Tag Archives: Children

Play Up, Malory Towers!

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As the first ever stage production of Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers embarks on a national tour, Director Emma Rice tells Vicky Edwards why these classic stories are an enduring delight…

I’ve always thought optimism a lovely trait. Not only do the ‘glass half full’ brigade seem better equipped to withstand life’s slings and arrows, but their sanguinity is also marvellously contagious; even die-hard Eeyores struggle to maintain despondency when in the company of a fully-buoyant bright-sider. In literature, Malory Towers is the epitome of optimism. Nobody better, therefore, to adapt the original work and direct it than Wise Children’s super-sunny Emma Rice.

Co-produced with York Theatre Royal in association with Bristol Old Vic, and officially licensed by Enid Blyton Entertainment, a division of Hachette Children’s Group (HCG), Malory Towers is the original post war ‘Girl Power’ story. The high jinks of pupils at the Cornish boarding school have thrilled readers ever since the first story was published in 1946 – didn’t we all yearn to join in the midnight feasts and yell ‘Play Up, Malory Towers!’ at nail-biting lacrosse matches? The books remain hugely popular, with new generations devouring them and dreaming of being sent away to boarding school with an overflowing tuck box.

 

Emma Rice credit Steve Tanner

“But there is plenty for boys too,” urges Emma, in exuberant form after a productive week of rehearsals. “The only thing that would disappoint me would be if people didn’t bring their boys,” she added, promising a show that delivers plenty of thrills and spills.

“The animation is fantastic – we see the train arriving at the Cornish coast – and then there is a real cliff hanger just before the interval. We have just been rehearsing that bit today and it’s like Ben Hur!”

Described as ‘nostalgic, naughty and perfect for now,’ what initially appealed to Emma about the project?

“The Malory Towers books are great stories filled with great characters who don’t seem to age at all. It is very hopeful and I think that is right for now. I call it my happy Lord of the Flies: when left to their own devices, a group of girls decide to be the best version of themselves they possibly can be. They want to change the world and be women the world can lean on; they want to resolve conflict. They never talk about boys and they aren’t boring!”

Interestingly, Emma is a relatively new convert to Blyton’s best-loved school stories.

“I’ve worked with David [producer David Pugh] many times. He has great taste and he knows me so well, damn him!”
Laughing, she recalled how David piqued her interest by wooing her with a vintage set of the books, beautifully wrapped in brown paper.

“As soon as I read the first one I just knew they would make a great piece of theatre. They’re such page turners, the characters are so well observed and the powerful feminine voice comes through with such positivity.”

Anyone familiar with Emma’s work will know that music is an integral part of her productions.

“There is always lots of music with me,” she agreed cheerfully, “but I wanted the music in Malory Towers to be virtuosic; simple, but showing how rich the world is. There are some new compositions by Ian Ross and it’s a real musical feast,” she teased; “and it has got fantastic dancing, too. The choreography is incredible. I wanted my Malory Towers to be like Busby Berkeley, but in an earthy, feminist way!”

If the music is a feast then the actors Emma has assembled are a veritable banquet (‘simply top hole,’ as Darrell and her chums might say), and, refreshingly, it was achieved through a ‘character-over-looks’ approach to casting.

“For me, casting is always about getting the right personalities and the people who absolutely capture the spirit of the characters.” As proud as a Head Teacher with an intake of straight ‘A’ students, she adds: “My company comprises a range of actors with different backgrounds.

Gymslip clad, Emma’s performers will transport audiences to 1950s Cornwall where Darrell Rivers is embarking on her Malory Towers adventure. Bright, loyal and big-hearted, her fast and fiery temper is something she must learn to master. And, while she’s about it, can she save the school play and rescue terrified Mary Lou from the grip of a raging storm? Crikey!

But amid all the drama and japes runs Emma’s affection and regard for the generation of women who taught in schools in the wake of warfare.

“With lives shaped by the savagery of two wars, they devoted themselves to the education and nurture of other women. My Malory Towers is for them, and also for the two generations of men that died in those same wars, leaving us with the freedom to lead meaningful, safe and empowered lives. And it is for Clement Attlee and his Labour government of 1945 who looked into the face of evil and chose to do what was right. These people changed the political landscape in their focus on care, compassion and the common good. Malory Towers was written at the heart of this political revolution, and embodies a kindness, hope and love of life that knocks my socks off.”

Something else Emma is passionate about is the work of her company, Wise Children.

“We want to make fantastic world class ensemble theatre based on storytelling techniques that I have developed over my career, and at the same time teach the next generation of creative theatre makers. And we want to create access for people who might not be able to access theatre training,” she told me, explaining that there are free places given to those for whom such aspirations would otherwise be impossible.

Vowing to raid my daughter’s bookshelf and get reacquainted with Blyton’s finest work, on my way home I imagined what Miss Grayling’s comment on Emma’s end of term report might have been:

‘A splendid Head Girl who can surely be depended upon to lead Malory Towers to victory. Jolly good show, Emma!’

©Vicky Edwards

Interior Design Ideas For When You Have Children

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home , improvement, decor
Cleaning, decluttering, interior design. We have become obsessed with our homes. In an uncertain world the one thing it seems we have control of is our own environment. From Marie Kondo to Mrs Hinch, interior design and home improvements have become trendy. This is all well and good but if you have children it can be hard to have your home the way you want it and keep it that way.  So here are some things I try to do to keep my home a beautiful place to live.
Rotate their toys.
My children have an insane amount of toys. Toys from grandparents, their cousins old toys, toys mummy gets sent because she is an editor of a magazine. I find having boxes around and then rotating which boxes are out helps. This way they can get variety and do not use the same toys all of the time, and their other toys are tidied away where they are supposed to go. If they want the other toys, they tidy the ones they are playing with away.
Get them involved. 
Our son will tidy if asked and already helps with some chores. Children tend to love helping out with chores. Even when they are young. It has novelty factor and makes them feel grown up.
Implement some rules. 
Children learn habits and rules early on. If you install rules early it will be easier to make children keep them. Make sure they learn how to tidy up after themselves. Tell them off if they try to colour in the walls. Show them where to put their shoes and coat. Even little things make a difference.
Make sure they are safe. 
Children have a habit of getting into trouble. Have child locks on cupboard doors and drawers. Have cushioned door stoppers on all of the doors to protect little fingers. It is also important to have toughened glass in any areas that need it. Tuffx Glass is one of the leading manufacturers of toughened glass in the UK, and provide commercial and non-commercial products. One of their biggest recent works includes providing toughened glass for The Shard in London. It will look amazing while keeping your little one safe.
Don’t compromise on style. 
While some things should not be around children: anything spiky or any chocking hazards, there are a lot of stylish things you can have despite having children. You can even buy them little stools and their own furniture. A great thing to have a lot of is cushions. Make them bold and beautiful and when they are placed around the floor to stop banged heads the room will still look great.
Sponsored Post in Collaboration with Tuffx Glass.  

Splurging in Southsea

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Actor and director Carl Sanderson is spending the Easter holidays splurging. On an epic scale. Directing a brand new production of Bugsy Malone at the Kings Theatre, Southsea, his cast is drawn from no less than 23 local schools. Vicky Edwards snuck backstage to chat to him and to ask if directing such a big show was on par with herding squirrels…

“So far directing the show has been an absolute dream. The cast are so committed and although we are having great fun in the rehearsal room they know there is a lot of work to do in a relatively short rehearsal period so they are being incredibly professional and sensitive to this. “We have some fabulous characters who are bringing so much to the table,” says Carl, who says that he especially enjoys the collaborative aspect of directing large-scale productions.

“I love directing shows on this sort of scale as apart from the work created by the actors, the choreographer and the musical director in the rehearsal room, it is very much a collaboration between all departments at the theatre; stage management, wardrobe, administration staff and producer – everyone. Oh, and a special mention to our fabulous chaperones who do an amazing job looking after the actors. And to my incredible assistant Charlotte!”

As for the show itself, Carl is clear about what makes Bugsy Malone such a great show for children to participate in.

 

“Bugsy is such a great show for children as they get to kind of pastiche adults which is incredibly funny without them having to do much! Also there is the small matter of SPLURGE GUNS which as you can imagine they absolutely love! I mean, what kid doesn’t like getting messy?”

Explaining that as a child he relished every opportunity to be involved in performing, one of his first roles was in the very show he is currently at the helm of.

“One of my first parts was The Great Marbini in Bugsy Malone at school! I was heavily involved in local amateur theatre as a youngster and at the age of 15 became a member of the National Youth Theatre and spent my summers in London performing in various shows.

Going on to build a successful career that spans 20 years, has worked on numerous productions in the West End and at some of the country’s most prestigious theatres, as well as on TV and in films including That Day We Sang and The Dresser. Juggling his acting career with teaching, he has taught in many theatre schools specialising in acting through song and musical theatre stylistic studies and is a passionate supporter of the Arts being taught in all schools.

“Many of the kids in our show may never decide to take up performing as a career in the future, although they are all incredibly talented. But being part of a project like this does so much for their confidence and personal development. This is why I think the Arts in general are so important in schools and that there gradual disappearance from school curriculum is a crying shame!” he laments, echoing the cry of many teachers and parents throughout the land.

As for Bugsy Malone, which is set in 1929, audiences can expect to be taken on a thrilling pedal car ride through the splurge soaked backstreets of New York City. Delving into the underground world of would-be hoodlums, glamorous showgirls and hapless gangsters, Bugsy is a part time boxing promoter, down on his luck and striving for a better life. He meets Blousey Brown, an aspiring singer, and together they enter this fast paced, exciting and hilarious story of Fat Sam, Dandy Dan, Tallulah and a whole host of other weird and wonderful characters.

“Alan Parker’s film is nothing short of genius and was originally created from an idea thought up by his eldest son. The later stage adaptation was published after so many requests from schools and youth theatres to perform his iconic tale. Equally wonderful is Paul Williams unforgettable score and lyrics,” says Carl, adding:

“Although this production is firmly rooted in a time of American prohibition I hope we have managed to inject some contemporary elements that will make this fabulous pint sized roller coaster ride of a story relevant for today.”

So if you’re looking for family fun in this neck of the woods this Easter holiday Bugsy Malone could be just the ticket?

“You’ll have a wonderful evening in a beautiful theatre and I sincerely hope you don’t get splurged!” he says with a broad grin.

Bugsy Malone is at The Kings Theatre, Southsea, from 17-20 April 2019.
www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk

About the show

Kings Theatre Portsmouth are proud to present a brand-new production of the landmark musical Bugsy Malone from 17-20 April 2019.

The classic tale takes us into the world of street-tough boxing promoter Bugsy – a world run by kids, where cars are peddle-driven and tommy guns ‘splurge’ custard.

We follow Bugsy’s star-crossed love with singer Blousey Brown (over the attentions of her glamorous rival Tallulah), and his pivotal role in the struggle between the rival mob factions of Fat Sam and Dandy Dan.

Bugsy Malone will be performed by a cast entirely made up of children from twenty-three schools across Portsmouth.

The show will be directed by Carl Sanderson, whose previous credits include West End Productions and National Tours of The Phantom of the Opera Cats, Hairspray and Sunset Boulevard.

Choreographer Jacqueline Willis has worked on major productions around the country including Kings Theatre Portsmouth stagings of 9 to 5, Grease, Annie and The Wizard of Oz and Andrew Woodford is Musical Director, with previous credits including Oliver!, Cinderella, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Oklahoma!.

Bugsy Malone will be co-produced by Jack Edwards. As a performer Jack has acted in the West End and on national tours in productions such as Guys and Dolls, Mack and Mabel, The Rocky Horror Show and Oliver! and in recent years has gained a cult fan base in his home city of Portsmouth for his uproarious performances in the Kings Theatre’s much loved Pantos (even becoming something of a viral sensation for his role as the Dame in Cinderella).

