Issue EightSpring/Summer 2011

Friends of the Belgrade Theatre benefi t from receiving 20% off individual tickets.See back page for season diary.

Set during the dark and dangerous build-up to the Second World War, Goodnight Mister Tom follows the sad William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and builds a remarkable and moving friendship with the elderly recluse Tom Oakley. All seems perfect until William is devastatingly summoned by his mother back to London. A tale of two broken souls at very different ends of the age scale, Goodnight Mister Tom celebrates the value of love and proves that friendship knows no barriers.

Goodnight Mister Tom was written by Michelle Magorian and fi rst published in the UK in 1981. It is an enduring classic for both children and adults alike and has sold in excess of 1.2 million copies in the

UK alone. As well as being a world-wide favourite, the BAFTA award-winning TVfi lm of the book starring John Thawattracted 14 million viewers making it one of the best loved stories of its generation. The book has won many awards including The Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize in 1981, was commended

for the Carnegie Medal and in 2005 was voted amongst the top 100 books in the BBC’s Big Read.

This brand new adaptation for the stagecomes courtesy of David Wood, the UK’s“National Children’s Dramatist” (The Times).Oliver Ford Davies plays the title role of Tom Oakley.

1) Stages through the Ages Workshop*Date: Tuesday 10th May Time: 4.30pm – 6.30pmMeeting Place: Box Offi ce

Take part in our educational workshop exploring the history of theatre in Coventry including The Mysteries, the Godiva Procession, Theatre in Education, Carnival, and the Belgrade Theatre and its current vision. You arewelcome to bring a guest along to thisevent – it might be of interest to youngpeople who are passionate about theatre. *This workshop lasts 2 hours

2) Workshop Visit Date: Friday 3rd June Time: 10.15amMeeting Place: Box Offi ce

Visit our set making and wardrobe workshops for an exclusive look at the work that goes on behind the scenes. The Belgrade Theatre will be putting on a minibus from the theatre to our workshops for all attendees.

3) Backstage TourDate: Monday 13th June Time: 10.30amMeeting Place: Box Offi ce

Ever wanted to see what’s behind the scenes at the Belgrade Theatre? Come on our backstage tour exclusively for Friends of the Belgrade Theatre.

Exclusive Friends of the Belgrade Theatre Events

Goodnight Mister Tom

To book a place for any of these events please contact Box Offi ce on 024 7655 3055 or email friends@belgrade.co.uk

for the Carnegie Medal and in 2005 was

Alice NicholasDrama Worker (Acting Out) What is your role at the Belgrade Theatre?I am the Drama Worker for the Community & Education Company’s Acting Out project which is a work related learning programme working with young people aged 14 to 16yrs old who have been referred on to us by their school. The programme delivers a BTEC Level 2 Performing Arts qualifi cation over two years.

Within my role at the theatre I also run one of the youth theatre groups that we deliver. Our youth theatre programme works with young people aged 8 to 25 years old and is run at the theatre itself but also in several outreach venues across the city.

How long have you worked here?I have been in post for six months.

How did you get into your job?I studied Applied Theatre and Education for my degree and on graduation started working in a variety of different contexts delivering drama workshops/projects with community groups and young people. I then began teaching performing arts and community theatre in a higher education college. However, I was looking for a more specifi c role within a theatre arts organisation and when this job came up at the Belgrade it was really suited to my skills and experience.

What are the most exciting and challenging parts of your job?I get to work with young people who are ‘disadvantaged’ and often ‘under achieving’ in other aspects of their life or schooling. I get to watch them grow and achieve through the projects that I do with them which is probably the most rewarding element of my job. I also get to work with other very creative and inspiring practitioners and artists whom I learn a lot from and whom hopefully also learn a lot from me.

The most challenging things about the job I do are dealing with the physical and emotional demands that the role requires. Due to the nature of the young people that I work with it’s not only

about developing their arts based skills but developing their personal and social skills which can at times be very demanding. Lots of deadlines and a busy schedule also create theirown pressures and challengesbut these are welcomed as I personally enjoy having abusy, ever changing and slightly pressured working schedule.

Have you ever experienced any real disasters? No, I can’t say that I have.

What are your favourite shows that you have seen at the Belgrade Theatre?My favourite shows so far are We Love You City and all the moves. We Love You City was about Coventry FC’s victory in the 1987 FA Cup Final and it created a real sense of atmosphere and was enjoyed and appreciated by a very diverse audience. all the moves was the fi rst Community & Education Young Company show and again examined the lives of people living in Coventry (this time young people). It was a powerful piece which challenged members of the C&E youth theatre into becoming professional actors; a challenge which they rose to with great success.

What shows are you most looking forward to seeing in the new season?I am most looking forward to watching The Usual Auntijies, Goodnight Mr Tom and of course the Acting Out year 11 show baitbook. They all look like great shows!

Can you tell us something we might not expect about your job?I am fortunate enough to be able to get involved in as many aspects of the creative process as possible for example; facilitating, marking, planning, writing, directing and acting.

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Meet the TeamBehind the scenes of the Acting Out project

From Sat 2 to Sat 23 April the Belgrade will be staging a brand-new version of Anton Chekhov’s comic masterpiece, Uncle Vanya.

Seamlessly combining tragedy, regret, romance and comedy, the classic story of Uncle Vanya exposes the trail of destruction left when a renowned professor and his beautiful young wife return to their remote country estate and turn the humdrum lives of everyone around them upside down for ever.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets and a meal for two in our Signatures Restaurant just answer the following question:

Who wrote Uncle Vanya?

Friends Only Competition!

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry in co-production with Arcola Theatre present

By Anton Chekhov. In a new version by Helena Kaut-Howson and Jon Strickland

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Connor LomasAge: 16

What role do you play in baitbook? I play a popular boy called Micky. He is a little geeky rich kid with his eye on one of the other geeks.

What do you enjoy most about attending the Acting Out programme? The best thing about Acting Out is that I get to see my friends. I also enjoy acting and working as part of a team.

In what ways has Acting Out helped you either personally or within your education? The Acting Out programme has helped me to be more confi dent and less shy.

Katie Howes Age: 15

What role do you play in baitbook? I play the cool head girl who everybody in the school admires and aspires to be like.

What do you enjoy most about attending the Acting Out programme? I enjoy the fact that everybody works together. The practical work is my favourite part.

In what ways has Acting Out helped you either personally or within your education? I have become a much more confi dent person since attending Acting Out. The programme has also helped me to get into college because it made me feel confi dent enough to apply and do my audition and talk to the tutors.

What are your plans for further education/work after fi nishing the Acting Out programme and school? I hope to eventually attend university after college and continue working in the performing arts.

Shaun KeaneAge: 16

What role do you play in baitbook?

I play a geek who is obsessed with the more popular people at school.

What do you enjoy most about attending the Acting Out programme? I enjoy being able to take a day out of school to do something that I enjoy and that helps me to grow as a person.

In what ways has Acting Out helped you either personally or within your education?The programme has helped me to get more GCSE’s than I would have if I just stayed at school. I really enjoy the Acting Out programme so I work harder whereas school is quite boring!

What are your plans for further education/work after fi nishing the Acting Out programme and school? Hopefully I will be going to do performing arts. If not then I’m not sure what I will do!

Jade AlsopAge: 16

What role do you play in baitbook? I play one of the cool girls called Nevaeh and I never follow the crowd. My character is best friends with another popular girl and they fall out.

What do you enjoy most about attending the Acting Out programme? I enjoy being able to put ideas into actual scenes, devising our ideas and working with people within the theatre.

In what ways has Acting Out helped you either personally or within your education? I have become much more confi dent within myself and I have learned how to further my skills in acting. The programme has also helped me to decide what I want to do in the future.

What are your plans for further education/work after fi nishing the Acting Out programme and school? I have recently been accepted into City College Coventry on an acting course and I hope to attend a performing arts school after that.

The Acting Out project is a work related learning programme working with young people aged 14 to 16 years old who have been referred to us by their school. The programme delivers a BTEC Level 2 Performing Arts qualifi cation over two years.

The participants meet one day a week and work towards devising and staging a show at the end of the course. This year the show is called

baitbook and it will be playing in the in the B2 auditorium on 28 and 30 April.

This brand new play explores the hidden lives of young people trapped inside a virtual online world. This is a place where strangers can become friends and where friendships are tested to the limits.

