Speakeasy Theatre Company

Integrated Drama Session with Movers!

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:02:24 GMT

A fantastic opportunity for Learning Disabled Adults as well as Artists with an interest in Learning Disabled Performance to work alongside Movers, Leicester's Theatre Company for Adults with a Learning Disability, on Tuesday 7th February 3pm-5pm, at Embrace Arts, Leicester. This will be a fantastic opportunity for Learning Disabled Adults with an interest in drama to take part in a fun drama session alongside the experienced Learning Disabled performers of Movers. We are also offering places to mainstream Artists with an interest in Learning Disabled performance, helping to make this a fantastic opportunity to create drama whatever your ability or experience. There is a small fee of £5 per person to take part, and all funds raised will go towards development of a Movers performance as part of the Embrace, Create, Connect Learning Disabled Arts Conference later this year. Places are limited, so please book in advance by contacting Bob on 0116 283 6646, by emailing bob@speakeasytheatre.co.uk or via Paypal (Includes a 38p booking fee which goes directly to Paypal). To download a flyer click here.

Visitor gets great welcome at Curve

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:32:24 GMT

From the 8th to the 10th of September Speakeasy, together with their Learning Disabled Theatre Company Movers, transformed Curve's Mezzanine into a magical forest. Bird song rang throughout the building as audiences were invited to explore and interact with this unique environment, before settling down in a forest clearing to watch a performance by Movers.

This is the third venue that 'Visitor' has toured to, previously having been performed at Embrace Arts as part of the Spark festival, as well as visiting Snibston Discovery Museum in Coalville. Speakeasy's Artistic Director, Andy Reeves commented, "Each time the show has been performed there has been a really interesting mix of audiences. From family audiences, school audiences, through to day centre groups of adults with learning disabilities, as well as audiences of mainstream theatre-goers. These diverse audiences have really proved the universal appeal of Movers as a Theatre Company, and it's been really interesting witnessing each of these different groups interacting and playing with the forest environment in their own way."

The feedback from Audiences has been fantastic too, with glowing responses to the performance left on a special 'Comments Tree'. Here are just a few from the performances at Curve, Snibston Discovery Museum and Embrace Arts:

"So simple, utterly unpretentious and generous."
"A wonderful magical world full of emotion and delight"

Comments from Curve

"One of the most moving things I have ever had the privilege of watching, thank you all."
"I really loved and enjoyed it and I want to do it millions of times more."
"What a beautiful, magical world - thank you for letting me join you in it!"

Comments from Embrace Arts

"Your work was beautiful- you made me cry (happy)"
"Beautiful. I loved the opportunity for the audience to be part of the performance too. We didn’t know what to expect but enjoyed it immensely"

Comments from Snibston Discovery Park

Press Release: Something Magical is happening in Coalville...

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:50:09 GMT

Performance takes visitors on a magical journey

A fascinating interactive performance that will capture the imagination of the whole family will be on show at Snibston Discovery Museum.

‘Visitor’, an interactive performance takes the audience on a magical journey to explore a cave behind a waterfall to find a magic mirror, seek out sensory lights in a black cavern, and marvel at the amazing face-flowers before they settle in the woodland clearing to watch the forest characters come together in an enchanting performance.

Created by Movers, of Speakeasy Theatre Company, ‘Visitor’ is based on the audience’s interactions with a multi-sensory environment, and is as unique as the visitors themselves. This is a truly accessible experience suitable for children and adults of all abilities. Speakeasy will also be running interactive drama workshops that invite younger participants aged 5-12 to explore the magical experience behind the scenes with members of the cast.

This performance is perfect to keep children entertained over the summer holidays and is taking place over the following dates:

• Wednesday 3rd August
Performances at 10.30-11.30am and 1.30-2.30pm

• Thursday 4th August
Performances at 10.30-11.30am and 1.30-2.30pm.
Workshops at 11.45am-12.45pm and 2.45pm-3.45pm.

