A Grand Finale at Stow Primary

Tonight's performance of Burke and Hare at Stow Primary was the last of the term and what a show to end the run.

The original performance date for Stow was Thursday the 5th of December however sadly the show had to be postponed due to severe weather. Not to worry though, the cast made excellent use of their extra two weeks by rehearsing even more and creating a stunning mural and array of gravestones to decorate the hall. 

 

The day at Stow started on a high with an easy set up for Charades, it was almost as though we had done it all before…then cast arrived and performed and incredibly tight first run through with singing even more polished and melodious than it had been a few weeks ago. Notes were given on merits and possible improvements before lunch then it was into costume for the afternoon dress rehearsal. 

As the day progressed the quality of performance delivered by this talented young cast just got higher and higher, climaxing with a vibrant evening performance to a full house.

Well done Stow Primary School and have a lovely festive holiday, you deserve it. 

A High Energy Show at Hayshead

The final show of this term's Angus tour was an energetic production of Treasure Island at Hayshead Primary School in Arbroath. Hayshead was one of the last schools to get started on a project this term but from our first rehearsal with the P5s and P7s taking part we knew it was going to be a good one.

So what is it that makes a good Charades Theatre show? Firstly everyone needs to learn all of their songs and actions, next it is about making the performance believable and drawing the audience into the story; the whole cast must create and sustain convincing characters throughout the show. The last but most important factor is the energy and the children at Hayshead had plenty of it!

Today's performance was one of the most animated of the term and the audiences were enthralled throughout, both in the morning run through for the school and the afternoon performance for parents and the community. The atmosphere was electric and the audience's rapturous response was well deserved and testament to the hard work and success of everyone involved, pupils and teachers alike.

A huge thank you and well done to all at Hayshead Primary School, your children have done you proud and we hope to see you again in the future.

Double Success for Maisondieu and Edzell Primary Schools

Today Charades team; James, Rob and Moira, were thrilled to peform in yet another incredible performance of Burke and Hare up here in Angus.  The children of Maisondieu and Edzell Primary Schools joined forces to put on our only partnered performance this term. 

The classes from the host school, Maisondieu, played the parts of the Cadavers, the Townsfolk and the Navvies; the visiting performers, from Edzell Primary School, played the parts of the Guards and Dr Knox's Students. 

It was an exciting day for all involved and heart warming to see the visiting children so kindly welcomed and new friendships being made between children of the neighbouring schools. The children had only worked together for one day prior to the performance and their team work was commendable.  

The most noteworthy aspect of today's performance however was the sound. The combined forces of the two schools made for a big cast and some powerful yet moving renditions of the songs. The telling of the tale of Burke and Hare in Brechin was spine tingling in more ways than one and we hope the experience was as memorable for the performers as it was for us. Many thanks to all of the teachers for their hard work too.  

Treasure at Tweedbank

Well done to all of the P4-7 pupils at Tweedbank Primary School who took to the stage for todays performance of Treasure Island. Having already worked with the school previously, on a production of Burke and Hare, the Charades team were anticipating a great finale to this jam packed week of touring - we were definitely not disappointed!

On arriving at Tweedbank at first light, there was evidence of pirate activity in every corner of the school; an array of art work decorated the corridors and the hall was decked out with palm trees, jolly roger flags and more art work and original poster designs. 

The art work and scenery framed the show beautifully which was of course a swashbuckling success all round. Everyone in the cast really rose to the occasion and the energy of the performance was fantastic. In particular the P7 pirates excelled; not only did they master the difficult and very fast verses of 'Cold Blooded Mutiny' but they also really embraced the menacing pirate character. The combination of achievements resulted in a truly captivating performance. 

Here is one of our favourite Treasure Island posters from the hall - can anyone name the artist? 

We also found this impressive collage of photos and audience reviews from Tweedbank's previous performance of Burke and Hare:

No Cheese at Clovenfords...

