FULL HOUSE - The BHP Billiton Youth Arts Fund Theatre Access Program

The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy - Slingsby - Carclew, South Australia

Made possible through the BHP Billiton Youth Arts Fund sponsorship, Carclew's Odeon Theatre presented its second Full House season of five free performances for students from disadvantaged schools in November 2007.

Artistic Director Andy Packer and company, Slingsby presented five school performances of The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy to almost 500 students from Challa Gardens Primary, Munno Para Primary, Elizabeth North Primary, Broadmeadows Primary and Hendon Primary schools. The performances took place on stage at Carclew's Odeon Theatre in Norwood with atmospheric lighting and an intimate set creating a unique setting for this new work.

The show was beautiful and the story both moving and funny. Feedback from students and teachers was very positive and included the following comments:

‘A lot of our students do not have the opportunity for experiencing live theatre. This gave those students a taste of the magic live theatre can give.’ Teacher

‘The performance exceeded our expectations. Being on the stage drew the students into the performance.’ Teacher

‘It was great for their confidence in taking risks and experiencing new things. The performance was quite unique and it’s setting and use of props. This was a wonderful experience for my students.’ Teacher

‘When I heard the music I had a special feeling’ – ‘You can do something bad to form something good’ – ‘It was really clever how one man was four different characters’ – I felt like I was in a tent listening to a storyteller’ ‘It was sometimes funny and sometimes sad as well’ – students

FULL HOUSE 2008

What is it that makes a scary story somehow irresistible? Through film, sound, physical theatre and the power of the carefully chosen word, WOLF peeks through drawn curtains into the potential of the unknown. “The scent of wet dirt, warm breath on cold windows… the rumble of something waiting in the deep deep black.”

It is with immense pleasure that we continue our partnership with Slingsby, after its very successful inaugural year when from 5–7 November the company will present its second Full House season with five performances of WOLF.

And last words from the company...

‘I just wanted to thank you all for doing everything that you did to make our week at the Odeon a complete joy. From our perspective this first Full House Season has been a great success. The Odeon is a superb venue to work in but it’s bricks and mortar pale into insignificance when compared to the care, skill, creativity and professionalism of the staff who work there. I look forward to WOLF in 2008!’ Andy Packer (Artistic Director, Slingsby)

CONTACT

Leigh Mangin – Program Manager, Arts and Education

Carclew Arts and Education

Carclew's Odeon Theatre
57a Queen Street
NORWOOD SA 5067
Ph: 8333 3400
Fax: 8332 2256