"A unique, special theatre project"
The Black Dog Theatre Creation is a special not-for-profit theatre group set up and run by Alfie James Productions which aims at using performance skills to support people suffering from poor confidence, anxiety and to help to reduce the risk of people becoming isolated. It is also open to those who simply love being creative, learning new theatre skills and staging plays regularly. Now in its sixth year it is slowly growing and is building its reputation as being a wonderful, positive, and successful group. We currently have two groups in Colchester and Camden, London and we often run short bite-size projects in Brentwood and Suffolk. We develop small projects, workshops and performances and work with other artists to offer our members the opportunity to engage in a wide range of artistic skills. Our projects are free to access and open to all.
To find out more about us click here:
CURRENT NEWS
COVID:19 SPECIAL UPDATE
Like many other theatre and community groups, our work has been seriously affected by the current Covid:19 situation. However, we are determined to continue running our projects in order to support local communities and those at risk of suffering from isolation. We have adapted to and continue adapting to the current guidelines and changed our working practice in order to keep both our employees, volunteers, and members safe. All our workshops are continuing to run but are online using Zoom (which is free to use) and we are working towards creating audio plays which can be recorded online.
We know that many of our members are already feeling vulnerable and have additional health conditions. If you need any support in this difficult time, then please do get in touch. We will do our best to help – even if we need to signpost you to other resources. You are not alone! Stay safe everyone!
Alfie James, Artistic Director
AGATHA CHRISTIE STYLE PLAY
FOR THE COLD WINTER NIGHTS
We are pleased to say that our current Colchester group is going exceptionally well. Members have been working with Writer, Alfie James to devise and create their own murder mystery play via Zoom throughout the lock down. We are now recording an audio performance of the who dun nit play which will be streamed via You Tube for free.
PUPPETRY FOR WELLBEING
COURSE A SUCCESS
We recently joined forces with The Puppet Soup Theatre Company and Artist Jacob Anderson to deliver a free 3-Week course online via Zoom. The course was designed to use the creative arts to support people stuck at home during the lockdown. Members from both Black Dog groups worked with members of our Story Box and Unscene Women’s group as well as members from The Puppet Soup projects. We even had someone joining us from the US. The project was a wonderful success, and we were taught how to make our own puppets using materials found at home and how to design and make our own pop up theatre model.
“Really enjoyed the course. It was just what I needed right now” (Anna)
“Such a lovely course. It brightened up my day. I thoroughly enjoyed the puppet making” (Nena)
“Such a wonderful group of people, in a warm, friendly and joyous environment. It was the nearest thing to being in a room with people.” (Lisa)
LONDON GROUP CREATES FIRST PLAY
“Loved the sound of the Alice through the looking glass. Well-done to all the cast” (Louisa)
“Aaahh that was absolutely brilliant! I loved it! That was a beautiful, touching and so much fun!” (Dominic)
Despite the Covid:19 virus we were determined to keep our first Black Dog project in Camden going so that we could continue to support our members. We adapted and continued to run our workshops online via Zoom. We recently finished recording our adaptation of “Alice, through the looking glass” by Lewis Carroll. For more information, you can listen to our audio recording here:
Since we began the Black Dog Theatre Creation we have been incredibly lucky to have been supported by the many organisations including:
