What is First Draft?
Free Events
Thursday 1 to Saturday 3 July 2010
A Drama Worker and Literary Officer from Live Theatre visited Christ Church Primary School in early 2010 to deliver a series of interactive workshops giving pupils the chance to discover all of the ingredients that go into making a good play.
Thursday 1 July, 8.50pm
First Draft
The 30 children involved selected their six favourite stories and the lucky authors then spent an exclusive weekend at Live Theatre working on a one-to-one basis with a professional writer to develop their story into a 10 minute script for two actors to perform. The children then got to meet their cast and director and have the final say on how their tales are told. The aim is that the young people involved will have an experience they will never forget. Above: David Whittaker & Micky Cochrane in The Subaru Impretsa Race for the Title by Matthew Boyle (2008)
“This exciting education and new writing initiative, now in its seventh year, has resulted in some of the most creative plays ever to be performed at Live Theatre. Respected and valued as much as all of the organisations other main house productions, First Draft has become a highlight of Live Theatre’s programme.” Paul James, Director of Education & Participation “It was exciting and each week it got more exciting, with new games and more writing. It was a great experience. It was once in a lifetime one.” Jordan Nixon aged 9 who wrote Just Want a Friend which was performed as part of last year’s First Draft
“There was a general recognition that the young writers had returned to school with more ‘fire in their belly’... First Draft is possibly one of the best experiences that I have had in primary education. I have never seen anything like it”. Barrie Russell, Head Teacher Wellbeck Primary School
Meet the Team Want to delve even deeper into the fantasy world of First Draft? Then join Paul James, Director of Education & Participation, as he introduces this unique project, members of the cast, directors and even one or two of the young writers. Discover all you need to know about the First Draft process; find out what the young playwright’s used as inspiration and hear how the professional actors approached playing such weird and wonderful creations.
Six new plays written by pupils from Christ Church Primary School, Newcastle
DURATION: Approx. 30 minutes Saturday 3 July, 11.30am Crazy Character Creations Create your own magical character through a series of drama and art activities designed to let your imagination run wild! What would it look like? How does it move? Then, come to the show and see what pupils from Christ Church Primary School conjured up. DURATION: 1 hour 30 minutes SUITABILITY: 7 to 11 year olds These events are free but tickets must be booked via Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232. Places are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment.
Ever wondered what really goes on in the minds of 8 to 11 year olds? Left: Helen Embleton in Different Daisies by Lauren Fradgley
Tickets: £4 to £6 Family ticket: £16 (2 adults & 2 children)
Box office: (0191) 232 1232 Book online: www.live.org.uk
Ticket & Booking Information
First Draft
Book tickets online at www.live.org.uk Visit Live Theatre’s secure website where it is easy to book tickets online. An average booking will take 5 minutes; tickets can be booked 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tickets can be mailed out, at an extra charge of £1, or can be collected from the box office free of charge, just visit www.live.org.uk
Thursday 1 to Saturday 3 July
Book by phone or in person Call Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232 or to book in person visit the theatre just off Newcastle’s quayside next to the law courts.
Box office opening times are: Monday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm (10am to 8pm when there is an evening show). Weekend evening show only 5 to 8pm. Weekend matinee days 12 to 8pm. Returns policy If you provide more than 24 hours notice tickets can be exchanged for other performances and events or credit for the full value can be arranged. Group discount Interested in bringing a group along to see a show? Then take advantage of Live Theatre’s great group discount - buy 10 tickets and get one additional ticket free.
Six new plays written by Year 4, 5 & 6 pupils from Christ Church Primary School Enter the imaginations of six 8 to 11 year olds from Newcastle and discover the wild side of Africa, go batty up a mountain and take a trip to the seaside. Come face-to-face with a series of colourful and imaginative characters including Tanny the bull, Rifle the farting rat and even King Kong’s son! First Draft is a unique annual project that gives young people the chance to create a 10 minute play which is brought to life with the help of professional writers, actors and directors. This year’s short plays, written by Luyanda Sigwazi, Zinzi Marsh, Odete Campote, Didi Ndlovu, Dean Watson and Jade Dickson are guaranteed to have you roaring with delight. Why not bring all your family along to experience this special event and show your support for the next generation of new writing talent.
Location & Travel Information DATES: Thurs 1 July to Sat 3 July TICKETS: £6; £4 concs Family Ticket: £16 (2 adults & 2 children) LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
Public Transport Live Theatre is a 10 minute walk from Central Station, Monument and Manors Metro Stations. The Quay Link bus service runs every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes during the evening until midnight providing a safe and easy way of getting to and from the theatre. Call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 for more travel information.
Parking There is a car park in the Trinity Gardens complex 50 metres up the road from the theatre, which can be accessed from City Road and Trinity Gardens. This is a secure 24 hour car park and costs 70p per hour and 25p per hour after 6pm. There is limited on street parking on Broad Chare and additional car parks nearby.
SUITABILITY: For all the family (5+) PERFORMANCES: Thurs to Sat, 7.30pm MATINEES: Sat 3 July, 2pm
KEY Parking Quaylink Stops Metro Station
To help you decide visit www.live.org.uk/firstdraft and watch clips from the plays created in 2008 and 2009.
This leaflet can be made available in a range of formats. Call (0191) 232 1232 with your request.
Feeling inspired or want to know more about the project? See overleaf for our free First Draft events.
First Draft is supported by The Gillian Dickinson Charitable Trust & The Hedley Denton Charitable Trust
Front cover images: First Draft 2008 & 2009
Left: First Draft writers, 2010
Live Theatre Broad Chare, Quayside Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ www.live.org.uk
Admin: Box office: Typetalk: Fax:
(0191) 261 2694 (0191) 232 1232 18001 232 1232 (0191) 232 2224