – Until end Jan but profound friendship between two (excl. w/c 22 Dec, w/c 28 Dec) girls who first meet as sorcery £15 Age 5+ students. Their extraordinary To book call tpc hotline 0871 230 5544

Wicked

Long Running Shows Blood Brothers

Chicago

Phoenix Theatre Mon–Thurs at 7.45pm, Thurs at 3pm £10 From 2 Nov – Until end of Jan To book call 0871 230 5544

Cambridge Theatre Mon–Thurs at 8pm and Fri at 5pm £15 From 2 Nov – Until to end of Jan (excl. 26th dec – 2 Jan) To book call 0871 230 5544 Education pack available from Chicagothemusical.co.uk

Stomp Ambassadors Theatre Mon at 8pm and Thurs at 3pm £15 From 2 Nov – Until end of Jan To book call 0844 8112 334 and quote ‘teachers preview club’

The Woman in Black Fortune Theatre Mon–Thurs at 8pm £16 (£1 theatre restoration levy) From 2 Nov – Until end of Jan To book call 0871 230 5544 New Education pack available from www.thewomaninblack.com

For group bookings through See Education please call 0844 412 4649 ...inspiring young people

Other London Venues Bloomsbury Theatre

To book call 020 7503 1646 and quote ‘Mousetrap Teachers Offer’

To book call 020 7388 8822 and quote ‘Mousetrap TPC’

The Line

Skellig

A startling new play from the acclaimed Timberlake Wertenbaker (Our Country’s Good) about the passion and discipline of art, exploring the relationship between Edgar Degas and his ambitious protégé Suzanne Valadon. Starring Henry Goodman, fresh from the West End hit Duet for One, with Selina Cadell (ITV’s Doc Martin) and Sarah Smart (BBC’s Wallander). 18 – 28 Nov at 8pm 2 for 1 ticket offer Ages 14+

Based on the Whitbread awardwinning book by David Almond. Following a sell-out run at the Shaw Theatre last autumn, this spellbinding stage adaptation of the award-winning book Skellig comes to the Bloomsbury Theatre. Recently made into an Opera and a star-studded SKY film production, this captivating and magical story promises to be a truly unique treat this Christmas! www.thebloomsbury.com All performances in Dec £9.50 Ages 7+

The Gate Theatre

To book call 020 7229 0706 and quote ‘StageDirections Offer’

The Kreutzer Sonata

Nancy Harris Tolstoy’s notorious novella is brought to life for the stage by musicians and actors. A new play about death, desire and Beethoven. Post Show discussions 17/11 and 26/11 5 – 7 Nov at 7.30pm £10 Ages 14+

Breathing Irregular Coupling explosive contemporary dance with a series of dramatic and uplifting true stories, BREATHING IRREGULAR celebrates the human capacity to cope and to survive. Following the critical success of I AM FALLING, Artistic Director Carrie Cracknell brings together a team of exceptional artists from the worlds of theatre and dance to create this world premiere for the Gate. 28 Jan – 30 Jan at 7.30pm £10 Age 14+ Breathing Irregular The Gate Theatre

The Line Arcola Theatre

Skelig The Bloomsbury Theatre

Arcola Theatre

By Leo Tolstoy, Adapted by

Mousetrap Theatre Projects

Jack and the Beanstalk Lyric Hammersmith

Charlie and Lola's Best Bestest Play

Darker Shores Hampstead Theatre

Based on the characters created by Lauren Child. Don’t miss everyone’s favourite brother and sister, Charlie and Lola, in their absolutely ever so wonderful stage show! The stars of the hit BBC TV series and books by Lauren Child are brought to life by a magical mix of puppets and music and will be at Hampstead this Christmas! www.watershedtheatre.com From 10 Dec – Until 2 Jan Family Ticket for four £40 Ages 3–5

Hampstead theatre

To book call 020 7722 9301 and quote ‘teachers preview club’

Lyric Hammersmith

To book call 0871 221 1721, and quote ‘Teacher Preview Club’

Darker Shores Comedians A ghost story by Michael Punter.