• Friday 5 August
Performances at 10.30-11.30am and 1.30-2.30pm.
Workshops at 11.45am-12.45pm and 2.45pm-3.45pm

• Saturday 6 August
Performances at 10.30-11.30am and 1.30-2.30pm.
Workshops at 11.45am-12.45pm and 2.45pm-3.45pm

Tickets for the show offer great value at just £16 for a family of four (must include one adult) or individual tickets at £5. Tickets for the workshop are priced at £2.50 or £1 when purchased with tickets for the performance.

This event is produced by Speakeasy Theatre Company which brings a wealth of experience in facilitating inclusive and immersive theatre to this unique project alongside their Learning Disabled theatre company, Movers. Snibston Discovery Museum and the Century Theatre are working in partnership with the theatre company to develop opportunities for all members of the community.

David Sprason, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Museums said: “This is a remarkable performance that is not to be missed, with audience participation and interaction this will be a great family show that will help keep children entertained over the school holidays. Look out soon for the new autumn programme at the Century Theatre that promises to be even better than the last.”

Snibston is the home of the Century Theatre which is the largest item in the Leicestershire County Council’s museum collections. Built between 1948 and 1952, it was used as a travelling theatre until 1974. Its innovative structure provides an auditorium for 200 people and a full-size stage, yet it can still be packed away into four articulated lorry trailers!

To book tickets or for details about this and other events please visit: www.centurytheatre.co.uk email centurytheatre@leics.gov.uk or call: 01530 278444.

Act Up's exciting new summer project week 25th-29th July

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:39:54 GMT

Act Up's new summer project is a little bit different from our usual play-in-a-week activities. The project is called "Shay's Quest, the Nereus Chronicles" and will involve an interactive adventure where young 'act uppers' journey with Shay from island to island, meet characters from far away lands and solve problems to help Shay get home. The project will run from the 25th to the 29th of July with a different adventure each day. The sessions will run each day that week from 10:00am till 4:00pm and on Friday 29th there will be a performance or presentation (dependant on what the participants decide to do) all about the journeys they have been on. This will begin at 3:30pm and will last approximately 45mins parents family and friends are all invited. This time the project is aimed at children aged 7 to 14 and as always the project is FREE to attend. There is no booking requirement as registration will happen on arrival so all you have to do is turn up. Participants should wear comfortable clothes they can move in and bring a packed lunch / snacks / drinks for break times. If you have any queries about the project contact us on 0116 283 6646 or click here for email contacts.

Visitor Tickets at Snibston Discovery Museum on sale now!

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:37:52 GMT

'Visitor' is a fantastic new piece of immersive theatre by Speakeasy Theatre Company featuring our Learning Disabled Company, Movers. The whole piece is completely inclusive, and is aimed at both disabled and non-disabled children and their families. The performance begins with a chance for the audience to explore the magical forest setting of 'Visitor', featuring multi-sensory pods of interactivity. Characters and stories are revealed through the audiences interactions, culminating in a spell-binding performance by Movers. Following on from our massively sucessful launch at Embrace Arts earlier this year as a part of the Spark Children's Arts Festival, Visitor will now be 'visiting' Snibston Discovery Museum from Wednesday 3rd to Saturday 6th August. Places are limited, so book now to avoid dissapointment by phoning Snibston's Box Office on 01530 278 444. But don't take our word for how fabulous this show is, take a look at the audience feedback below: "One of the most moving things I have ever had the privilege of watching." "What a beautiful, magical world." "Truly amazing. Loved the interaction with the audience."

Weekly Disability Youth Theatre at Guthlaxton College

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:39:52 GMT

For the next five weeks, Speakeasy will be running fanatstic FREE Youth Theatre Sessions for young people aged 11-18 at Guthlaxton College. Each hour long session will be a fun and practical approach to creating drama, packed with games and performance opportunities to expand the young people's drama skills. The sessions will run from 5.30-6.30pm at Guthlaxton College, Station Rd, Wigston. Every Thursday from 9th June – 7th July. To book call Bob or Jenny on 0116 283 6646.

