Create workshops 2005
Our first project started in September 2005 when we were approached by the Bedfordshire and Luton Education and Business Partnership. We were asked to set up and run high quality multi-arts workshops for 5 – 9 year olds in schools across Luton and Bedford. These took place on Saturday mornings and during school holidays.
The project was funded by the New Opportunities Fund, ran for eight months and was highly successful. We then sustained the interest created by continuing to run regular workshops during the school holidays based on a similar structure.
These fun workshops based on children’s stories were for 5 – 9 years olds. Each child took part in a music, dance and drama workshop ending the day in a combined arts session. The day was based on creative play, inspiring children to express themselves and explore the characters and themes from children’s books, hopefully wanting to go home and do some follow-up reading.
The workshops were skill-based rather than performance-based, although we did have a ‘showing time’ session at the end of the day, this was so that the parents had an awareness of the exciting things their children had been doing. However, the ‘showing time’ was not compulsory and any child who didn’t wish to participate could watch.
Themes we covered…
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
- Harry Potter
- Superheroes
- Under the Sea
- Roald Dahl – Revolting Rhymes, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Alice In Wonderland – The Mad Hatters Tea Party
- Dreams and Nightmares
The Hills Lower School KS2 production 2005-2009, 7 days, 120 children
“This year (2007) Julia has worked intensively with KS2 for 7 days over a three week period to produce an amazing drama production of Roald Dahl’s Goldilocks. The quality of the performance was outstanding and was greatly appreciated by the vast number of families who came to watch. The music, speaking parts and choreography were produced and directed by Julia, a remarkable achievement in such a short period of time.
In previous years she has created a spectacular whole school performance of “Cats” (300 children!) and KS2 still sing the songs and talk about their performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Whatever Julia chooses to work on with the children, it is always a success.
Her charismatic personality, skills, enthusiasm, musical ability and amazing drive are infectious and greatly motivate the children and staff. In whatever role she been involved with the school the results have been outstanding. We look forward to her visits and love having her here and so do the children. It is always Fun with a capital F! ”
(Head teacher, The Hills Lower School)
Outreach Singing Workshops 2006
Wootton Upper School employed Peculiar Productions to deliver some of their outreach work as part of their specialism in performing arts to their local feeder lower schools. Each school received a whole days workshop for their year 3 children learning a variety of songs from musicals. The children worked extremely hard and gave semi-staged performances of the songs to the rest of the school and parents at the end of the day.
“The children thoroughly enjoyed the day. The pace, content and pitch of the sessions were exactly right for the age of the children. I also really enjoyed it! Thank you”
(Year 3 teacher, Church End Lower School)
“An absolutely fantastic day. Loved the songs, very high quality teaching, beautiful voice”
(Year 3 teacher, Cranfield Lower School)
“Lovely working atmosphere created, lovely singing”
(Head teacher, Thomas Johnson Lower School)
"…transformed our very ordinary out of tune Year Threes into a proper singing and performing choir, all in four hours of fun…"
(Head teacher, Shelton Lower School)
Royal Albert Hall concert April 2007
Peculiar Productions were employed to organise, administrate and stage manage a large-scale concert at the Royal Albert Hall involving over 12 different ensembles and 1500 performers.
The night was hosted by Kevin Whately who has strong personal links with Bedfordshire Music. The evening was a huge success and showcased the exceptional musical talent of Bedfordshire’s young people.
If you would like to discuss a similar event, please use the 'Contact Us' page to send us an email.
“Amy, what can I say – 'To the Stars' was a fantastic success thanks in no small part to your faultless and meticulous organisation. Knowing that the event was in your safe hands from the outset has been a huge help for me on a personal level. Without exception everyone who was part of the event and also those who simply formed part of the audience have commented upon the quality of the whole organisational aspect of the performance – well done!”
(Head of Bedfordshire Music)
“Just to say a HUGE thank you for yesterday. What a day! We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and also appreciate how much planning and organisation the entire event needed. Parents were in awe and so full of praise. Well done! Wow!”
(Leader, East Beds Youth Chorus)
“Just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of acclaim that has been heading your way. Everybody I spoke to was in awe of the FANTASTIC job you did arranging yesterday. I can't believe that you made such a task seem straightforward and easy!”
(Southern Area and Music Centre Manager, Bedfordshire Music)
“…all the behind the scenes preparation was very slick and seamless, and the show flowed as it should”
(Conductor, Bedfordshire County Youth Third Orchestra)
“It was a magical experience for all our children, many thanks.”
(Head teacher, Aspley Guise Lower School)
“Thank you for your part in organising the RAH concert last Sunday. Many parents, fellow members of staff and I thought that the stage management was excellent. We were always taken to where we needed to go, all officials seemed to know exactly what they were doing and nobody seemed stressed! The movement on stage while other groups were performing was amazing. The standard of the instrumental groups was high and of course all the pupils from AMS had a wonderful time. Thank you!”
(Head of Music, Arnold Middle School)
(Photos - Bob Johns expresspictures.co.uk)
