ERROL'S GARDEN to tour May- June 2020
To see if ERROL'S GARDEN is coming to your are, click here for the touring schedule!
Errol loves plants so much that he has them growing out of every pot, pan and teacup he can find in his small flat, to the dismay of his family. He knows that plants need water, sunlight and space. They need a garden. Errol and his sister Tia search through their block of flats for the perfect space, and discover a neglected rooftop full or rubbish. After Errol and Tia clean up the space, they imagine building a community garden, but first they will need to convince all of their neighbours to pitch in and help. A grumpy neighbour and some garden pests try to stand in their way, but Errol is determined to make his dream a reality.
Presented by Golden Toad Theatre
Book, music, lyrics by
Caroline Wigmore & Jen Green
Based on the book by Gillian Hibbs
Directed by Kate Golledge
Errol loves plants so much that he has them growing out of every pot, pan and teacup he can find in his small flat, to the dismay of his family. He knows that plants need water, sunlight and space. They need a garden. Errol and his sister Tia search through their block of flats for the perfect space, and discover a neglected rooftop full or rubbish. After Errol and Tia clean up the space, they imagine building a community garden, but first they will need to convince all of their neighbours to pitch in and help. A grumpy neighbour and some garden pests try to stand in their way, but Errol is determined to make his dream a reality.
Presented by Golden Toad Theatre
Book, music, lyrics by
Caroline Wigmore & Jen Green
Based on the book by Gillian Hibbs
Directed by Kate Golledge
THE VELVETEEN DAUGHTER joins lineup for BEAM2020
To watch a mini showcase of our new show THE VELVETEEN DAUGHTER at
BEAM2020 27 March click here
BEAM2020 27 March click here
BWW Review: Women are 'Stronger Together Than Alone' in
THE BACHELOR GIRLS
by Cloe Lang Jul. 22, 2019
It's a time of change for the women of The Bachelor Girls-and that means swing dancing, ditching their corsets, and learning to be an independent woman in 1920s London.
The Bachelor Girls was a part of the fourth annual She NYC Arts Festival, which strives to provide women writers, composers, and directors with resources to jump-start their careers in the theater industry. At the beginning of the show, we are introduced to Cecily, Gertie, and Molly, three best friends about to set off on their own. In the typical "I am" song fashion, the three girls confide in the audience their hopes and dreams-getting married, becoming a typist, and dancing, respectfully. However, as the show progresses, the women face trials that school did not prepare them for, but fear not: they had "The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Everything," which guides them through the rest of the story. The characters followed typical tropes, and the story was predictable, yet charming. The girls' lives are told through catchy songs, excellent choreography, and endearing relationships.
The Bachelorettes (Caitlyn Calfas, Maria Reginaldi, Stephanie Maloney), three crooning vocalists, guide the audience through the story and make comments about the action on stage. Their expressive entertainment is a delightful addition to the show. Once the girls head out into the "real world," they discover it's not as easy (or fun) to be a woman as they thought. Gertie (Lucy Anders) accepts a typist position, but quits after realizing the unfair wage gap between her and her male colleagues. She decides to become a suffragette. Molly (Kelly Berman) is the caretaker of her sickly Aunt Smythe, who does not approve of her choices to go out dancing in dresses that fall above her ankle. Cecily (Lael Van Keuren) becomes a nanny, and, by the persuasion of The Bachelorettes, places ad after ad in "Matrimonial Monthly" in hopes of finding an available suitor.
The ensemble was delightful, often putting on different personas along with new hats, cloaks, or mannerisms. Tracy Bidleman stole the show as Aunt Smythe, the bitter, traditional aunt who later reveals that she always wanted to be a part of The Bachelorettes. She then commences in a full dance number where she is the star of the singing group. Anders, Berman, and Van Keuren are likeable and their storytelling was engaging- not for a moment was the audience bored. The music and choreography exhibited the entire casts' excellent vocals and dance ability. The songs only added to the story, rather taking attention away from it.
A musical about the Roaring 20s may not seem to be relevant at first, but as the story progresses, the political and social applicability are made evident. Gertie continues to get more and more involved in politics, and creates a voice for herself. After ten years of trying to find a suitor via magazine ads, Cecily goes back to the girls college to teach mathematics. Molly married her sweetheart, and creates a scholarship for girls to continue their education. The musical ends with an inspiring ensemble number that gives audience a satisfying ending. The women declare through song that "the Bachelor Girl can be strong as a soldier, brave as a bulldog, and firm as a fortress." At the very end, the actresses line up and give a chronological history of British women who paved the way for their successors from 1920-1930.
This fast-paced musical kept audiences laughing and enchanted. With a darling book and cohesive score written by Caroline Wigmore and Jen Green, The Bachelor Girls is perfect for the whole family. This is also a strong show to be considered producing in academic theater. The musical ultimately leaves the audience with an uplifting message-declaring that women are "stronger together than alone."
It's a time of change for the women of The Bachelor Girls-and that means swing dancing, ditching their corsets, and learning to be an independent woman in 1920s London.
The Bachelor Girls was a part of the fourth annual She NYC Arts Festival, which strives to provide women writers, composers, and directors with resources to jump-start their careers in the theater industry. At the beginning of the show, we are introduced to Cecily, Gertie, and Molly, three best friends about to set off on their own. In the typical "I am" song fashion, the three girls confide in the audience their hopes and dreams-getting married, becoming a typist, and dancing, respectfully. However, as the show progresses, the women face trials that school did not prepare them for, but fear not: they had "The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Everything," which guides them through the rest of the story. The characters followed typical tropes, and the story was predictable, yet charming. The girls' lives are told through catchy songs, excellent choreography, and endearing relationships.
The Bachelorettes (Caitlyn Calfas, Maria Reginaldi, Stephanie Maloney), three crooning vocalists, guide the audience through the story and make comments about the action on stage. Their expressive entertainment is a delightful addition to the show. Once the girls head out into the "real world," they discover it's not as easy (or fun) to be a woman as they thought. Gertie (Lucy Anders) accepts a typist position, but quits after realizing the unfair wage gap between her and her male colleagues. She decides to become a suffragette. Molly (Kelly Berman) is the caretaker of her sickly Aunt Smythe, who does not approve of her choices to go out dancing in dresses that fall above her ankle. Cecily (Lael Van Keuren) becomes a nanny, and, by the persuasion of The Bachelorettes, places ad after ad in "Matrimonial Monthly" in hopes of finding an available suitor.
The ensemble was delightful, often putting on different personas along with new hats, cloaks, or mannerisms. Tracy Bidleman stole the show as Aunt Smythe, the bitter, traditional aunt who later reveals that she always wanted to be a part of The Bachelorettes. She then commences in a full dance number where she is the star of the singing group. Anders, Berman, and Van Keuren are likeable and their storytelling was engaging- not for a moment was the audience bored. The music and choreography exhibited the entire casts' excellent vocals and dance ability. The songs only added to the story, rather taking attention away from it.
A musical about the Roaring 20s may not seem to be relevant at first, but as the story progresses, the political and social applicability are made evident. Gertie continues to get more and more involved in politics, and creates a voice for herself. After ten years of trying to find a suitor via magazine ads, Cecily goes back to the girls college to teach mathematics. Molly married her sweetheart, and creates a scholarship for girls to continue their education. The musical ends with an inspiring ensemble number that gives audience a satisfying ending. The women declare through song that "the Bachelor Girl can be strong as a soldier, brave as a bulldog, and firm as a fortress." At the very end, the actresses line up and give a chronological history of British women who paved the way for their successors from 1920-1930.
This fast-paced musical kept audiences laughing and enchanted. With a darling book and cohesive score written by Caroline Wigmore and Jen Green, The Bachelor Girls is perfect for the whole family. This is also a strong show to be considered producing in academic theater. The musical ultimately leaves the audience with an uplifting message-declaring that women are "stronger together than alone."
Wigmore and Green Join the Creative Team of 'Rare Birds'
Wigmore and Green join a number of other award-winning composers as they collaborate with poet Natalie Scott and director Simon Greiff to create the show 'Rare Birds.' The cabaret style show creatively re-imagines the story of Holloway Prison's first one hundred years through the voices of prisoners, staff and others connected to its history. Set in the world of an old-time music hall, Rare Birds is a collection of dramatic monologues which bring to life well-known voices such as Ruth Ellis, Sylvia Pankhurst, Albert Pierrepoint, Emily Wilding Davison and Edith Thompson, plus a host of lesser known names. Click for Tickets
'The Bachelor Girls' is going to NYC
The Bachelor Girls featured at Signal 2018
The title song from The Bachelor Girls featured in a line-up for Signal; an exciting platform for new musical theatre songs. Watch the video below.
A New Commission From the Singapore Reperatory Theatre
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Caroline and Jen and pleased to be embarking on a new musical theatre writing commission for the Singapore Reperatory Theatre's 2019 season, writing the children's show: The Gingerbread Man. With Kate Gollegde at the helm, it proves to be an exciting voyage.
Through the use of puppetry, rock music and dance, this adaptation proves to shed a new light on the famous fairy tale.
Through the use of puppetry, rock music and dance, this adaptation proves to shed a new light on the famous fairy tale.
Five Stars for Mimi and the Mountain Dragon!
Mimi and the Mountain Dragon at The Village Hall, Battersea
DECEMBER 23, 2018 LAST UPDATED: DECEMBER 24, 2018
BY SHAIDI RAMSURRUN
Michael Morpurgo’s Mimi and the Mountain Dragon is a great production. It is described as a family theatre show full of adventure, snow, dragons, lively songs and magical puppets and it is nothing less than that. As we walked into the auditorium we were taken aback by the wintery yet Christmassy setting. There were lots of white sheets, little houses and pretend snow. A beautiful set for the snowy mountains of Switzerland, in Battersea Power Station.
As we settled down in our seats, the children were invited to sit on the rugs creating a very relaxed and chilled -out environment. Great for babies and toddlers who were new to theatre. I wasn’t quite sure if the play had started when the two main characters (William Uden and Michal Horowicz) were chatting away to the children in the audience, they were really personalising the event. There were different conversations going on around the auditorium. The kids were giggling at the silly jokes that they were making.
Then there was an announcement, ‘please switch off your mobile phones’ and with that, I knew the play was going to really start, but I must admit I was already quite amused with the welcoming. Christmas Day had come, the honey cake had been made and bells had to be rung in the Village of Dorta.
Lonely Mimi who yearns for someone to play with finds a lost and frightened dragon. Oh, let the fun begin. We all had to join in and sing songs to help keep the dragons away, then there was pot banging and even fantastic yodelling.
The puppeteering was eloquently done – a joy to watch. The detail in the puppets was quite something, my favourite was the one representing the Mayor of Dorta in his blue cloak, tricorn hat and a chain of office.
The small cast of three were great. Jennifer Byrne took the lead in the yodelling and she did a fantastic job. The charisma and energy between William Uden and Michal Horowicz bought beauty to the role of a loving couple. Their costumes were simple yet perfect for the story. They were exceptional in engaging the audience and making different children around the auditorium feel special. I don’t think any child was left out and after the show, there was an opportunity to meet the dragons and the cast.
Mimi and the Mountain Dragon is an awesome production, one that welcomes very young theatregoers. It is perfect for babies, toddlers and children, with lots of noise, music and engagement. Beautiful storytelling!
DECEMBER 23, 2018 LAST UPDATED: DECEMBER 24, 2018
BY SHAIDI RAMSURRUN
Michael Morpurgo’s Mimi and the Mountain Dragon is a great production. It is described as a family theatre show full of adventure, snow, dragons, lively songs and magical puppets and it is nothing less than that. As we walked into the auditorium we were taken aback by the wintery yet Christmassy setting. There were lots of white sheets, little houses and pretend snow. A beautiful set for the snowy mountains of Switzerland, in Battersea Power Station.
As we settled down in our seats, the children were invited to sit on the rugs creating a very relaxed and chilled -out environment. Great for babies and toddlers who were new to theatre. I wasn’t quite sure if the play had started when the two main characters (William Uden and Michal Horowicz) were chatting away to the children in the audience, they were really personalising the event. There were different conversations going on around the auditorium. The kids were giggling at the silly jokes that they were making.
Then there was an announcement, ‘please switch off your mobile phones’ and with that, I knew the play was going to really start, but I must admit I was already quite amused with the welcoming. Christmas Day had come, the honey cake had been made and bells had to be rung in the Village of Dorta.
Lonely Mimi who yearns for someone to play with finds a lost and frightened dragon. Oh, let the fun begin. We all had to join in and sing songs to help keep the dragons away, then there was pot banging and even fantastic yodelling.
The puppeteering was eloquently done – a joy to watch. The detail in the puppets was quite something, my favourite was the one representing the Mayor of Dorta in his blue cloak, tricorn hat and a chain of office.
The small cast of three were great. Jennifer Byrne took the lead in the yodelling and she did a fantastic job. The charisma and energy between William Uden and Michal Horowicz bought beauty to the role of a loving couple. Their costumes were simple yet perfect for the story. They were exceptional in engaging the audience and making different children around the auditorium feel special. I don’t think any child was left out and after the show, there was an opportunity to meet the dragons and the cast.