In producing Bugsy, Jack will also be assuming the role of creative director of The Kings Theatre Portsmouth, where he will contribute to programming, as well as commissioning, producing and directing future Kings Theatre Productions.

We Have To Stop Telling Parents To Enjoy Every Moment

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parenting I am over thirteen months into being a mother of two and there are no words for how hard it is. Since using words is my entire job description that is serious indeed. In those thirteen months I have not had one good nights sleep and my bones feel like they are eighty. Yet I am constantly told by people to ‘enjoy every moment’. As if I am some kind of monster if every moment with my children is not complete joy. Now I love my children more than anything else in this world, (Well, tied with my husband), but pretending parenting is nothing but sweetness and light does no one any favours.

At the moment my daughter is making it hard to write this post because she is doing an adorable peek a boo game and smiling at me, but earlier today she screamed for hours and I could do nothing to comfort her. She is teething and it is one of the hardest things ever. In truth, an unbelievable amount of pressure is put on parents, and on mothers in particular. The standard to be a good mother is one so high you would need a seat on a spacecraft just to reach it. So I write this piece in defiance of the standards that are impossible high, and for all of the people who tell me to ‘just enjoy it’ when I am having a bad day. I mean, when they are doing something they hate, going to the dentist for example, do I tell them to enjoy it because life is short? No, I don’t. Telling sleep-deprived, exhausted parents that they are lucky and to just be happy does no one any favours. Especially as some of them might have post-natal depression. Putting pressure on people to be happy, instead of acknowledging how hard parenting is, just creates unhappiness and pressure for people who are already under a huge amount of pressure.

To be fair I do remind myself that my childrens littleness will go in a flash and I should enjoy it as much as I can. But I am a human being for FFS. Not a robot that can take every crappy moment with a smile. I do not enjoy it when my children are in pain and I cannot comfort them. I do not enjoy the endless sleepless nights and the SAS-like torture of it. I do to like it when my children squabble. I also do not love wiping bottoms, cleaning, tidying or all of the accidental head-butts and scratches. Nor do I enjoy dealing with tantrums, or even a myriad of other domestic crap. And that is okay. It really is.

The Life of Riley

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Frost loves a pantomime (oh yes we do!) and so does Riley Clark, who returns to Bognor Regis this Christmas to slap his thigh in Cinderella as Dandini. We nipped off to the seaside for a cuppa and a chat with him.

Credit:youreventphotography.uk

Q: Cinderella is widely regarded as the best-loved panto of all time. Why do you think this is?
A: Because it is such a classic. It is funny and emotional, with a couple of nasty bits thrown in by those ugly sisters, and of course it is magical.

Q: What makes The Alexandra Theatre in Bognor Regis such a great venue for Panto?
A: It is big enough that you experience lots of audience participation and atmosphere, but small enough to still feel intimate. It is shaped perfectly that you will never miss a gag. But I think my favourite part about working there has to the staff. Everyone who works there is so friendly and helpful that you are sure to have a good experience from the moment you walk through the doors.

Q: As well as several other pantomimes over the years, you starred as the baddie in Beauty and the Beast in Bognor two years ago. We’re guessing that you love panto?
A: I love doing Panto because it’s the one time of year where both actors and audience can come together and be silly while telling a great story and feeling all Christmassy at the same time.

Q: How did you get into acting?
A: After seeing a panto at the age of 8 (I was in my first show aged 9!). I was in awe of the actors onstage, and how they got to tell a story and bring laughter and joy to all of these families – everyone had a couple of hours of pure enjoyment. I decided a couple of years later that I wanted to pursue acting as a career and here I am today. I also perform my own Swing and Rat Pack act.

What is your Christmas wish?
A: that everyone comes to see the show! I know for a fact it’s going to be a great one, and if you’re lucky you may get to see the mice do a little song as well! I wish all Frost readers a very Merry Christmas.

Q: When is it on and how can we book tickets?
A: Cinderella runs from 12 December 2018 – 2 January 2019. Box office on 01243 861010; www.regiscentre.co.uk

FASCINATING PANTO PEARLS

• The word pantomime comes from the Greek words ‘pan’ meaning all, and ‘mimos’ meaning imitator.

• Travelling entertainment in Italy and France, the traditions of the Italian Commedia dell’ Arte were also influences on modern panto, as were British Music Hall and of course traditional fairy stories.

• Cinderella, originally written by Charles Perrault in 1697, was based on a folk story. The slipper was probably made of squirrel fur, but the change to glass came about as a result of a translation mix up: the French word for glass is ‘verre’ and white squirrel fur is ‘vair’. But it was a change for the better. Cinders wearing footwear fashioned from a dead rodent isn’t really in keeping with the romance of the story!

• Fairy Dust was a hurried addition to the original story of Peter Pan. Originally Peter and the Lost Boys could fly independently, but after reports of children injuring themselves as they tried to fly from their beds JM Barrie added Fairy Dust as a requirement for taking flight.

Review: The Midnight Gang, Chichester Festival Theatre

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The Midnight Gang, Chichester Festival Theatre
Until 3 November. Box Office: 01243 781312 www.cft.org.uk

Never knowingly understated, David Walliams took his seat to loud applause from the audience on press night. By the curtain call, when he praised the cast and creative team behind the adaptation of his book, the cheers practically took the roof off. Quite right too. His story didn’t just jump from page to stage, it took flight – literally.

Set in Lord Funt Hospital, Matron rules the children’s ward with a rod of iron. A rod of iron dipped in cement and covered in titanium. Looking like Doris Day but without a glimmer of sunshine in her soul, her young patients know the risk they are running in escaping her clutches to indulge in secret midnight antics.

Aided and abetted by the hospital’s porter, superbly played by Dickon Gough (was it just my imagination or were there shades of Walliams in there?), the poorly children live out their wildest fantasies, reminding us that when something we yearn for is out of reach, dreams can be the next best thing.

The children are fabulous. We saw Cody Molko as Tom, Jasmine Sakyiama as Amber, Rafi Essex as George, Felix Warren as Robin and Cerys Hill as Sally, but I gather that their opposite numbers (Tumo Reetsang, Albi Stisted, Cooper Snow, Fibian McKenzie and Anjali Shah) are every bit as talented.

Jenny Dale is a glorious gorgon as Matron. With the bedside manner of Nurse Ratched, her swooning over Tom’s headmaster (Tim Mahendran) during The Punishment Will be Severe is one of many highlights.

With lovely performances also from Lucy Vandi, Matthew Cavendish and Marilyn Cutts, lots of doubling up means that the cast appears bigger than the reality. Collectively they manage quick changes – of costume and character – with impressive and seamless speed.

Simon Higlet’s ingenious set is a joy, full of surprises and magical elements. Music by Joe Stilgoe provides agreeable accompaniment, but it is words rather than music that are his greater accomplishment. Astute, witty and dexterous, notably in So Many Questions which sees a beleaguered doctor trying to fill out an admission form, his sparkling lyrics are marvellous.

Tender, funny and thrilling, Bryony Lavery’s adaptation retains all the heart and humour of Williams’ book and sprinkles precisely the right amount of theatrical magic into the story.

Director Dale Rooks is to be congratulated. A stunning show for all the family, The Midnight Gang is an absolute tonic. I urge you to get dosed up.

From a child’s perspective – Lily B (14) says:

The Midnight Gang is an action-packed story with memorable characters. Comedic, cheering and cleverly staged, especially with the flight of a naked grandma, Matron was my favourite. Child-hating, chocolate loving and power crazed, she was the perfect love-to-hate character. A great show for children and their families, I especially liked the messages to let your imagination run free and to be kind to each other. Definitely five stars!

Frost Loves Fulton’s Funbrella collection

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funbrella fulton

Frost loves Fulton’s funbrellas. This Guard one is just gorgeous and any child will love it. They are safe for little hands and are also clear so the child is always visible. Clever and gorgeous. 