Six budding comics. The most important night of their lives. It’s no laughing matter. Sean Holmes directs Trevor Griffiths’ modern classic. Featuring Keith Allen, Mark Benton, David Dawson, Kulvinder Ghir, Matthew Kelly and Reece Shearsmith. ‘Impeccably acted.’ Metro ‘Superb performances.’ Sunday Express Until 14 Nov £10 Ages 14+

Join cheeky West Londoner Jack, his mum and their amazing talking cow and make your way to the Hammersmith as pantomime comes to the Lyric. Get ready to boo the baddies, cheer the hero, laugh and singalong with this feelgood festive show. Written by Richard Bean, Joel Horwood, Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and Ché Walker. From 24 Nov – Until 18 Dec £10 All ages

Three Sisters Following their hit show Twelfth Night at the Tricycle, exhilarating theatre company Filter (Caucasian Chalk Circle – NT) and the Lyric’s Sean Holmes delve beneath the surface of Anton Chekhov’s classic play. Expect plenty of hope, despair and vodka. 16 – 30 Jan £10 Ages 14+ Comedians Lyric Hammersmith

It is Christmas 1875 and Professor Gabriel Stokes takes lodgings at The Sea House, on a desolate stretch of the East Sussex coast. No sooner has he arrived than the troubled history of the house comes to the fore with unexplained and mysterious happenings. Having enlisted the help of Tom Beauregard, an American spiritualist, the two embark on a terrifying journey to discover the truth. www.hampsteadtheatre.com/ darkershores 3 Dec – 5 Dec £7.50 Ages 10+

Jack and the Beanstalk

Other London Venues continues on page 9 ...inspiring young people

The Woman in Black ‘The most terrifying live theatre experience in the world’

Fortune Theatre and Richmond Theatre by Sandra Corcoran, Kingston Grammar School

taken on a journey where the transport is largely their own imagination. It presents a fantastic opportunity for English and Drama teachers in particular to explore and emulate so many of the features and themes of this simple yet gripping creation. CURRICULUM LINKS FOR KS 4 The Ambassador Theatre Group offer an Education Pack (written by TCP member Mark Palmer) available to download. This provides a great starting point for exploring comparative studies of novel and play; significant moments of tension and poignant quotations from key players in the story and adaptation discussing its “genius, power and success”. At the theatre, in addition to normal programmes there is a specially commissioned “Students’ Edition”. This is a useful resource and provides background notes on features of the play such as the setting and the narrator as well as posing some interesting questions for students to consider.

What better way to enjoy the chills and thrills of a West End Production than to take students to this theatre favourite? Posters proclaim “The Most Terrifying Live Theatre experience in the World”. Teenage theatregoers in the seats next to me would clearly validate this. Whilst for me it was a first visit, for them, it was a fourth!

Nevertheless, the power of anticipation is keenly felt.

Originally used as a low budget “filler” for the Christmas season in Scarborough, The Woman in Black opened to rave reviews on 12th December 1987. It arrived in London’s West End in January 1989, playing at the Lyric Hammersmith, The Strand, The Playhouse and then The Woman in Black is the work of its current residence, The Fortune the late Stephen Mallatratt and adapted from the novel of the same Theatre, just round the corner from glitzy Covent Garden. This legendary title by Susan Hill, first published in 1983. The play, like the novel, tells a production, which is in fact a play simple but terrific ghost story. Both within a play, sits perfectly in what begin with the lines, “It was 9.30 on has been fittingly described as one of the capital’s “most intimate Christmas Eve...” We are skilfully theatres”. You take your seat and it lulled into an “are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin” wistful almost feels as though you can reach out and touch the sides of the stalls. state of mind. Needless to say, our The seating is well raked and faces a senses are very quickly sharpened and we remain and for much of the proscenium arched stage on which performance we remain gripped with is set very little. expectation of what may - or may The production demonstrates not come next. Enthusiastic dry ice beautifully the power of storytelling machines do of course add to the with minimal staging, props, effects atmosphere at key moments and the and even actors. The audience is air becomes decidedly chilly.

DRAMA Creating character how one prop or a single costume piece can transform an actor from one character to another. Discovering successful sound effects Dramatisation of Jennet Humphries story. Place of mime in the theatre. (Consider Spider the dog we never actually “see”) Writing a review MEDIA STUDIES Exploration of Jennet Humphries story. What treatment might she expect from today’s media? Theatre poster analysis. ENGLISH Comparison of respective openings of the novel and the play. Identification of ghost story elements in the play Analysis of other ghost stories. Creation of a tension graph for each act and presentation of ideas Writing tasks A story where something unexpected occurs. – a dramatic monologue – a Christmas Eve scene with all the characters

Peter Pan at the O2 Feature for Key Stage 1 and 2 Reviews by; Melanie McNie, Head of Performing arts at Edmunds school Claire Gordon, Head of Expressive arts, George Green’s School Marshia Dayes, Edexcel, Lucie Delicate and Alexandra Infants. Peter Pan is a powerfully enchanting production that captures the imagination of all age groups. J M Barrie’s story alone is woven with all the gossamer for magical success. It was written 100 years ago and still holds all the enthralling qualities of an awe inspiring fairy story for children and adults.

modern technology can fuse the traditional mediums and elements of drama to create this contemporary performance.

The production is full of surprises, with almost everything on the stage either revolving onto a new scene or disappearing to reveal another world. It is extremely lively from start to It is a sheer delight to be part of the finish, with energy in abundance audience. You are drawn in and feel a from the actors. part of the performance. Senses are As in all good adventures, this adaption captures the true spirit of heightened by the memorable 360 Neverland. Although a minimalistic vision given to the set and at times production it still manages to adapt you feel as though you are actually physically transported and flying over and expand on J M Barrie's works. A London to the enchanting Neverland. combination of Pirate ships, Amazonian jungle and underwater The Darlings’ attic bedroom is seascapes bring the show to life. The presented to audiences of young and undersea projection was amazing old alike in the round. The production and has to be one of my favourite makes use of circus conventions with scenes. Neverland was complete high wires, enabling Peter and with Mermaids, Indians and Pirates Tinkerbell to make their grand and so visually captivating. entrances while allowing the Darlings CURRICULUM LINKS by Lucie Delicate to leave through the open skylight. This displays them as soaring above LITERACY KS1 - Traditional Tales the rooftops of London and leaving the comfort of their beds into a land • Exploring ‘Good and Evil’ (character description) of make believe. The audience is • Discussions taken on this journey with Peter, KS1 - Research Original story Wendy, John and Michael through the Peter and Wendy and compare to use of a 360° projected image of the Theatre production Thames. As they fly along, they pass Questioning – Characters’ feelings and actions e.g. the familiar landmarks that make • Why didn’t the lost boys try to go home? London the city it is. Finally, the children pass Tower Bridge and leave • Was Peter Pan really happy? • Was Captain Hook really mean or just a the adult world of responsibility and sad old man? conformity well and truly behind • Why did they want a mother so badly? them. The cast and crew have created Explore through written work and drama. a production that that speaks to the • Make up your own beginning, middle or inner child at the heart of those of us end of the story that still risk to say I believe. • Write own interpretation of the story Harrison’s production makes Peter ART AND DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY Any Key stage could make a class mural – Pan an excellent opportunity for teachers to show their students how jungle or sea scene using all mixed media