Allow us to introduce you to some of the participants currently taking part in the Acting Out programme!

Send your answer to friends@belgrade.co.uk by Friday 15 April to be in with a chance of winning!

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a t t h e B e l g r a d e

C a f é B a r & R e s t a u r a n t

BOOK NOW 024 7655 3055 or in person at the Box Offi ce

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Shows Dates Overview

Uncle Vanya Sat 2 – Sat 23 April This brand new production by the Belgrade Theatre and Arcola Theatre offers a fresh approach to Chekhov’s masterpiece – a tragicomic poignant story of disillusionment and misplaced love.

Goodnight Mister Tom Tues 12 – Sat 16 AprilThis production marks the 30th Anniversary of the heart warming and inspiring Goodnight Mister Tom.

Acker Bilk and His Paramount Jazz Band

Mon 18 April Don’t miss this opportunity to see a true British Jazz legend.

Boot-Led Zeppelin Tues 19 April Boot-Led Zeppelin offers the defi nitive tribute to one of the world’s most legendary rock bands.

High School Rocks Weds 20 AprilA high energy, foot stomping interactive performance featuring the hits from High School Musical 1, 2 & 3, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock and Glee!

Super Trouper Thurs 21 April Revive special memories of when ABBA ruled the airwaves. Dig out those platforms, dust down those fl ares and thank ABBA for the music.

The Offi cial Jake & Elwood Blues

Sat 23 April With the driving beat of the fabulous Black Rhino Band, Jake and Elwood continue to deliver electrifying live performances.

Fame – The Musical Thurs 5 – Sat 7 MayYOG is proud to present this stage musical based on the 1980 musical fi lm FAME.

Shaolin Warriors – Legendary Masters of Kung-Fu

Mon 9 MayThis breathtaking theatrical show vividly depicts the rarely seen Kung Fu master’s feat of agility, strength and skill.

Dolce Via Thurs 5 – Sat 7 May Inspired by Fellini’s fi lm La Strada, this is a story of love and loss, set in the world of music hall and variety.

Scottish Dance Theatre – Letters From America

Fri 13 & Sat 14 MayCelebrating its 25th anniversary, Scotland’s national contemporary dance company returns to the Belgrade with two brand new shows.

Essence of Ireland Tues 10 & Weds 11 May The critically acclaimed Essence of Ireland is a breathtaking show and it’s taking theatres by storm.

The Searchers Tues 31 MayThis entertaining concert includes all of their famous hits, plus many of their original album recordings, B-sides and a selection of well known favourites.

Shaun’s Big Show Thurs 2 – Sat 4 JuneA magical, fully choreographed music and dance extravaganza featuring all your favorite characters from the hit BBC show, Shaun the Sheep.

The Jungle Book Tues 14 – Sat 18 JuneThe Birmingham Stage Company is proud to present Rudyard Kipling’s classic story about Mowgli, a young boy who is raised in the jungle by a family of wolves.

The Physical Fellowship Mon 20 – Weds 22 JuneHighly Sprung Performance Co. invites you to join The Physical Fellowship and discover the thrills of physical theatre.

Sahara Project – Sahara Arts Mela 2011

Fri 24 JuneAn evening of entertainment packed with Bollywood and traditional folk songs, bhangra and raas garba dancing, colourful costumes and short plays.

The World’s Greatest Michael Jackson Experience

Mon 27 June – Sat 2 JulyA fi tting and explosive tribute to the undisputed ‘King of Pop’ starring Nick Hayne with his live band and incredible dancers.

Spring/Summer Diary 2011

Signatures at the BelgradeWhether you’re seeing a show or just dropping by, whether you’re arriving early orstaying late, the new Signatures at theBelgrade Café Bar and Restaurantcan offer the perfect atmosphere in which

to relax and enjoy a high-quality range of food and drink.

For more information call Signatures at the Belgrade on 024 7684 6762 or go online at www.belgrade.co.uk

a t t h e B e l g r a d e

C a f é B a r & R e s t a u r a n t

As part of your Friends of the Belgrade Membership, you are entitled to 20% off the following shows. * Discount is valid on 1 ticket if you have a Single Membership and 2 tickets if you have a Joint Membership.