Shiplake’s Tithe Barn Theatre was invaded by 60 pirates on Saturday 11 June! Prospective pupils from a variety of local primary and preparatory schools visited for a morning or afternoon Drama workshop. The fun sessions were based on the theme ‘pirates’, following Shiplake’s recent production of Treasure Island.
Following some introductory games to warm-up and get to know one another, each session saw the two 30-strong groups split in half as the children worked on their onstage and backstage skills. The onstage performers each took on a different character, and put together a two-minute sketch that highlighted the different areas of the working ship. The characters were varied and fantastically portrayed in each group; the angry Captain, furious with the sleeping (but eager once awake!) deckhand, were particularly amusing. Pupils played a useless drunk first mate, slumped at the side of the stage clutching a tankard, and a cook with a penchant for chili were both extremely comic. All was going well, until the crew were hit by a storm! In addition to the performance and character work they also had the opportunity to put together their own pirate costumes.
The backstage groups created a soundscape to accompany the scene, using ‘folie’ work (their voices and sound effects). Each group then performed their final pieces, which were also recorded and can be watched below!