found in the environment e.g. sticks, leaves, sponges, cotton wool etc. KS1 •Design and make puppets: string, stick, hand or finger (as resources for Literacy drama activities) •Design and make a clock face (link with Numeracy - telling time) or pirate masks KS2 • Moving Monsters – Investigate, design and make models of crocodile or ‘nanny’ dog using levers • Explore bubble maker – make the best smallest/largest bubble, considering solution and apparatus • Design and Make the best shaped paper plane to fly the furthest (consider aerodynamics) • Design and make Wendy House or pirate masks HISTORY • Did pirates exist and if so when? • What era was the ship from? • Explore history around beginning of the century through different forms of research • What was life really like for children then? • What was life like at sea? Consider food and hygiene • Were children allowed on the ships, if so what was their role? • Consider loyalties – role of leaders • Pirates today! Consider similarities and differences GEOGRAPHY • Where is Netherland? • What physical features would you look for when identifying an appropriate place for Peter Pan to settle? • How near the equator would it be? • Why wouldn’t it be near the North or South Pole? • How could they adapt to colder weather • There base was underground so that they would be out of sight – was it in a cave, if not how did they make it safe?

Other London Venues continued Richmond Theatre

To book call the tpc hotline on 0871 230 5544

To book call 0844 871 7651 and quote ‘Stage Directions offer’

Peter Pan

Dial M For Murder Convinced that his wife is having an affair, Tony plans what must surely be the perfect murder… until it falters in the most unexpected way. Set in a claustrophobic and frightening environment, Frederick Knott’s, intense and darkly gripping thriller, directed by Lucy Bailey will have you teetering on the edge of your seat until the curtain falls. 3 –7 Nov £10

Peter Pan O2

Our Man in Havana

based in Cuba, who allows himself to be recruited into the UK secret service. Desperate to placate Whitehall, he resorts to lies and fabrications, feeding a series of highly ingenious plots and conspiracies to his handlers. 9 – 14 Nov £10

Pride And Prejudice Dial M for Murder Richmond Theatre

In summer 2009, London’s historic Kensington Gardens played host to a unique and remarkable event – a spectacular new stage production of J. M. Barrie's classic story. Now, after sell-out success, Peter Pan flies into the O2 for a strictly limited Christmas season. Performed ‘in the round’ in a specially commissioned, state-ofthe-art 1300 seat theatre–tent, this acclaimed production includes a breathtaking 360 degree projected scenic design. The event will take place in the Meridian Gardens at the o2. 1 – 3 Dec £15 Age 5+ Groups and Schools enquiries 0844 844 2121 10+ School groups: £12.50, plus 1 seat free for every 10 booked (excl 12 – 13 Dec, 19 Dec – 3 Jan & 8 Jan – 10 Jan)

Our Man in Havana Richmond Theatre

The O2

This brand new adaptation of Graham Greene’s best-selling novel tells the tale of Wormwold, a hapless vacuum cleaner salesman

Starring Susan Hampshire as the marriage-mad Mrs Bennet, one of Jane Austen’s most delightful comic creations, Jane Austen’s story of the five Bennet sisters and their pursuit of suitable husbands is the ultimate romantic comedy. 23 – 28 Nov £10

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Jane Asher will be cooking up a storm as The Wicked Queen in Richmond Theatre’s magical pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Jane is joined by Panto stalwart Tim Vine whose hilariously fast-paced wit and brilliant comic timing, together with the wonderful talents of Sapphire Elia, star of ITV’s Mousetrap Theatre Projects

Treasure Island The Rose Theatre

hugely popular Britannia High promise a truly spellbinding show. 4 Dec at 7pm, Sat 5 Dec at 2pm and 7pm £10 Ages 5+

The Woman in Black Unanimously acclaimed by the critics, Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s best-selling novel combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. Audiences are guaranteed an evening of unremitting tension as they are transported into a terrifying and ghostly world. 12– 16 Jan £10 Ages 8+

Rose Theatre

want to destory each other. Stephen Unwin directs this major revival, with a cast that includes Daniel Betts, Lucy Briers and Rachel Pickup. Free education pack is available to download from www.rosetheatrekingston.org/ education 5, 6, 13, 20 Nov 7.30pm £10 Ages 14+

Bedroom Farce

To book call tpc hotline 0871 230 5544

Miss Julie Sex and power dominate Strindberg’s masterpiece, which explores what draws men and women together, and makes them ...inspiring young people

The acclaimed Birmingham Stage Company present a magical stage adaptation of David Almond’s award winning book, about a young boy whose world is changed forever when he discovers a creature hiding in their garden shed. 4, 5 Dec 7pm £10 Ages 7+

Treasure Island The Rose will be transformed into a specactular world of pirates, shipwrecks and mysterious islands for this years magical Christmas show at the Rose. Adapter Karen Louise Hebden and director Stephen Unwin join forces once again following the phenomenal success of A Christmas Carol in 2008. 11 Dec 7.30pm, 5, 7 Jan 7.30pm £10 Ages 6+ Bedroom Farce The Rose Theatre

Miss Julie The Rose Theatre

Peter Hall directs Alan Ayckbourn’s legendary comedy which shines a brilliant spotlight onto the trials and tribulations of suburban marriage. Cast includes Jane Asher, Nicholas Le Prevost, Tony Gardner, Finty Williams and Orlando Seale. 9, 10, 17, 18 Nov 7.30pm £10 Ages 14+

Skellig

Stick Man Soho Theatre

Cirque du Soleil Royal Albert Hall

Soho Theatre

Royal Albert Hall

Sadler’s Wells To book call 020 7478 0100 and quote ‘Mousetrap TPC’

Stick Man To book call 0845 401 5008 and quote ‘Teachers Preview Club’.

Touching, funny and utterly original, Stick Man is a brand new family show from the acclaimed Scamp Theatre; adapted from the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler – creators of The Gruffalo. Packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky dancing (and with a special appearance by Father Christmas!), Stick Man promises more fun than you can shake a stick at! www.sohotheatre.com All performances until 18 Dec. £6 Ages 3+

To book call 0844 412 4300 and quote ‘teachers preview club’.

anniversary with a special return visit to the Royal Albert Hall with Varekai: its biggest ever London hit. Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world—a world where something else is possible. A world called Varekai. 'Acts that make you catch your breath... so fast & so risky you watch in honest amazement’ INDEPENDENT 06 – 12 Feb 3pm & Wed 7.45pm and Fri 3pm £25 All ages

Featuring Comedy of Change Rambert brings a rich and surprising mix of old and new work to Sadler’s Wells this season. Celebrating Darwin year, Comedy of Change blends dance and science in a striking and witty performance, whilst two further works include a new piece by Nigerian/Welsh choreographer Henri Oguike and Siobhan Davies’ five-star Carnival of the Animals. 7 Nov at 2.30pm £10 + trans fee Ages 10+

Cirque du Soleil Royal Albert Hall

Varekai Rambert Dance Cirque de Soleil Company Cirque du Soleil celebrates its 25th

Mousetrap Theatre Projects

To book call 0844 847 9910 and quote ‘TPC Offer’

Sandi Toksvig’s To book call 0844 847 9910 and Christmas quote ‘StageDirections offer’ Cracker Starring Peter & the Ronnie Corbett Wolf Live A Christmas cabaret for all the family hosted by queen of the quips Sandi Toksvig and starring Ronnie Corbett. on Stage

Sandi Toksvig’s Christmas Cracker Starring Ronnnie Corbett Southbank Centre

The show has festive fun for all including sing-alongs and a new version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Surprise guest stars will feature throughout the run. 16 – 20 Dec 50% off all tickets All Ages

...inspiring young people

The Oscar®-winning animated film Peter & the Wolf brings to life Prokofiev’s classic introduction to the orchestra. Featuring the Philharmonia Orchestra live on stage, a newlycommissioned script by poet Simon Armitage, and a glimpse into Peter’s world using a mini-camera to explore the film’s set and models. Mon 28 – Wed 30 Dec at 4pm and 6pm 30 December at 4pm and 6pm 20% off all ticket prices. All Ages

Cinderella Unicorn Theatre

Peter and the Wolf Live On Stage Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre

Unicorn Theatre

To book call 020 7645 0560 and quote ‘teachers preview club’

Time for the Good Looking Boy You’re in love, exams are over, summer’s here and the party’s started. A young man tells the story of a night to remember with consequences he’ll never forget. This is a compelling, witty one-man show about the harsh realities of growing up, independence and a journey that will change lives forever. 17 – 21 Nov £6 Ages 14+

Cinderella This delightful, screwball version of the classic rags-to-riches tale sees poor Cinderella single-handedly running a floating retirement home for elderly magicians. When the palace announces a ball to find the young prince a wife, Cinderella dreams of escaping her chores for a night, but who’s going to work the magic she needs to get her there? Workshops and Teachers’ Resources for Cinderella available at www.unicorntheatre.com /for_schools 6 Dec – 24 Jan £6 Ages 6+

Touring and Regional Birmingham Repertory Theatre To book call 0121 236 4455 and quote ‘Mousetrap 241’ Two tickets for the price of one tickets on the following shows and dates (maximum of 2 tickets total per booking, not available on Premium seats) A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens Adapted by Bryony Lavery It’s Christmas Eve and the most coldhearted man in London, Ebenezer Scrooge has no time for merriment. But as the clock strikes midnight Scrooge is taken on a vivid journey by three spirits who show him visions of his past, present and likely future should Scrooge continue with his uncaring ways. Can the spirits convince Scrooge to change his ways in time for Christmas Day? 2-4-1 25 Nov

Cling To Me Like Ivy By Samantha Ellis “It’s gorgeous hair you’ve got. It’s a shame to hide it.”

Rivka wants the perfect wedding. She has the man, the dress, the wig and two weeks to go. But when doubt is cast on her wig everything starts to unravel. Samantha Ellis’ play was inspired by a chance remark by Victoria Beckham which sparked a crisis within the Orthodox Jewish community about the wigs worn by married women. 2-4-1 11 and 12 Feb For more information visit birmingham-rep.co.uk

Horrible Histories BSC's Frightful First World War & Woeful Second World War use actors and amazing 3D special effects plus lots of excitement and jokes to give all ages a new insight into the hardships faced in both conflicts. See a trailer of the shows on www.birminghamstage.com Lighthouse Poole Tues 23 Nov at 7pm Box office 0844 406 8666

Birmingham Stage Company 2 for 1 on tickets for their 3 autumn tours on the following performances: George's Marvellous Medicine A brand new stage version by David Wood of one of Dahl's funniest stories is playing a Christmas season at Birmingham before touring again in 2010 Old Rep Theatre Birmingham Sat 21 Nov 2.30pm & Sat 9 Jan at 2.30pm 0121 303 2323 Details of 2010 tour venues at www.birminghamstage.com Skellig BSC's acclaimed version of David Almond's award winning book is on tour this autumn before playing a London Christmas season. Connaught Theatre Worthing Tues 10 Nov & Fri 13 Nov at 7pm Box office 01903 206206 Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford Tues 17 Nov at 7.30pm box office 01483 440 000 Bloomsbury Theatre London Sat 19 Dec & Sat 9 Jan at 2.30pm box office 0207 388 8822

Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by Neil Bartlett: Trinity is delighted to be staging a truly authentic telling of Dickens’ classic tale. Performed by a cast of 8 actors playing multiple-roles, the engaging production is fast-moving and superbly theatrical. Family entertainment for children 7+. Presented by Trinity Theatre and the resident company TTC. www.trinitytheatre.net Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells 10 Dec – 19 Dec, 28 Dec – 3 Jan (excl Christmas week perfs). £7.50 To book call 01892 678678 and quote ‘Teachers’ Offer’