“Quite Startlingly Good!” Parent's comment from previous disability youth theatre sessions.

'Visitor' tickets on sale now!

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:38:21 GMT

Speakeasy are proud to present our learning disabled theatre company Movers in 'Visitor', a fantastic interactive performance suitable for all ages and abilities, created by Learning Disabled Artists. This fantastic performance will be premiering at Embrace Arts on Wed 1st and Thurs 2nd June 2011, 10am, 1pm and 3pm. Tickets are priced at £5, or £16 for 2 adults and 2 children and are on sale now from Embrace Arts. Call 0116 252 2455 to book.

World Book Night

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:05:48 GMT

Speakeasy has free books to give away!

Speakeasy Theatre are proud to announce they have been chosen as participants in the million-book giveaway for World Book night on Saturday March 6th.

We have been awarded forty eight specially printed copies of ‘Northern Lights’ by Philip Pullman; the fantasy novel is set in a universe parallel to our own and tells of Lyra Belacqua's journey north in search of her missing friend, Roger Parslow, and her imprisoned uncle, Lord Asriel,. Winner of the Carnegie Medal in 1996, the novel has been adapted into a Hollywood feature film, released in 2007 as The Golden Compass along with an accompanying video game.

We’ve decided to make these available to any present or past member of Act Up, our long-standing youth theatre group for Saffron, Eyres Monsell and Aylestone. As such we’re holding a special event at the Pork Pie library, Southfields Drive, Leicester on Saturday at 3pm. Current members of Act Up will be showing a short performance piece and then we will be giving away these magnificent books- to reserve one, simply contact us by phone (0116 283 6646) or email (info@speakeasytheatre.co.uk). If you are a past or present Act Up member, however long ago or however briefly, and can come along on March 5th, a copy will be reserved for you.

Read more about World Book Night here.

Speakeasy and Movers in Coalville

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:05:32 GMT

Speakeasy are working with Leicestershire County Council on an exciting new training project based at the Century Theatre in Coalville.

Speakeasy are working with Arts and Heritage officer Sallie Wocha and existing volunteers at the theatre to develop a training programme for new volunteers and helpers. This programme will take in various aspects of working in a venue and hosting touring shows and workshops of all kinds. The programme features input from, and development for, members of Movers- Speakeasy’s learning disabled theatre company. Movers will be running one of the training sessions, on April 18th, leading the volunteers through a typical day in the life of a touring theatre company. This is an exciting project and Speakeasy are thrilled to be part of it- not least because it will feature learning Disabled artists being able to take a lead in sharing their experiences to non-disabled people taking part in the programme.

If you’re interested in joining the volunteer team at the Century theatre , contact Sallie Wocha Arts and Creative Industries Officer , Leicestershire County Council on 0116 305 4115

Learn more about the Century theatre here.

Job Vacancy! Speakeasy seek Freelance Drama Workshop Leader

Thur, 17 Feb 2011 11:59:58 GMT

Speakeasy are looking for a freelance drama workshop leader for a forthcoming youth theatre project.
Visit our Jobs page for more info...

Speakeasy Launch City and County Disabled Youth Theatres

Thur, 03 Feb 2011 16:13:42 GMT

Speakeasy will be launching two new fantastic Youth Theatres, for disabled Young People aged between 11 and 18 years of age in both City and County locations. The City sessions will take place at New College, with the County Youth Theatre meeting at Guthlaxton College, Wigston.

Leicester City Disabled Youth Theatre at New College

February Half Term
Monday 21st to Friday 25th February
10am-2pm
Weekly Sessions
Every Firday from March 4th to April 15th
3.45-5.30pm

Leicester County Disabled Youth Theatre

February Half Term
Monday 21st to Friday 25th February
10am-2pm
Both are Free to attend, but places are limited. Contact us now to book a place, or click here to download a flyer.

Friday 21st January Training day - 'The Most Effective Workshop Leader'

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:06:11 GMT

Speakeasy will be running a fantastic one day training course for anyone leading workshop sessions or drama activities in school college or youth theatre settings on Friday 21st January 2011 at Embrace Arts at the RA Centre. 'The Most Effective Workshop Leader' is an intensive one day course with Speakeasy's Artistic Director, Andy Reeves, and will encourage its particpants to reflect on their practice through both practical activities and discussion. Here are just a few comments from Speakeasy's previous CPD Masterclasses: < br / >< br / > "Absolutely brilliant! Motivation, enthusiasm and creativity. Well presented, friendly and well paced. Such fun too!" < br / > "Very helpful, informative and enjoyable. Eye-opening and answered all of my questions."

CPD/Training day postponed - 'The Most Effective Workshop Leader'

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:44:58 GMT

Due to the adverse weather conditions, we have had to postpone our 'The Most Effective Workshop Leader' training day, which was scheduled to take place on Friday 3rd December. We are in the process of arranging an alternative date, which will be announced in the next few days.

VIP 'Visitors' flock to preview performance by Movers Theatre Company

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:35:58 GMT

A Theatre Company of Adults with Learning Disabilities presented a preview performance of their new show 'Visitor' to an audience of VIPs. Movers Theatre Company, who performed as part of last year's Special Olympics opening ceremony, are working towards a large performance next year, which could even tour to London as part of 2012's Olympic celebrations. The company have created and toured performances to venues across the East Midlands, and further afield, and are hoping to perform at Leicester's multi-million pound theatre Curve, next year. Movers Theatre Company are Leicester's Theatre Company for Adults with a Learning Disability, a partnership project between Speakeasy Theatre Company and Embrace Arts at the RA Centre. Their latest creation 'Visitor' is an exciting new installation based performance, a magical garden setting which responds to and interacts with its audience. With help from partners including Salamanda Tandem, a Nottingham based company of Learning Disabled artists, Leicester's Metro Boulot Dodo, Curve and Leicester City Council, Movers are looking to begin touring this unique performance experience next year. Amongst the VIPs present, was former chair of Leicester's Special Olympics Ted Cassidy, who has been an avid supporter of the company over the last few years. He praised Movers for "their amazing talent, commitment and togetherness." As part of this VIP event a special plaque was unveiled by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Colin Hall, and University of Leicester Pro Vice Chancellor, Christine Fyfe, to mark Movers status as Theatre Company in residence at Embrace Arts. Movers have been the resident theatre company at Embrace Arts, formerly The Richard Attenborough Centre, since 2007, in partnership with Speakeasy Theatre Company. Since Movers were formed in 2004, they have delighted audiences, and garnered a reputation for creating unforgettable performances. Movers hope to make 'Visitor' their most ambitious performance yet, a unique experience which can be enjoyed by everyone, and which raises the profile of Learning Disabled artists. Speakeasy Theatre Company and Embrace Arts are currently fundraising to bring Movers' big ideas into reality. Lead Artist of Speakeasy Theatre Company, Bob Christer, commented: "There is a wealth of learning-disabled led performance companies across the East-Midlands, and Movers have big ambitions to create something which puts their fantastic achievements on the map. It's our job to ensure that inspirational pieces of work such as this are not hampered by forthcoming arts cuts."

Speakeasy's Youth Theatre 'Act Up!' is back!

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:59:58 GMT

Thanks to funding from the Local Ward Councils, Speakeasy are once again running weekly 'Act Up!' Youth Theatre sessions every Wednesday at Southfields Library, and will also be running another intensive week from the 18th to the 23rd October. Weekly Wednesday sessions are at 3.45pm-5.15pm for those aged 7-12 years, or from 5.30pm-7.00pm for those aged 13-19 years. If you, or any young people you know are interested in joining, simply contact us or check out our 'Act Up!' page for more details.