As summer draws to a close, and the new school year approaches ensure you little ones are prepared for the unpredictable British weather with a ‘funbrella’ from Royal Warranted Fulton Umbrellas.

Designed specifically for kids, Fulton’s ‘funbrella’ uses patented safety technology to ensure that small hands are protected when opening and closing the umbrella. Mirroring Fulton’s classic Birdcage style, the ‘funbrella’ provides full coverage over small heads and shoulders and the clear dome canopy allows superior visibility for a safer trip to school. So whether its florals, soldiers, trucks or a classic colour band, the Funbrella has your child covered this school year.

Founded in 1956 by Arnold Fulton, Fulton Umbrellas is renowned for being the leading umbrella manufacturer in the UK. Since been given their Royal Warrant from the Queen Mother in 1993, Fulton Umbrellas have been supplying The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family with their trustworthy umbrellas in not so trustworthy British weather!

 

Facebook: Fulton Umbrellas

Instagram: @FultonUmbrellas

Twitter: @FultonUmbrella

 

MumsThread On Parents Taking It Easy On Themselves

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baby, shared parental leave, feminism, equality, childcare, leave, maternal, work, working mothers, lean inThis column is late. It’s late because my son was ill. But mostly, it is late because I decided to take it easy on myself. We are doing our Christmas gift lists at the moment and they are a huge amount of work. That on top of all of my other jobs and activities, along with caring for an ill child, meant I was working hard and working a lot. So I decided to be easier on myself. Not killing myself by overworking, getting a takeaway so we didn’t have to cook, or going into the playpen with the toddler so you don’t have to chase him around the home. Unless you are a surgeon, or you work in a war zone, parenting is the hardest job in the world. It is 24/7 with no sick days. But you already know that. What you might not be doing is taking it easy on yourself. So I am going to tell you of because self care is important. Be kind to yourself. That is the only way you can be the best parent to your child. Here are some tips for you to help you take it easier on yourself.

 

Prioritise.

Some things are important, and those should always be done. Others can wait. Sure the oven needs cleaned but you have been on your feet all day and it can wait a few days. Every day do what really needs done, anything else can wait.  As for cleaning, make your home as clean and tidy as you are comfortable with. Unless you really want to, don’t waste your time making your home look like a show home. Your time is limited, don’t waste it cleaning.

 

Life Hacks.

There is usually an easier way to do something. A quicker way to cook, an easier way to clean, a better way to do your work quicker. Efficiency is important when you have a child. Cook one pot meals, it cuts down on cleaning afterwards and is quicker. Always cook too much so the extra can be used for lunch or supper the next day. Do your emails on the go, or when you are out and the baby is napping in the pram. Make sure you get the other half to pull their weight. That always makes a difference.

 

Don’t care what other people think. Know that compromise is fine. 

So what if your child is not wearing matching socks, If sometimes you feed him food from a jar or that you sometimes need to put a cartoon on? The most infuriating thing when you have a child is that everyone has an opinion on how you should raise them. That’s fine. Every one is allowed an opinion, but they should have the grace to keep it to themselves. It is your child, not theirs. Good for her, not for you. People will be rude and sometimes bitch. Ignore them. They clearly don’t care about your feelings, so don’t care about theirs. I have no childcare. I work and take care of my son. I do it well and I do it efficiently. My son rarely watches cartoons during the day, it doesn’t stop people bitching the times that he does. And on the subject of cartoons: I don’t get the snobby attitude towards TV. I know for a fact that some cartoons have helped my son progress. Say this aloud: screw them and screw their opinion. For extra help read the The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k: How to stop spending time you don’t have doing things you don’t want to do with people you don’t like it is a great book for clearing your mental clutter.

 

Clear the physical clutter.

 

The thing that has made the most difference to my life is clearing out clutter. The less stuff you have, the less stuff you have to worry about. The less things to clean and the easier the surface area is to clean. It just makes sense that the less stuff you have, the less stuff you have to worry about. Personally, it has made such a difference to my stress levels and our home is looking much better.

 

Do you have any tips? Share them below.

 

 

This article was originally published in December 2016. We republished it because it was popular.