Wolverhampton Grand Theatre today announces a new partnership with Simon Fielder Productions to launch Bard Boot Camp – an exciting initiative to explore the works of William Shakespeare. Bard Boot Camp aims to motivate and inspire Sixth Form students studying the playwright through engagement with a unique live performance and a theatrical Masterclass.
The pilot scheme, to launch at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on 18 June, will begin with a performance of Hamlet: Cut To The Bone, a live, one-man version of the complex tragedy, adapted by Simon Rae and performed by RSC alumnus David Keller. The performance will be followed by a Masterclass; an interactive seminar, led by Professor Michael Mangan of Loughborough University, and an afternoon of rigorous Bard-focused “workouts”. The package is open to any student studying English Language; English Literature; Drama and Theatre Studies or Performing Arts at A-Level or equivalent.
Designed to be both challenging and enhancing, the day offers a variety of stimulating activities, including on-your-feet work led by professional theatre practitioners.Although the seminar and workouts are open only to Sixth Form groups, members of the general public are able to purchase tickets for the performance of Hamlet: Cut To The Bone at 10:15am on Thursday 18 June. Following the performance the public are invited to join the half-hour Masterclass/Q&A, featuring Simon Rae and David Keller.
The initiative aims to increase students’ appreciation for the works and craft of William Shakespeare. To enhance the pupils’ understanding of the texts, Bard Boot Camp utilises university-style approaches, such as seminars and learning alongside new people, to encourage independent thought. Through experiencing the plays as audience members and exploring the language through practical work Bard Boot Camp opens students’ eyes to the sheer enjoyment of live, tangible Shakespeare.
Producer Simon Fielder is a freelance theatre producer, actor, writer and musician. Simon graduated from Durham University with a degree in English Literature. His professional acting career began with the West End show Lennon, followed by Sunday In The Park With George at the Royal National Theatre, and Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story on tour and in the West End, plus many other regional stage appearances.
Creative Director Nicola Pollard is a graduate of Cambridge and Exeter Universities. A freelance director and workshop facilitator, she is an associate of Eastern Angles Theatre Company where her production credits include Parkway Dreams and Palm Wine and Stout. Her freelance directing career includes readings of Her, The Last of the Pigs and The Celestial Teapot and a production of Desperate Measures. During the summer of 2014 she was Text Assistant at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Simon Rae is a poet, biographer, playwright, novelist and broadcaster whose unconventional output has included a decade of irreverent topical poems for The Guardian, a revealing biography of W.G. Grace and a number of playtexts, including two one-man shows.
Actor David Keller has earned critical acclaim in numerous leading roles including Iago in Othello, John Merrick in The Elephant Man and Dr Dysart in Equus.