Speakeasy's Youth Theatre surprise and delight Leicester's Athena

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:44:24 GMT

It has been a busy time for Speakeasy's Youth Theatre 'Act Up!' over the last month.

The older members created a vibrant but risky new performance for the Leicester Underground showcase at Athena in Leicester's city centre. Strange characters and situations interacted with the audience in a pre-show installation performance that the audience were free to explore at their leisure. This continued into the auditorium where the cast performed amongst the audience at a hectic pace with tonnes of volume to make themselves stand out; and stand out they did. Audience members where enthralled by their peculiar yet intriguing behaviour. Jenny Langley-Hoole, project lead for 'Act Up!' commented "This was totally different to what people generally expect from theatre but really well received by an audience willing to play along with the action as it unfolded throughout the course of the evening. Congratulations to all the 'Act Up!' Members who took part you were brilliant and brave, well done."

Some more great news for Speakeasy's Youth Theatre 'Act Up!'. Thanks to funding from the Local Ward Councils, we are back running weekly sessions every Wednesday at Southfields Library. For those of you who want to join, contact us or check out our 'Act Up!' page for more details.

Booking Now! Training sessions for Teachers and Artists

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:58:54 GMT

Speakeasy have been working in Schools, Youth Theatre and Disability settings since 1996, and have a fantastic reputation for delivering high quality, inclusive work, with a participant centred focus. As part of Speakeasy's commitment to sharing its methodology and expertise, we will be running four CPD Masterclasses / Training sessions throughout Autumn/Winter 2010 at Embrace Arts at the RA Centre. These fantastic full day and half day sessions will explore a variety of specific skill sets which have been tried and tested by Speakeasy in previous projects, and are available at the fantastic introductory price of £20 for a half day session or £30 for a full day session. For more information about the training sessions on offer, click here to download an information pack, or visit our Online Booking Form to reserve a place.

Speakeasy's Artistic Director Invited to Creative Learning Panel

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:55:28 GMT

Speakeasy's Artistic Director, Andy Reeves, has been invited to join a Creative Leicestershire panel discussing forthcoming changes in education and arts funding, and the effects that this will have on how creative practitioners work in schools. Andy has been asked to represent creative practitioners and organisations on the panel, which will also include representation from Leicestershire County Council, the heads of a Primary and Secondary School, and will be chaired by Jeanne Jenner. The panel will be featured at a Creative Learning Network event on Wednesday 13th October at Guthlaxton College which is free to attend. To book a place for the event click on the following link: www.clnautumn.eventbrite.com, or for more information about Creative LeicesterShire and their training and networking opportunities visit their website at www.creativeleicestershire.org.uk.

Speakeasy's Youth Theatre Act Up receive funding from Freemen Ward

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:50:18 GMT

Speakeasy's Youth Theatre Act Up are delighted to have received funding from Freemen Ward, to continue the project's running at Southfield's Library. The group currently offer weekly sessions for 7-12 years, and 13-19 years, as well as running half term play-in-a-week projects. Thanks to this funding we can officially announce the next half-term play-in-a-week will be taking place this October half term between the 18th and 23rd October. Watch this space to find out details of how to get involved, or for more information, contact us.

Speakeasy's Interactive Workshops for Primary Schools

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:15:36 GMT

If you are a Teacher looking for an exciting way to bring more creativity into your school, why not take a look at our 'Interactive Workshops for Primary Schools' brochure. Jam packed with workshops exploring a variety of topics and subjects through drama, utilising Speakeasy's expertise developed over fourteen years as Theatre in Education specialists. Plus each booking receives a fantastic resource CD containing teaching resources, follow up ideas, and our fantastic booklet '50 Invaluable Ideas for Educating Through Drama'. Booking is quick and easy, usually taking just one phone call. To enquire about any of the workshops on offer, or if you are interested in a bespoke package for your school, fill in our Online Booking Form or contact us.

