Listen to this...

You may have heard me ramble on about Luke and John from Nizlopi in the past, but unfortunately that wonderful little band are no more. Here's a teaser from Luke though. He's over in Ireland recording some more material and it's lovely, lovely, lovely. Go Luke! I'll let you all know as soon as I hear anything more...

Very Hard Times

Our next show, Very Hard Times by Publick Transport, has now been added on our theatre Facebook page. If you haven't already, make sure you 'like' us and RSVP to the event! As a fan, you'll be the first to hear about new shows and you'll also be privy to our exclusive FB discount (available on all in-house performances).

Guest Review: The Nothing Show

I'd actually forgotten how delightfully funny this show was! Stewart first came to the theatre in May 2008 and I remember how much we all enjoyed his quirky little character. It was great to hear so much laughter as our intimate audience shared in his morning routine, with everything going smoothly the first time round, before a faulty alarm clock turns everything on it's head.

The real delight was in the details. As there was no set, props or soundtrack, Stewart mimed everything, adding sound effects where appropriate, to create a multiple room, two story house! My favourite bit was when he made it in to the kitchen and was listening to Radio 4 whilst making his tea. Stewart just repeated 'Radio 4, Radio 4' in low, soft tones so it sounded just like a Radio 4 DJ. We all laughed all the way through, until some shocked giggles started the final applause as Stewart left the house... with no clothes on! (Again, don't worry, this was all mimed!) A cheeky and innocent ending for a cheeky and innocent character.

Stewart worked with a group of our students in a physical theatre workshop before the show. The resulting piece opened the night with a great response from the audience...

Vicky Edgerton, Year 10, writes... "The Nothing Show can be summed up in one word, amazing. No verbal conversation, no props, and no sets yet still brilliant. The overall show was very entertaining, with no chance to be bored or without a grin on your face. Just as you think things are going to calm down something happens to shock you and make you laugh all over again.

The show was split into two parts. There was the student part and Stewart Wright’s part. The student part was easy to follow and always different, coming up with new scenarios to make school life interesting. That was certainly entertaining as they all linked in to what was happening and the way it was all done so casually was fantastic! Stewart Wright was a wonder to watch, with the repetitive waking up routine. Though you knew what was happening and had seen it before, there were small new things that happened, always holding your attention. It was absolute genius. I cannot find fault with this performance as I really enjoyed it, as did my sisters. Never before have I seen that kind of show and I didn’t know what to expect but I was very pleasantly surprised and would recommend if the chance ever arose, take it and see this show"

News from Marie-Lou

MJUK present CARMEN by Bizet

A sumptuous and daring production of Carmen with performances by some of Gloucestershire's finest opera talent. Directed by international opera singer Maria Jagusz and choreographed by established dance artist Marie-Louise Flexen, this production promises to awaken new audiences to the magic of this timeless classic.

8th - 12th February at The Playhouse Theatre, Cheltenham. All shows start at 7.30pm and tickets start at £13.50. Call 01242 522852 for more information.

The Nothing Show

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. The treats don't end in December though... roll on January 21st...!

Stewart Wright (Bridget Jones' Diary, Doc Martin) will spend the afternoon working with a group of Bradon Forest students to create their own piece of physical theatre in the style of The Nothing Show.

Always engaging and by turns hilarious, whimsical and shocking. The Nothing Show is a tour de force of contemporary clowning. Dedicated to the contemplation and celebration of everyday life, this show is for anyone who would prefer to stay in bed, thinks call centres are the devil’s work and finds the daily rush to beat the clock a complete turn-off.

The two pieces will then be intertwined and performed for your entertainment that same evening!

With The Nothing Show Stewart Wright and Craig Edwards have created a vivid and rich world of possibilities through nothing more than the performer’s skill and the audience’s imagination. The clown – our hero – is on an adventure to escape the hamster wheel of routine daily life and discover a brave new world.

This is an exciting opportunity for our students to work with and perform alongside a contemporary professional actor, using more traditional physical theatre performance skills and techniques. The final collaborative performance will be a one off experience for both actors and audience members!

Stewart Wright first came to the Bradon Forest Theatre in May 2008, when he performed The Nothing Show as a work in progress. We are very excited to welcome him back for this unique performance. Back in 2008 our GCSE students came up with a piece in response to The Nothing Show, based on a scene from Dario Fo's 'Archangels Don't Play Pinball'.

It will be very interesting to see what happens when performer and students are on stage at the same time!

The Nothing Show
Friday 21st January 2011
7.30pm
Tickets: £5 students, £6 adults

Rounding off the Christmas Season

Thank you to all of you who came and supported our Christmas season in the theatre. The Miracle Well was a great success and stupendous achievement for all involved. You'll be pleased to hear that you won't have to wait long until the next innovative piece of student drama! Stewart Wright will be joining us on Friday 21st January with the return of The Nothing Show. Stewart first performed this 'work in progress' back in May 2008, and we loved it! He'll be back running a workshop during the day with a group of students to develop a brand new piece of physical theatre. He will then tie in with his piece for the evening performance! Not to be missed!