Mimi and the Mountain Dragon is an awesome production, one that welcomes very young theatregoers. It is perfect for babies, toddlers and children, with lots of noise, music and engagement. Beautiful storytelling!
Vote for Skewbald Theatre, Producers of Mimi and the Mountain Dragon
in the 2018 HOOP Award
Skewbald Theatre was nominated for the BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE AND FAMILY THEATRE in the 2018 HOOP Award for it's work on Mimi and the Mountain Dragon. Show your support and vote for us here!
Mimi and the Mountain Dragon at Winterville Festival 2017, Clapham Common
Mimi and the Mountain Dragon will be the featured family show at the Winterville Festival at Clapham Common, London! Admission to Winterville is free. Click here for tickets to the show.
Mimi and the Mountain Dragon 2017 tour
Following a successful premiere in 2016, Mimi and the Mountain Dragon is on a mini tour in the London area from October through December 2017. The show is designed for children age 3-8 and their grownups. Our show locations include Sutton, Dulwich, Enfield and Clapham. Ticket information will be posted as tickets go on sale.
Tickets: skewbaldtheatre.com
Mimi and the Mountain Dragon is based on the book by Michael Morpurgo with book music and lyrics by Caroline Wigmore and Jen Green with Skewbald Theatre Company.
'Mimi and the Mountain Dragon is a happy and heart-warming story about friends, making your own mind up and facing your fears all told in a delightful child friendly way. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone with young children.' -What's Good to Do * * * * *
Tickets: skewbaldtheatre.com
Mimi and the Mountain Dragon is based on the book by Michael Morpurgo with book music and lyrics by Caroline Wigmore and Jen Green with Skewbald Theatre Company.
'Mimi and the Mountain Dragon is a happy and heart-warming story about friends, making your own mind up and facing your fears all told in a delightful child friendly way. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone with young children.' -What's Good to Do * * * * *
Children of the New Forest to Premiere
Children of the New Forest will premiere at the Barbican Theatre, Plymouth 26-27 August.
Commission by Youth Music Theatre Company
Book, Music & Lyrics Caroline Wigmore & Jen Green
Director Ellis Kerkhoven
Choreographer Skye Reynolds
Designer Emma Lynch
Children of the New Forest is a futuristic retelling of the novel by Captain Marryat.
In this dystopian future world, most of the adult population have been killed during civil war, leaving a population comprised of orphans. Four siblings from the wealthy Beverly family must flee from their home and take refuge in the forest with the oldest living person, Jacob, who attempts to teach them how to live in this difficult time. Food and land are scarce and worth killing for. Jacob and a mysterious subculture who are called the forest children, are the only ones who know how to live off the land. In this nation of orphans, the opposing sides must decide if they will continue the war their parents began, wrestling with inherited hate for their enemies, striving for equality and wondering if a different kind of future is even possible.
This musical adaptation for a new generation is brought to life through the idiom of rock/folk music, breath-taking movement and live on-stage instrumentation.
www.youthmusictheatreuk.org
Facebook: Youth Music Theatre UK
Twitter: @ymtuk
Click for Tickets www.barbicantheatre.co.uk/event-details/?eid=43226
Commission by Youth Music Theatre Company
Book, Music & Lyrics Caroline Wigmore & Jen Green
Director Ellis Kerkhoven
Choreographer Skye Reynolds
Designer Emma Lynch
Children of the New Forest is a futuristic retelling of the novel by Captain Marryat.
In this dystopian future world, most of the adult population have been killed during civil war, leaving a population comprised of orphans. Four siblings from the wealthy Beverly family must flee from their home and take refuge in the forest with the oldest living person, Jacob, who attempts to teach them how to live in this difficult time. Food and land are scarce and worth killing for. Jacob and a mysterious subculture who are called the forest children, are the only ones who know how to live off the land. In this nation of orphans, the opposing sides must decide if they will continue the war their parents began, wrestling with inherited hate for their enemies, striving for equality and wondering if a different kind of future is even possible.
This musical adaptation for a new generation is brought to life through the idiom of rock/folk music, breath-taking movement and live on-stage instrumentation.
www.youthmusictheatreuk.org
Facebook: Youth Music Theatre UK
Twitter: @ymtuk
Click for Tickets www.barbicantheatre.co.uk/event-details/?eid=43226