Speakeasy's Youth Theatre to perform at Athena Showcase

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:29:16 GMT

Act Up Young People's Theatre Company, Speakeasy's Youth Theatre for the Saffron, Eyres Monsell, Aylestone and Knighton areas of Leicester, has been commissioned to create a special performance for a city centre showcase at Leicester's Athena.
The company will be rehearsing alongside performers from The Watershed Youth Centre, from Thursday 5th August, as they prepare for the showcase on Thursday 26th August.
If you are aged 14 to 19 and love to act and perform, why not get involved with Act Up? It's free to be involved and this is a great opportunity to perform in a large-scale city centre showcase.
To get involved, or for more information about Act Up, contact us.

Speakeasy win Creative Leicestershire Bursary

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:29:16 GMT

Speakeasy have been named amongst a handful of other creative businesses in Leicestershire as winners of the Creative Leicestershire Development Bursary. The award will enable Speakeasy to work with an external consultant on developing their future plans, as well as helping Speakeasy to develop how they share their methodology and learning through offering training to other artists and educators.
Speakeasy have been working in the fields of education, young people's theatre and disability arts since 1996, and this award will help the company to move forward, and to share our learning from an impressive portfolio of work.

CPD Masterclass sessions with Speakeasy Theatre Company

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:36:46 GMT

We are delighted to announce Four CPD Masterclass sessions which we will be leading at Embrace Arts at the RA Centre (Formerly the Richard Attenborough Centre) throughout October - December.

15/10/10 - Interactive Workshops for Schools - The Speakeasy Method - £30
29/10/10 - Working with Autistic Children - "What's in the Case?" (Half day session) - £20
05/11/10 - Theatre for People with Learning Disabilities - £30
03/12/10 - The Most Effective Workshop Leader - £30

Each session will focus on sharing experience and practical techniques from key areas of our work over the last fourteen years, including techniques used in our work in Schools, in Young People's Theatre, and in the Disability sector. This is a rare opportunity to find out more about the methodology behind Speakeasy's way of working, a methodology which has earned us a fantastic reputation for delivering high quality work.
To book places fill out our Online Booking Form , or for more information about these fantastic training opportunities, download our information pack, or contact us.

5% Off Interactive Workshops for Primary Schools 2010/11

Fri, 17 Jul 2010 12:28:32 GMT

We are offering all East Midlands Schools 5% off our fantastic range of Interactive Workshops for Primary Schools.
Each of the incredible workshops on offer has been developed in partnership with teaching staff and young people, delivering relevant aspects of the curriculum, as well as providing excellent speaking and listening opportunities, developing social skills, and providing multiple opportunities for follow up work.
Speakeasy have a huge reputation for delivering Schools Projects that promote enquiry and inspire young minds, cultivated through their fourteen years of experience in Education, and exemplary portfolio of Creative Partnerships projects.

In order to take advantage of this offer, simply place a confirmed booking for the 2010/11 academic year before the end of term.
Booking is quick and easy, and can be done by phone (0116) 283 6646, by email, or through our online booking form.

To view the fantastic range of workshops on offer, click here.

Partner School's Head Teacher praised by PM

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:13:00 GMT

Sally Morrison, Head Teacher of Speakeasy's partner school Eyres Monsell Primary, was among 150 head teachers from across the country invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street to praise innovative approaches to education. The event was hosted by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, and further celebrates Eyres Monsell's recent achievement of being named one of the top 30 schools across the entire country.

Speakeasy are delighted to be associated with Eyres Monsell Primary, and would like to congratulate Sally and the School on their continued acheivements.

Act Up! Weekly sessions

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:15:00 GMT

Act Up! The Free youth theatre for the Saffron Lane, Eyres Monsell and Aylestone areas of Leicester is now hosting regular weekly acting sessions for young people aged 7 - 19.
The sessions take place at Southfields Library every Wednesday during term time from 3.45pm - 5.15pm for 7 - 12 year olds, and from 5.30pm - 7.00pm for 13 - 19 year olds.

If you would like to join Act Up, contact us for more information.