Productions

The Player’s Tale

Written and performed by John Edgar, this tells the story of a Shakespearean journeyman actor who didn’t do a lot but saw it all.  From his unique position, which was usually somewhere at the back, he takes the audience on a guided tour of Shakespeare’s theatre and Shakespeare’s London, as well as giving us an insight into the life of the man himself.  Thoroughly researched from historical sources and apocryphal anecdote, this 55-minute performance seeks to locate Shakespeare firmly in his age, and is a fun and occasionally gory way for young people to learn more about the Bard and his stage.

This production is adaptable for Key Stages 2, 3 and 4, and can include a supporting workshop after the performance which can be based around any Shakespeare play or set scenes being studied by your school. 
Participating schools receive a complementary teacher’s pack containing historical information supporting the performance.

“A MUST BOOK learning opportunity.  John has the rare quality of being both highly entertaining and highly informative, bringing Shakespeare’s times to life for pupils.  Wonderful.” 
Chris Rowley, Aston Manor School, Birmingham

The Chainmaker’s Tale

Written to mark the centenary of the Cradley Women Chainmakers’ strike of 1910, written by John Edgar and performed by Toni Griffiths, this one-woman show tells the story of the now legendary action a group of low paid women workers, the influence of which spread from the Black Country all across the world and established the principle of a national minimum wage.  This play brings to life the daily struggle of women in the workplace, the dangers they faced and their crucial position at the heart of Black Country heritage.  No stranger to writing about the region, John is also the author of the BBC play ‘The Astounding Joseph Darby’, which celebrated the life and achievements of this legendary Dudley spring jumper.

The Chainmaker’s Tale is a 45 minute to 1 hour performance and can be accompanied by a drama/writing workshop if required.  This production is adaptable for Key Stages 2, 3 and 4, and ties in with the National Curriculum in terms of Drama, History and Cultural Identity studies (PSHE/SEAL).

“The tone, pitch and content were superb and had over 200 pupils captivated from the start.  Please thank Toni on our behalf.” 
Mrs S Mellors, Dormston School, Sedgley

A Walk Round the End of the World

“My Uncle Stan was a very brave man
Or so my Dad’s always said.
He came home from the war with a broken back
And invisible wounds in his head...”
This performance, presented and written by Toni and John, tells three stories...

• The history of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp
• The war experiences of John’s great-uncle, Stan Coney, which culminated in his being one of the first British soldiers into Bergen-Belsen
• John’s visit to the site of Bergen-Belsen

A Walk Round the End of the World is a one-hour performance exploring one of the most notorious locations of modern history from both historical and personal perspectives.  Aimed at Year 9 students and above, this performance incorporates storytelling, drama and traditional song to create an original, non-sensational and thought-provoking learning experience around Holocaust studies.  The script is thoroughly researched using historical sources and personal anecdotes, and ties in with the National Curriculum for History, Drama and PSHE. 

A Walk Round the End of the World is available to secondary schools from the autumn term 2010.

“...engages young people in a style which is never patronising, but always relevant and original.”
Kate Asbury, Pool Hayes Community School, Walsall

Stages of Play – and Players...

Having worked in schools for many years, Toni and John were frequently asked to work with drama exam groups on their performance pieces.  One of the regular comments made by teachers was that their students found it difficult to think beyond naturalism and television-style acting, both in devising/scripting and performance. 

At the request of a number of drama specialists in schools, we have developed our own ‘exam piece’ incorporating a range of performing styles and, through a range of very different characters, we show the journey of how our ‘group’ worked to create their practical drama examination performance.

Running at 35 minutes (again, reflecting exam conditions), Stages of Play – and Players incorporates a whole range of performance techniques as the two actors (and their three ‘friends’) struggle to find the best way of telling their story.  With elements of Brecht, Grotowski, Artaud and, of course, Stanislavski, and using nothing more than physical and vocal resources, this performance seeks to incorporate as many varied elements and ‘style points’ as you would like to see from your students. 

Stages of Play – and Players is, of course, flexible enough to be presented in any drama space.  It has been created in consultation with experienced, practicing drama teachers and is appropriate for GCSE, BTEC, AS and AS2 Theatre Studies, Drama and Performing Arts Students.

Following the performance, there will be a workshop which can either be technique or practitioner focused.

 “Focusing on the actor, Toni and John force the students into thinking away from too much dependency on scenery and props, thus keeping the audience’s attention on the performer.  Their success with our students can be measured in improved grades.  A vital resource for both GCSE and Post-16 students.” 
Julie Hall, Head of Drama, Coppice Performing Arts School