Mousetrap Theatre Projects

Susan’s Letter – Mousetrap wider work This autumn term Mousetrap Theatre Projects is offering a range of activities, programmes and resources of interest to teachers and their students. TheatreCraft Day, Wednesday, 2nd December at the London Coliseum, will offer young people (17 – 25) a free opportunity to explore many off-stage skills involved in creating a theatre production through workshops, talks, demonstrations and one-to-one advice sessions. From 9.30am – 1.00pm, TheatreCraft Day is welcoming school groups from age 17 who will be introduced to a range of non-performing careers in theatre. The afternoon session, from 1.00pm – 4.30pm, is designed for individuals moving to the next stage of their training or career. To find out more about the event, the range of workshops and talks offered and to book a free place, visit: www.masterclass.org.uk/theatrecraft Please remember to visit our new teachers’ theatre site: learnaboutlondontheatre.co.uk which has comprehensive information about the range of productions offered through London theatres and the educational opportunities they provide. Specifically written for busy teachers, this website provides a wealth of information on theatre, easily accessible by production, by venue, by theatre organisation as well a full list of available workshops and resources. Learnaboutlondontheatre.co.uk is a joint initiative of Mousetrap Theatre Projects and the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and we would like to hear from you regarding how you find this website. We are very interested in your comments and suggestions for improvement – as we wish to make this website as useful to you as possible. For any thoughts or suggestions, please email susan@mousetrap.org.uk This summer, Mousetrap Theatre Projects completed the 11th year of its signature programme, Family First Nights (FFN) when 618 families, identified by more than 450 social service agencies, charities, community organisations and housing associations, attended theatre on a family visit. Families could choose from 22 productions with all tickets at £5. As a special event on Tuesday, 22nd September, Mousetrap Theatre Projects invited all of the 5,000 past participating FFN families to a performance of Sister Act at the London Palladium. Close to 400 families (1,750 individuals), attended the musical and the excitement and energy in the auditorium was fantastic. ...inspiring young people

Funding for our theatre education work is never an easy proposition, and as ever we are most grateful for the large and small gifts we receive from you, our TPC members. If you have any ideas for fundraising or know of any potential funders in the private or public sector, please do get in touch with us, by emailing nancy@mousetrap.org.uk or susan@mousetrap.org.uk

Learn About London Theatre, the quick and easy way for teachers to find out about education programmes offered by theatres and theatre productions across London. This brand new website has been specially created for teachers. So, whether you’re planning a theatre trip, interested in finding out about available resources and provisions or just keen to boost your theatre knowledge, Learn About London Theatre will instantly navigate you to the information you need. For more information visit www.learnaboutlondontheatre.co.uk

Do you offer the BTEC in Performing Arts? Spring term 2010: We have one full place left on StageBusiness, an assignment led programme for KS4 students, supported by an INSET day, theatre visits, workshops with producers and marketing professionals, and comprehensive resource materials. We also have a few places left on the INSET only. Cost: £300 for the full programme (INSET, two student workshops and Dragon’s Den style presentation session with professional panellists) plus £5 per theatre ticket, OR £100 for the INSET only. To Book: Contact linda@mousetrap.org.uk or download an application form from our website www.mousetrap.org.uk

“This course has been absolutely fab. The support has been amazing and I have never seen students so excited at the prospect of presenting.” Teacher, Hampton Community College

UK Tickets, in association with NST, supports Mousetrap Theatre Projects. For more information on organized educational theatre trips for students please visit www.nstgroup.co.uk

Superbreak is pleased to offer members of TPC a 10% discount on all UK and European short breaks. . This includes great low prices at over 5,000 hotels and discounts on a full range of London theatre and event breaks. To see the huge range of options available to members, please visit www.superbreak.com To book call 0871 221 1199 and quote ‘Teachers Preview Club’ to claim your extra savings. Mousetrap Theatre Projects 23–24 Henrietta Street Covent Garden London WC2E 8ND T: 020 7240 1248 F: 020 7632 4111 E: tpc@mousetrap.org.uk www.mousetrap.org.uk Registered charity no. 1053434

SEE EDUCATION 0844 412 4649 education@seetickets.com SEE EDUCATION – official ticketing partner for Teacher’s Preview Club, Mousetrap Theatre Projects. Contact us to receive our new CLASS ACT and DVD to receive great rates for your school Top West End shows from £15.00, plus teacher goes free!