"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
"TWO"
BY JIM CARTWRIGHT
About the play:
TWO By Jim Cartwright
TWO is hilarious, yet heart-breaking, and presents a slice of working-class life in a local pub in the 1980s. With a constantly quarrelling landlord and landlady, and the dozen regulars pulling up a stool, all life is present in this pub. It is the heart of communities. It is where people laugh, share stories, celebrate and mourn. It is a place of failed aspirations and unfulfilled lives. Through this range of colourful characters, the rich tapestry of their interconnecting lives is revealed. With the fragile relationship of our less than cordial hosts at breaking point, a rollercoaster of emotions unfolds.
Performed as an Audio play during the lockdown by members of the Black Dog Theatre Creation via Zoom from their own living rooms. This is a wonderful raw performance with no gimmicks included. Just pure storytelling and acting.
Cast includes:
Landlord – Charlie Whytock
Landlady – Amber Louise Wallis
The Old Lady – Pauline Warren
Maud – Kitty Whitley
Moth – Alfie James
Old Man – Timothy Wood
Mr Iger – Alfie James
Mrs Iger – Kitty Whitley
Roy – Gary Wade
Lesley – Pauline Warren
Fred – Timothy Wood
Alice – Pauline Warren
Woman – Kitty Whitley
Boy – Alfie James
Performed for not-for-profit as part of our community workshops. Music used in this performance is done so for educational purposes and not for profit.
Directed by Alfie James
To download the PROGRAMME click below:
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PUPPETRY FOR WELLBEING
COURSE A SUCCESS
Following our successful pilot project last year, we are over the moon to be joining up with the Puppet Soup Theatre Company and Artist Jacob Anderson to offer another "Puppetry for Wellbeing" free course. Last year, we ran a special 3 week online course where participants were able to learn how to design, make and use different types of puppets from basic materials found in their own homes. In this new project, we will continue developing people's confidence and using our creativity to make more puppets before working towards devising short performances. Places are always limited and do go quickly so it's best to sign up quickly. Click below to learn more about the project.
“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 THEATRE MASKS
Over the past few weeks, our London, Camden group have been teaming up with Artist and Theatre Designer Jacob Anderson to learn more about the Ancient Greek Theatre and Theatre Mask making. We started off by creating our own masks in the style of the Ancient Greek chorus. Once we’d got the hang of the basic techniques, we then designed and made our own character masks for the story of Theseus and the Minotaur.
We then put these masks into action by creating our very own performance on Zoom.
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Since we began the Black Dog Theatre Creation we have been incredibly lucky to have been supported by the many organisations including:
