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PROJECT: East London Shakespeare Festival 2024 Expansion to Greater London: Newham, Haringey, Bromley
Information page for funders
Confirmed New Venues:
Plashet Park, in partnership with AppleCart Arts
Supported by Newham Council
Forest Gate Community Gardens
Supported by Newham Council
“Forest Gate Community Garden is a constantly evolving living environment, it is cared for and supported in an Organic way with biodiversity at the core of every part of its growth and development.
Rich in species and in habitats the garden offers structure and solace to many lifeforms as the seasons and the climates we live in change ever faster around us.”
Lauderdale House, Highgate
Discover a surprising blend of historic elegance and creative opportunities in this vibrant Tudor house in Waterlow Park, Highgate.
Crystal Palace Bowl
Update: Following the hugely successful #BackTheBowl crowdfunding campaign, which raised over £65,000 thanks to individual pledges of more than 1,000 people and the generous support of the Mayor of London, the new stage surface was installed in July 2022. This marks the end of the first phase of our project to revive Crystal Palace Bowl, with the next phase aiming to modernise the backstage area and improve access to the venue.
https://www.crystalpalacebowl.com/community
The 4 New venues will be an expansion to our established tour. Confirmed venues include:
(These will be funded separately)
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HIGHAM HILL HUB
Thank you to Lillian Gerber for allowing us to use the magical outdoor space at Higham Hill Hub.
Higham Hill Hub is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation based within Higham Hill Park whose social purpose is to facilitate, host and deliver a diverse range of activities & seasonal events for all generations of the community.
Higham Hill Hub’s facilities include a hall, small kitchen, toilets (including disabled toilet), and limited storage. The 6m x 12m hall includes a sprung dance floor and mirrors.
The building is wheelchair accessible and we also have a large, private lawn.
The Hub is affordable to hire for everything from classes and events, to meetings and birthday parties.
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KUKOOLALA CAFE GARDEN AT LEYTON JUBILEE PARK
Thank you to Joy at KukooLaLa Cafe & Chris Bonney from Greenspace, for allowing us to use the lovely space behind the cafe.
KukooLala has charm by the bucket load, and we can't wait to add some fairy magic into the mix.
We have been awarded the permanent contract to run the community cafe in Leyton Jubilee Park. It is our hope to make the cafe a meeting point for local residents to come together in a diverse warm space. Whether you need a formal, but light & airy meeting room or a magical garden, we can make your event a success. Just feeling lonely? Come for a chat. Are you a new parent or carer & looking to meet others? Check out our events or just head on down anytime & let the little one(s) have a go at our toybox for a well deserved break.
HOXTON COMMUNITY GARDENS
Thank you to Max Mason & Paul Fleming at Hoxton Trust.
The Hoxton Trust exists to make the area of Hoxton and Shoreditch a better place for everyone who lives or works there.
We do this by supporting those most economically and socially disadvantaged with opportunities to build their levels of skills, knowledge and confidence; by providing free legal advice and assistance to those without the means to otherwise obtain it; and by managing and maintaining a community garden for the health, wellbeing and general enjoyment of everyone.
Our award-winning garden is a private space for the benefit of everyone who lives and works in the area. It is maintained by our volunteers and is not a council-run park. The garden provides an oasis of beautiful green space in a densely populated urban area where more than 80% of people rent a flat (3 times the national average), most without their own garden. As well as a place to be, the garden hosts numerous groups and community events that help reduce isolation, break down barriers and boost social cohesion.
CLISSOLD PARK
Thank you to Amarah White & Hackney Council
One of Hackney’s best loved traditional parks, Clissold Park was opened in 1889 and has held a Green Flag award since 2006. Green Flags are awarded annually to the best green spaces in the country.
Clissold Park and House were renovated in 2011 as part of an £8.9 million Heritage Lottery Fund restoration project.
Situated in the beautiful Clissold House, Park Life Café is the perfect place to unwind.
Enjoy locally roasted barista crafted Coffee which pairs excellently with tempting cakes and bakes that are made right here in Hackney.
Freshly made ‘to go’ food options are available for a tasty bite to eat on the move, as well as signature hot dishes from the kitchen. With a wide range of options available to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, there’s something for everyone.
HIGHAMS PARK
Thank you to Gordon Turpin and Toni Hanshaw from the wonderful Humphry's Cafe
Set in the beautiful park “The Highams Park” and surrounded by nature with stunning views of Highams Park Lake, Humphry’s is a vibrant but relaxing café and community space.
Humphry’s is also home to many community based activities and is used as an exhibition space for work by local artists
VALENTINES PARK
Thank you to Janice Hunte from Vision and the wonderful Charlie & Miranda at Valentine Park's Gardeners Cottage Cafe.
Valentines Park is our premiere award winning park. It has been given a Green Flag Award and has been voted top 10 in the country in the People's Choice Award on 5 occasions.
The park was originally the parkland to Valentines Mansion and Gardens.
Valentines Mansion was built in around 1696 - the Council acquired the house in 1912. Since then, the mansion has been home to wartime refugees, a hospital, a public health centre, and a council housing department.
After standing empty for 15 years, Valentines was restored in 2009 with Redbridge council and Heritage Lottery funds, and strong community support to create the historic but contemporary venue it is today.
Gardener's Cottage Cafe
Nestled in the Kitchen Garden you’ll find the Gardener’s Cottage Cafe. Open everyday, the cafe has ample indoor and outdoor seating, Choose from a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks, cakes, soups, sandwiches and other lunch options.
The Old Bowling Green in SPRINGFIELD PARK
Thank you to Amarah White & Hackney Council.
Springfield Park officially opened as a public park in 1905 and takes its name from its unique geology. The park was formed from the grounds of three private houses, of which only Springfield House (The White House) remains.
The park is 14.73 hectares in size, with formal gardens and conservation areas and has extensive views across Walthamstow Marshes.
The park holds a Green Flag award. Green Flags are given to the best green spaces in the country and are awarded each year to make sure the quality of the green space remains high.
Previous Projects, Productions & Successful Initiatives
Jun - Aug 2023 Romeo & Juliet + Community Engagement Programme - SEE REPORT
38 Performances
200+ Pay What You Can Attendees
3800+ Attendees
760 x 3-11 year olds took part in mask-making workshops
600 students 7-16yrs attended School matinees + pre-show workshops
Community ensemble: 12 local people featured in 10 performances
3 Apprentice/Work experience Schemes
Partnered with 13+ Community Partners & Local Businesses
21 Professional paid roles
Feedback:
"We are so grateful for this cultural capital experience and the fact it was affordable.”
"I feel so lucky that we have the ELSF in our community. We've been every year for 3 years and the production is a highlight of our summer. I love that my kids have been able to get to know Shakespeare through funny, accessible shows where they can watch great actors up close. Thank you so much for giving us this joyful experience.”
June - Aug 2022 Twelfth Night + Community Engagement Programme - SEE REPORT
37 Performances
3500+ tickets sold
29 x flower garland making workshops for 3-11 year olds
3 x school matinees/pre-show workshops – 251 students 7-16yrs
Community ensemble: 17 local people featured in 10 performances
3 Apprentice Schemes
Partnered with 13+ Community Partners & Local Businesses
21 Professional paid roles
The evaluation from our online survey, showeed that 99% of respondents “understood & enjoyed the performance," citing the key features as ‘joyful,’ ‘diverse cast,’ ‘beautiful setting.’ The majority walked or cycled to the show and their travel time was under 30 minutes.
See more feedback from our Community Engagement below.
June - Jul 2021 A Midsummer Night's Dream + Community Engagement Programme
21 Sold Out Shows
2000+ Tickets Sold
3 x School Matinees + Pre-show workshop
18 x Flower Garland Making workshops for 3-11 year olds
Amazing Community Ensemble - local people featured in the show
2 x Apprentice Schemes
Worked with 13+ Community Partners & Local Businesses
OFFIE Nomination for Best Company Ensemble
The evaluation from our online survey, showed that 98% of respondents “understood & enjoyed the performance.". A huge majority walked or cycled to the show and their travel time was under 30 minutes. As such our age range was huge, with an audience made up of 0-90 year olds.
See more feedback from our Community Engagement below.
Sept 2020 2 Metres to Shakespeare
Community Engagement Programme 2024
COMMUNITY CAST
STRUCTURE
Newham Community Cast Provisional Schedule 2024
Rehearsal Schedule:
Community Ensemble Workshop:
1 x Saturday rehearsal, 10:00 – 1pm Applecart Arts (15-Jun)
1 x Evening rehearsal, 6:30pm - 9:30pm Applecart Arts (21-Jun)
Performance Schedule at Applecart Arts, 22-23 Jun
x 3 Performances
Saturday 3pm & 7:30pm
Sunday 3pm
(Required 60 mins prior to show)
2023 Community Cast Rehearsal:
FEEDBACK FROM 2022 & 2023
Community Casts are open to everyone 11+, no experience necessary.
Our Community Casts have been made up of 15-17 local participants from Hackney & Waltham Forest ranging from a babe in arms (7 months), to 65 yrs. Participants were: Black, Asian, from a minority ethnic group, LGBTQI+, Neuro-divergent (ADHD, Tourettes and autism.)
Alumni:
2022 Community Cast: Alumni Tasmiyah Rahman joined NYT Rep Company, Zora Duric-Speare studying at Bodens Performing Arts College. Caitlin Stevenson became our 2023 Apprentice Actor.
2023 Feedback, Greg Madden & Ruby Madden (father/daughter)
"Hi Rosie and Ursula, just a quick note to say thank you for welcoming Ruby and I into the show. It was a great experience for us both. Please pass on our thanks to all the cast and crew. It was a genuine privilege to watch you all work and to see the life affirming impact your performances had on the audiences time after time. Thank you. All the best."
APPRENTICE SCHEME
1 Apprentice Actor engaged in ELSF's 2024 Summer professional tour of 'Much Ado About Nothing':
East London Shakespeare Festival will engage 1 local young actor (Age 18-25) who have aspirations to go to audition for drama school and/or pursue acting professionally.
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Priority for these roles will be given to participants (18yrs+) who are members of Young Company, who will be invited to audition
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They will be full cast members and rehearse alongside the professional cast (25hrs p/w), obtaining a professional credit - please see dates below.
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They will multi-role playing: CONRAD / URSULA & MESSENGER
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ELSF will provide four sessions of free tutoring/mentoring/training/audition prep to support their aspirations i.e. applying/auditioning to drama school, securing an agent, professional auditions.
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Fee: £980.00
Work Experience
ELSF currently works closely with Crate St James, Big Creative, PinPoint Education, LBWF and Hackney council to offer work experience opportunities for young people, which have included:
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Interviewing Cast & Creative Team ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ 2021
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Rehearsal photographs, social media and video ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ 2021 & ‘Twelfth Night 2022’ & 'Romeo & Juliet 2023'
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Performance Photography ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ 2021
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Shadowing Musical director ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ 2021
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Front of House ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ 2021 & ‘Twelfth Night 2022’ & 'Romeo & Juliet 2023'
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2 x 6 month Kickstart Placements (1 x Community Engagement assistant, 1 x Production Assistant) ‘Twelfth Night 2022’
LEGACY APPRENTICE ACTOR SCHEME 2022/2023
This opportunity was open to 18-24 yrs, for young people interested in pursuing acting professionally. They were cast in a paid, speaking role, joining the professional cast for the duration of the tour.
ELSF provided mentoring.
Caitlin Stevenson - Rosalind / Petra
Apprentice Actor 2023
ELSF provided drama school mentoring & contribution to LAMDA fees
Since working with ELSF, Caitlin has:
Currently on BA Acting at LAMDA
Frank Alemitu Bertoletti - Valentine
Apprentice Actor 2022
During the run, Frank understudied & went on for Viola & Maria
ELSF provided industry mentoring inc. Spotlight/showreel/headshot advice, approaching agents & mock interview.
Since working with ELSF, Frank has:
Signed with Nina Lee Management
Now working professionally
KICKSTART 2022
BUSHRA BAIG
Apprentice Community Engagement Assistant
Part of our Kickstart team, facilitated by Crate, Walthamstow
CAT WINTER
Apprentice Production Assistant
Part of our Kickstart team, facilitated by Crate, Walthamstow
SCHOOLS PROGRAMME
ELSF School’s Programme 2024
Consolidation and expansion of ELSF’s School’s Programme:
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING - SUMMER 2024
SCHOOLS MATINEES & PRE-SHOW WORKSHOPS
Professional Production, Schools Matinees and pre-show workshop
We offer matinee performances to local schools, which include a 20-minute pre-show group workshop run by the members of the cast, to introduce the characters and themes to the students.
This opportunity will be shared to our database of 250+ schools in E. London, and Newham Council, Applecart Arts, The Hub (The Education and Childcare Network for LBWF) with priority given to Newham based schools. We want to make these shows as accessible as possible and therefore are offering tickets at the heavily discounted price of £4 per child (full price children’s tickets are £8). Provisional Schools Matinee Shows Times 2023:
Applecart Arts, E6 1BX Monday 24th June, 12.30 – 2:30pm
The pre-show workshops are designed by our artistic directors, Rosie Ward and Ursula Early.
Rosie runs educational theatre company, UpFront Theatre Company, which specialises in providing interactive workshops & plays exploring the PSHE Suggested Programme of Study for KS2, 3 & 4. She has worked extensively in educational theatre company, including The Young Shakespeare Company.
Ursula is an experienced workshop leader and facilitator and has designed and delivered an extensive range of acting and drama workshops for theatre companies and Drama Schools.
She has taught as an adult acting teacher for City Academy, She has Level 3 OCNLR Accredited Diploma in Leading Dance for Older People (course provided by Green Candle Dance Company). She is also currently on the professional development faculty of Dance Research Studio and teaches on their Professional Development Programme.
Testimonial
Thank you for the amazing performance of Romeo and Juliet. My year 6 group thoroughly enjoyed the production and we were so happy that we were able to see something so local (we walked to the town hall).. it was also wonderful that the weather co-operated!
We are a school in an area of high deprivation and we would not be able to afford to pay for 90 children to attend a play in London. Thanks to your supportive costing structure, we were able to engage 90 children in a fantastic production! This was an event that they will remember for years to come. Not only that, it will embed knowledge and build confidence when speaking about Shakespeare in Secondary School. You make Shakespeare accessible for all!!
Thanks Again,
Tanya Spain
Deputy Head
South Grove Primary School
SCHOOL'S WE'VE WORKED WITH:
MARKETING & OUTREACH
Through previous sold-out projects, ELSF have a proven local marketing and outreach strategy in place (ELSF sold out all venues/shows during their 2021 season and Fellowship Square performances in 2022/3):
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Collaborate with Parters to market/promote project and participatory opportunities to local residents
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ELSF has established a strong SM following through previous projects and will run an active campaign on Twitter/Insta/Facebook
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ELSF is member of 20+ local SM groups (i.e. Newham Community, Newham Residents Community Group, Bromley Borough, Haringey Friends of Parks).
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E-Flyers/ticket links will be shared/posted
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Partner organisations have committed online marketing in-kind on their SM platforms to achieve a diverse local participants.
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Partners include Newham Council, Applecart Arts, CentrE17, WF Culture team, RAW Academy, Higham Hill Hub, Big Creative, Natural Voices, Leyton Orient, local ward organisations etc
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Create engaging Flyers/Promo videos/Banners, using experienced designer Elodie Bass who designed our engaging 2022/3 print
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Partner organisation Stow Brothers offered to print flyers & offer online marketing
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Our new role of marketing Associate will offer outreach/marketing strategy
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Work with professional PR company to contact/invite local/national press to review the show.
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An important investment as will help to engage wider audiences for future productions and build ELSF’s brand London/UK wide.
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Distribute flyers/posters across wards/local businesses
LEGACY
LEGACY
The ambition for this expansion is to grow ELSF beyond East London, with the long-term goal to create a UK-wide touring company, that is rooted in East London values including diversity, culture & relevance.
ELSF started in Waltham Forest and have since expanded to Redbridge & Hackney. We are using a tried and tested expansion model to expand beyond East London, into Newham, Bromley (& neighbouring boroughs) & Haringey.
DIVERSITY IN ELSF
Celebrating, encouraging & promoting diversity is at the heart of ELSF’s core aims & ethos. ELSF is female-led & Co-Artistic Directors are both Freelance mothers to young children.
• ELSF hiring policies in-line with Newham/Haringey/Bromley’s inclusivity & diversity aims
• Job descr. to encourage apps from underrepresented groups
• Accessible venues
• Flexible working (accommodate parents/carers)
• Participants representative of diverse E. London communities
• Inclusive reh. Practices, consulting w/industry experts to ensure supportive environment
• Ongoing evaluation/feedback w/ participants/practitioners, to ensure diversity & inclusivity aims are met & adjusted if necessary
• Aim for all engaged Cast/Creative to be (min.) 50% from underrepresented groups
Track Record, 2021/2/3 Projects:
• Over 50% of creatives engaged by ELSF have identified as LGBTQI+
• All gender-identities auditioned for roles in pro-shows
• Feedback forms cited ‘diverse cast’ as feature of shows
• Cast/Creative team incl: Caribbean British, Middle Eastern, Indian, African West African, Caribbean, Mexican, Barbadian; non-binary, trans, queer
• Reasonable adjustments in place to facilitate working parents, pregnancy & Anxiety, ADHD, ASD, Bipolar
• Comm. Cast members from diverse backgrounds & additional needs: Autism, Tourettes, alcohol dependence
CREATIVE TEAM
URSULA EARLY - CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Based in Chingford, Co-artistic Director and Producer of ELSF and Creative Producer for Walthamstow’s performance & Community venue The CentrE17.
With a career in theatre production spanning 20 years - producing and developing projects across London and for UK touring.
Ursula is also a community workshop leader and facilitator, designing and delivering an extensive range of acting and drama projects and workshops for theatre companies and Drama Schools. Including City Academy. She has Level 3 OCNLR Accredited Diploma in Leading Dance for Older People (course provided by Green Candle Dance Company. She is also currently on the professional development faculty of Dance Research Studio and teaches on their Professional Development Programme.
She is an invited member producer on the The Production Exchange and has been a producer on Old Vic New Voices TS Eliot US/UK Exchange and completed Stage One New producers workshops:
Ursula is also a professional actor with has an extensive acting CV and trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama
ROSIE WARD - CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR / ROMEO AND JULIET DIRECTOR
Based in Leytonstone Rosie is the founder, Artisrtic Director and Producer of UpFront Theatre Company Ltd, an educational company offering PSHE workshops for KS2 - 5.
Projects include: Before Anyone Else (UK Tour), In Harm’s Way (UK Tour), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Charity Performance), BuckleUp (EdFringe16) and Bump! (EdFringe16.)
She is the Principal at Act Out Performing Arts, which has 2 successful schools for 4-16 yr olds in Muswell Hill and Walthamstow.
She is a professional actor & singer with an extensive CV. She trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
Carl Harrison – Movement Director
Originally from the north, Carl gained a 1st Class Honours degree at London Contemporary Dance School. He has worked extensively as a performer in dance, cabaret, theatre and film.
He is currently the associate director for PEEP, the cabaret show within Punchdrunk’s The Burnt City. He recently choreographed the drag alien musical ‘Insane Animals’ starring Bourgeois and Maurice and was associate choreographer on the RSC’s ‘Boy in the Dress’. As well as this, he co-founded queer cabaret fundraising night ‘Small Pleasures’ which has delighted audiences in London,Brighton and Shanghai. He is also Mr. CAMP FIT! - an inclusive, online gayrobics class which was voted No. 1 Lockdown workout by The Independent Newspaper.
Previous Credits : Punchdrunk’s ‘Drowned Man’ & ‘Sleep No More’ Shanghai, Aletta Collins, Thick & Tight, Encounter Productions Brokentalkers, ThisisPopBaby, Brokentalkers, Protein Dance.
PATRICK RUFEY – Musical Director
Patrick trained at the Guildhall school of Music and Drama.
Musical Direction credits Include: Peter Pan, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty (Evolution Productions) NewsRevue 2012-2017 (The Canal Café Theatre, London) An Evening of Jerry Herman (St Pauls, The Actors Church, Covent Garden), Jack & The Beanstalk (The Beck Theatre, QDOS), Jack & The Beanstalk (Buxton Opera House) Cole Porter’s Jubilee (UK Premier, The Tabard Theatre, London), Peter Pan (Paul Holman Associates Pantomime, The Oakengates Theatre, Telford), My Lands Shore (UK Premier Concert Production, The Royal Academy of Music, London) Paprika Crisps (The Unicorn Theatre, London) Days of Hope (St Pauls, The Actors Church, Covent Garden) The Birds (The Leicester Square Theatre, London) Patrick Is also Principle Conductor of The Virtual Theatre Orchestra, formed in 2020 during Covid Lockdown.
As a Composer, Patrick has written for Talkwood Productions; a Musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which was performed at The Charing Cross Theatre in London in 2013, a musical parody of the Stephen Spielberg movie ‘Jurassic Park’ called Jurassic Lark The Musical (from the perspective of the Dinosaurs), which premiered at the Leister Square Theatre April 2015. Most recently He has written 1066 A New Musical and the studio cast album is available on all streaming services.
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East London based theatre company