Unfortunately for the Castaways there was no cheese in the Clovenfords performance of Treasure Island last night but not to worry, there were plenty of other enticing treats to tantalise the taste buds.
On arrival the audience were served a glass of mulled cider (non alcoholic of course) and provided with a treasure map programme to help them find their seats.
After a quick rubber chicken with the audience and a beautiful  introduction by Hannah the show started and we were transported back in time to the Admiral Benbow Inn with Zara opening the scene on accordion.
Next up was the Quayside where many a hopeful sailor was welcomed to the harbour with a special hornpipe dance. The good ship the Hispaniola was manned and made ready for the voyage to Treasure Island.
From start to finish the Clovenfords cast approached their performance with professionalism and gusto and the thunderous applause from the audience on the final bows was thoroughly deserved.
Charades would like to thank all of the staff and pupils at Clovenfords Primary School for their efforts and enthusiasm - all of the little extra touches helped make the night the special event that it was. A performance to remember and a performance to be very proud of. Well done.

St Margarets RC steal the show...

Hats off to the talented pupils of St Margarets RC primary school who gave a spine tingling performance of Burke and Hare last night.
From load in to load out, our day at St Margarets got better and better. The morning run through was good, the afternoon dress rehearsal was great but the evening show was awe inspiring.
Everyone in the cast sang their hearts out and really embraced their different characters. However, an extra congratulations must go to the guards - definitely one of the best drilled regiments in the Borders. Well done.

Gruesome glory at Seaview

Well... I'm in the van on the way home from this evening's performance of Burke & Hare at Seaview Primary School and I'm going to struggle to find the words to sum up and do justice to this particular performance. For starters, the audience was a superb one; there was not one empty seat in the hall, and a good number of dedicated friends and family resorted to standing at the back for the duration.

By the time the show started, the anticipation was almost at boiling point and, boy, did the show live up to expectations. The Cadavers started off with a bang, rising from the grave and singing their spine chilling warning about Auld Reekie's infamous bodysnatching duo. In the next scene, a contrast to the murky graveyard opener, the hustle and bustle of Auld Reekie introduced the Irish immigrant workers - the 'Navvies' - and the 'Townsfolk' of Edinburgh. Seaview's acting prowess portrayed the tension between to the two character groups with great skill and effect, and by the time the town Guards marched in to break up the market-square brawl, the audience had been truly transported to the dirty Victorian streets.

The high standards of singing and acting from each of the groups continued on throughout the gruesome tale; from the questionable law enforcement of the pious Guards, to the excited and studious students, to the passionate and pompous Townspeople.

By the time Burke and Hare finally met their maker, the cast brought the house down with one final warning. As soon as the lights cut at the end of the Epilogue, a mountainous cheer and rapturous applause erupted from the belly of the audience, followed by many a curtain call for every member of the cast.

Many many congratulations to all involved and thanks so much for making it such a great occasion. In short, missing the show would have been a hangable offence!

Long John Silver condemned to rot by Ladyloan Primary School

Many congratulations are in order for everyone involved in the Ladyloan Primary production of Treasure Island today. Nerves were running high for some but everyone worked together to overcome the butterflies. 

Every member of the cast should be very proud of their performance but a special mention must go to the Pirates who were definitely some of the most vicious in Angus! Well done. 

Strathmore make Forfar proud.

Strathmore primary gave a wonderful, rip-roaring redition of Charades' musical version of Treasure Island this afternoon. All the cast members truly embraced their characters; the pirates had menace and cunning, the Castaways had charisma and wit, and the loyalists were zealous and lionine. Every second of every scene kept the audience spellbound, each character group working with one another to seamlessly take the audience on the gripping tale of mutiny and buried treasure. As soon as the curtain fell for the last time, the audience exploded into rapturous applause and gave the talented cast three very hearty and appreciative cheers. A huge well done from us, and thank you so much for all the hard work and your kind hospitality each time we visited. See you next year... ;-)

Burke and Hare blown away...

Unfortunately todays Burke and Hare performance with Stow Primary School has had to be postponed due to severe weather conditions and a power cut in the school.
The show will now take place on Thursday the 19th of December which means you have two more weeks to rehearse and make your performance even better than it would have been today!

Some great singing at Seaview

Charades had a billiant time working with Seaview primary school up in Angus today.  We were very impressed with the singing from all three character groups and the harmonies in the Murder scene and Order in the Court were beautiful. Well done to all involved.

Against all the odds Maisondieu and Edzell Primary Schools join forces to evict Burke and Hare from the streets of Brechin

A big congratulations to todays Burke and Hare cast made up of pupils from both Maisondieu and Edzell Primary Schools.
Today was the first time the full cast has rehearsed all together and despite being a little short on time everyone worked very hard to get through the final run through with great results. We can't wait to come back on the 16th for your performance. Well done!

St Margaret's RC send Burke and Hare packing

We had a great day today in Galashiels working with the p4-7s at St Margaret's RC primary. Despite the small numbers, the singing was powerful and the show is set to be a successful one. Looking forward to our next visit :-)

Ladyloan primary

Charades had a wonderful day working with p6 & 7 at a buoyant Ladyloan primary.  Even though today was the first day that the cast were introduced to the actions and blocking of the show, by the time it came to run a full rehearsal, the production was almost perfect. Only a few little areas are left to rehearse before the big day in two weeks time. We can't wait to work with this thoroughly well behaved, enthusiastic and talented school.

Welcoming Angus Council to Charades Theatre Comany

It is our great pleasure to announce - albeit belatedly - a new partnership with Angus Council. Charades kicked off productions at the beginning of this term in Seaview Primary, Ladyloan Primary, Strathmore Primary, Hayshead Primary, Maisondieu Primary and Edzell Primary. The schools will be taking on one of two productions - either the gruesome tale of the murderous Edinburgh bodysnatchers, 'Burke and Hare', or the swashbuckling tale of pirates and buried treasure, 'Treasure Island'. We have now kicked off all the projects and cannot wait to return to each of the schools, once all the casts have learned their words, for the Music Support days. Great to have you on board Angus.

Back to the Borders

A very quick update to report our ongoing partnership with the Borders.  We're thrilled to continue our working relationship in this enthusiastic and very supportive region.  This term we're working with Clovenfords, Stow, St. Margarets RC and Tweedbank primaries - all of whom show a lot of promise.  Soon we'll be returning to each of the schools for the Music Support days where we'll be working on blocking the show as well as teaching the cast members all the choreography. The only fly in the ointment is the Border Railway construction on the A7 at 7am every morning. The shows must go on though...

Burgh send Burke and Hare to the gallows...

Burgh primary in Galasheils today, and yet another fantastic performance to report upon. The high standard of acting and singing wowed the audience, and their rapturous applause by the end proved this in no certain terms. What was particularly outstanding was that all members of the cast knew every single word from the whole show, even if they were not involved. The results speak for themselves - well done Burgh!!

Philiphaugh Community School

Friday saw yet another wonderful Borders performance of Burke and Hare, this time at Philiphaugh Community School in Selkirk. It was a true pleasure to work with this well-behaved and enthusiastic group of young actors. Thank you to all the children and teachers who took part and a BIG well done from us.

Trinity Primary, Hawick

A truly remarkable performance of Burke and Hare took place on Thursday at Trinity Primary, Hawick. Every member of the cast gave everything they could and, combined with the considerable talent on show, the final performance to a packed out hall was nothing short of stunning. It's of course difficult to describe an atmosphere in a blog post, but you really could have cut the tension in the air with Burke and Heres' switch blade. Many, many congratulations to all involved - we hope to be back ay Trinity again soon!!!

Lawfield P.S.

Many congratulations to the cast of Treasure Island at Lawfield yesterday. We knew it was going to be a good one on the strength of last years Burke and Hare performance, and true to form it didn't disappoint. The pirates brutal rendition of 'Cold Blooded Mutiny' was brilliantly offset by the comic capers of the Castaways in 'No Cheese'; further talent of the group was also displayed by the stoic Loyalists in the stockade scene. Well done guys, great job!!

Blood and guts at Glendinning

Yesterday's show was another portrayal of the gruesome tale of Burke and Hare, this time by Glendinning Primary. The performance was truly superb by this small and young cast - it really is incredible what talent was on show. A huge well done to all of you - you can look forward to re-living the experience once the dvd's ready. Here's a display of wanted posters offering rewards for the murderous duo.

Strathesk

Some fallow time as a passenger on the way down the A7 this morning presents a good little opportunity to report upon yesterday's proceedings at Strathesk Primary in Midlothian. Treasure Island was the show, performed by a cast of around 80. And a great job they did of it! Particular congratulations must go to the Castaways whose acting in the treasure hunt scene stole the show. Congratulations Strathesk!! Here's the cast list from the programme.

The big day at Melrose Primary

All the hard work's been done at Melrose Primary School and its time to enjoy the big performance. Come 1.45pm today the hall will be full of excited parents, grandparents etc. Here's Moira leading the warm up.

St Matthews RC, Rosewell

Its the music support day at the picturesque St Matthews RC primary in Rosewell today. We have been made very welcome by the staff and pupils.. And the pupils are doing a fantastic job of performing our show. All in all, a great day. What's more, we got to take tea in the cloisters. Marvelous!!!

More murdering in the Borders

Both Friday and yesterday saw the Charades team visiting two more talented schools in the Scottish Borders - Philiphaugh Community School in Selkirk and Glendinning Primary in Galasheils. Big congratulations are well deserved by both these groups of talented young actors and actresses. We shall keep you updated as and when the performances take place. Here's a wee snap of an impressive mural from Philiphaugh.

Two days of Treasure Island

We've spent the last couple of days in two great schools in Midlothian - Strathesk Primary in Penicuik and Lawfield Primary in Mayfield. Both schools have really embraced the challenge of learning all the tough words and melodies, so we've had a grand time with both casts teaching them all the choreography, stage directions etc. Safe to say both shows will be top notch. Here's a wee snap from Lawfield today when Moira was explaining the actions in the finale.

The infamous murderers hit Burgh primary in Galasheils

Another super day blocking and rehearsing Burke and Hare with another talented and promising bunch of actors and actresses this time from Burgh primary. Well done guys!! Here's James reminding the Navvies of time of their choreography...

Stobhill tackles Burke and Hare head on!!

Midlothian's Stobhill primary school have been learning all the blocking and choreography for Burke and Hare today and the talent on show has been outstanding. Bring on next month when the hall will transform into a theatre for the big day. Here's Charades theatre's very own Moira Morrison prompting the medical students as they sing their song 'Blood and Guts and Gore'!

New term, new shows...

Hellooo, I'm excited to say that Charades are well into kicking off this term's projects in both Midlothian and the Borders. After sorting the teachers out in a CPD session, we kick off with the children in our half day introduction workshop where we explain the story and start them off on some of the songs. This term we have ten schools from the Borders and Midlothian performing either 'Burke and Hare' or 'Treasure Island'. We're also very pleased to welcome our founding partner back to the fray this term - Moira has been away for three months in South America delivering workshops to orphaned children.

Burke and Hare at Howdenburn

Many, many congratulations to the children of Howdenburn who put on a wonderful performance of Burke and Hare yesterday. Regardless of the small cast size, the performance was full of energy and life, show-casing considerable talent from some very promising young actors and actresses. Fantastic work Howdenburn, I hope we will work with you all again.

St Martin's evening extravaganza

Now, if you want to organise a successful school production, get some tips from St Martin's RC in Tranent. I think this snap speaks for itself. Well done all ;-)  ...this was the scene at the closing speech by the headmistress, The Castaways in the foreground sporting their fashionable head-dresses.

Treasure Island at St Martin's

Today was the big day at St Martin's RC Primary in Tranent. At 2pm, after a morning filled with a tech run and a dress rehearsal, an audience of 120 proud parents and grandparents eagerly awaited the start of the Charades musical, Treasure Island.

As soon as the Locals began to sing the opening song 'The Admiral Benbow' it was clear that the performance was going to be a special one, and the audience's first opportunity to applaud after the opening number reflected this. The high standard set by the Locals was brilliantly matched by the Loyalists and Pirates in their portrayal of the bustling Bristol docks and the voyage that followed. "Land Lubbers stand aside" they sang at the tops of their voices! The story then continued with a boisterous rendition of 'Cold Blooded Mutiny' by the Pirates, which left the audience fearing for the lives of protagonists Jim the cabin-boy, expedition leader Dr Livesay and the Loyalists. Next up were the Castaways who entertained to the maximum with their song that explains their unfortunate past that left them marooned on a desert island, and, above all, their longing to return to civilisation so they can eat cheese!

The entertainment continued, each of the Loyalists, Pirates and Castaways wowing the audience with there telling of the tale. Upon the end of the final song the room erupted into applause and cheering, and the cast took to the stage for one last time to accept the congratulations in their curtain call.

A wonderful performance, and it will all be repeated in a special evening showing tomorrow. Encore!!

Here is one of the many brilliant posters for the show made by one the cast members.

Treasure Island at Kings Meadow Primary, Haddington

A very quick note to say a ENORMOUSLY GIGANTIC well done to the fantastic cast of today's Treasure Island performance at Kings Meadow Primary school. I'd write more, but currently hot-footing it to an evening performance in Tranent. No rest for Jim Hawkins and his sea-faring accomplices!

Burke and Hare spotted in Haddington

The infamous murderers appeared in St Mary's RC Primary today, and their gruesome tale was told wonderfully by the combined talents of St Mary's, Athelstaneford and Dirleton primaries. Many, many congratulations to all the young actors and actresses who appeared in the show - a very talented bunch. Here's a little stylized snap from the big day...

East Linton put on quite a show

A BIG well done to all the wonderful children of East Linton primary school for their brilliant performance of Treasure Island. Fabulous singing and acting and a real pleasure for us to work with. Here's a little stylized snap from the Quayside scene when the crew members are struggling to stand upright against the force of the sea...

Burke and Hare at Burnfoot

Thursday afternoon saw a quite brilliant production of Burke and Hare performed by the p6's and 7's of Burnfoot community school. There was not one weak link in the cast of about 80, and by the time we got to the finale of the gruesome tale the audience had been on over and wowed about 4 times over. Here's the cover of the programme made by the children. BRAVO BURNFOOT!!

Robert Louis Stevenson meets John Muir

A brilliant performance of the Charades musical version of Treasure Island took place today at West Barns primary, just a stone's throw away from John Muir country park. West Barns were joined by Stenton and Innerwick primaries to sing and act their way through the classic tale of pirates and buried treasure. After a tough morning ending in the dress rehearsal to the rest of the school, the cast of p5-7's performed in front of a sell-out audience who were thoroughly entertained, loving every minute. Many, many congratulations to all the young actors and actresses who took part... yo ho ho and a bottle of rum. Great Scot it was good ;-)

The Show Must Go On!!!!

Well, despite a slightly depleted cast due to adverse weather conditions, the gruesome tale of Burke and Hare was told brilliantly by Lilliesleaf Primary School today. The Cadavers and Townsfolk, Guards and Students, and Navvies all sang brilliantly. A HUGE congratulations to all involved. 

Tweedbank Primary

on the road back from Tweedbank Primary just outside Galasheils. A big well done to the p5-7's for day of hard and determined work. All the parents and grandparents will be very proud come the afternoon of the 27th March after the final performance.

Howdenburn

Much fun was had today at Howdenburn primary in the borders. Many congratulations to this great group... Although a small cast, they made up for it in enthusiasm and volume. Here's the students rehearsing with Dr Knox.

Burnfoot

Just on the way back from Hawick where we've been working with a hugely talented Burke and Hare cast made up of p5-7 from Burnfoot Primary School. Everyone worked so well together and as a result we had plenty time to add extra bits and go into good detail. Fanatasic to work with such a great group of young people. The performance in a fortnight's time is going to be a special one ;-)

Moorfoot ps and our newest recruit

Moorfoot primary in midlothian thismorning for some Burke and Hare action. Here's our new recruit Mathew bossing the piano...

No rest for the wicked

Burke and Hare are on the road feeling a little tired headed for Lilliesleaf primary today... Even serial killers have to commute before the sun comes up :-(

New term, new region: Charades welcomes schools in the Borders to the gruesome tale of Burke and Hare

We recently met with representatives of Borders council and have great pleasure in reporting that there shall be a new partnership between both parties for the foreseeable future. To begin with, Charades will deliver their award-winning musical Burke and Hare in 10 schools over the next few months. This term we'll be visiting Howdenburn, Lilliesleaf, Burnfoot and Tweedbank primary schools; we can't wait to get started...

East Lothian: Burke and Hare and Treasure Island this term

Charades are looking forward to this term's projects in East Lothian. The gruesome tale of Burke and Hare is set to be told by Dirleton, Athelstaneford, St Mary's RC primary schools. And in stark contrast to stories of bodysnatching and smothering, the seafaring adventures of piracy and buried treasure told in the Charades adaptation of R.L.Stevenson's Treasure Island will be being performed by Stenton, West Barns, Innerwick, St Martin's RC, Kings Meadow and East Linton primaries. It's going to be a busy term in East Lothian!