This weeks Christmas concerts also went down a treat. The carol service at St Mary's Church was a lovely, heart-warming affair, followed by the school concert in the theatre. It was great to see so many students taking part - despite sickness trickling through the troops! There was a wide variety of ensemble, solo and group performances, including some choir and orchestra pieces conducted by the students themselves. Well done to all involved... and bring on the Spring concert!

We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. There are still plenty of bookings for this season, so we'll see you in 2011!

Sing in your Christmas Cheer!

The Bradon Forest Music Department are proud to present their contrasting Christmas concerts to suit every taste! Tonight we have our traditional Christmas Carol service in St Mary's Church, Purton, starting at 7pm for approximately 1 hour. The service will include readings and choir pieces as well as carols for you all to join in on.

Tomorrow night we have the school concert in the theatre, starting at 7.30pm. There will be festive refreshments served before the performance and during the interval... so bring your change!

Enjoy a wide variety of Christmassy treats performed by the choir and glee club, the orchestras, soloists, rock school band and ensembles! The concert starts at 7.30pm and should be finished vy 9.15pm.

Not only will you have the usual high standard of musical delights in, but the Music Department are plotting with some of the other staff at Bradon Forest to give you a special treat!

Remember to wrap up warm for the Church Carol service - it's cold out there! Brrr...

Circomedia: A Night You Won’t Forget

It’s that time of year again- the skies are turning grey, the wind is getting chilly and there’s only a few weeks left until Christmas… So how about treating yourself to something special this December?
On Saturday the 18th of December, Circomedia- Bristol’s very own world-class circus and theatre school- is offering friends and supporters the opportunity to book tickets for an exclusive cabaret evening.

Starting from 7pm in the atmospheric St Paul’s Church, we invite you to enjoy an alternative Christmas event in the company of the best circus and physical theatre performers in the country. With a mouth watering fork buffet provided by local Zest Food, stunning circus displays in our cabaret show, beautiful decorations and musical entertainment the night is guaranteed to be unforgettable!

You can book a seat or table at a cost of £47 per person. Tables seat ten and are arranged facing the performance area in a cabaret club style- perfect for viewing both the ground based performers and spectacular aerialists. You will also be entertained by your host for the evening, a rather special compere with some unique tricks up his sleeve. Following food and performances our DJ and dancing is sure to keep you entertained until the bar shuts at 12.30am.

St Paul’s Church is an intimate and enchanting venue. Our bar serves beers and ales from local companies Bath Ales and Bristol Beer Factory while the wines are selected by Corks of Cotham. Our experienced Front of House team will ensure your evening of sumptuous food, entertainment and dancing goes smoothly and that you experience a night you won’t forget…

Tickets are limited and selling fast. To book or for further information please contact Ali on 0117 924 7615 or email ali@circomedia.com

Guest review - The Miracle Well

"Wow… Guess that’s just about all I can say. It was acted out brilliantly and there was always something happening. Polly's life certainly seemed to be exciting as she was travelling between the two worlds and having to save them both and when The Mad were around I couldn’t help but see resemblance from how they are, and how some of my friends are.

The audience where involved with it all the way through, Mary Theresa was talking to the audience and we were handed leaflets inviting us to attend an election. There wasn’t a chance to get bored during this performance!

Having not watched Mary Theresa’s Cupboard I was worried I wouldn’t understand The Miracle Well but it explained all I needed to know. This was interesting as it could make it a separate performance, that doesn’t need Mary Theresa’s Cupboard before it. It was appreciated that all was explained though.

I have only one nitpick… the sound effects and background music were very loud and occasionally you couldn’t hear the conversations on stage. You heard a few words every now and again but nothing more. But other than that it was amazing and I would definitely recommend others go and see it."

- Vicky Edgerton

You still have two more opportunities to catch this great show! We have a few tickets left for tonight and tomorrow. Show starts at 7.30pm and runs until approximately 9pm including an interval. Refreshments available.

It's December 1st... what does that mean?

It's the first day of your advent calendars... the first day it's acceptable to put up your Christmas decorations... the start of the party season.... and... the opening night for The Miracle Well! Here's a few preview photos, but make sure you come and get your tickets. The weather looks to be holding off for us and we're selling out fast... so don't delay, reserve yours today! Ho ho ho :o)

Wednesday 1st - Friday 3rd December

7.30pm

Approx finish time: 9pm

Christmassy interval refreshments available from the PTA. Tickets are £3 for students, £4 for adults and don't forget your exclusive Facebook discount!