I’ve been intending to watch a performance of the Prospero Theatre for quite a while, and glad I have finally found the time on this sunny but bitingly cold Friday. Prospero Theatre’s intention to create and deliver “Exceptional art that speaks with the Voice of an Inclusive Society” has been shared on many summer and Christmas fairs around Surrey, and this is how I got talking to them.
Because they have put better in words who they are than I could ever do, allow me to copy their introduction from their website: “We are an inclusive theatre company founded in 2015, that uses drama to improve the quality of life for adults and young people with disabilities and mental health conditions. Our dual purpose is artistic endeavour and socialisation and we believe that one feeds into the other. We work to improve the quality of life of each person by giving the opportunity to be creative, express emotions, work as a valid member of a team and have a voice.” And the people who lead it and participate are true heroes: They open their mission statement on their website with “Our aim is to produce a programme of work that challenges exclusion at every level of our culture” and close it with “We aim to drive societal change by challenging and transforming perceptions of disability.” Amen.
My love for the Grimm Brothers and of Hans Christian Andersen is no secret, so for today’s fairytale double-bill I am heading by bus to The Arc community centre in Caterham-On-The-Hill. Next time I will not force myself to a far too early, rushed lunch at home – the food at their cosy bistro looks fantastic and drinks are reasonably prices as well. I arrive early enough to peak around and discover a bookable soft play area, animal experiences, displays of local history and many production photos on the wall. Ouch, I have no cash for the donation box of today’s performance though and I pledge that this will not happen to me again – even the printed programs are free! Luckily, I’ll successfully find their People’s Fundraising page later online.
I am advised to sit down early as it is a full house this afternoon but unreserved seating, and most audience members know each other: This clearly is a community event in which I am a guest, so I opt for a discreet seat at the back. It will turn out that the very excited but absolutely well-behaved audience surrounding me is mainly the cast of today’s second play, Snow White. By then, the first cast will enjoy the other group’s performance, both made of multigenerational adults with various abilities.
First up is The Snow Queen, a story I have read, listened to and watched in various versions endless times. This version features less often displayed episodes of Hans-Christian Andersen’s novella in recent retellings, like talking ravens, robbers, mirror shards and STEM bashing plus a little reminder that Kai is a girls’ name as well. Hands are being held when needed, wheelchairs pushed and prompts and props shared – absolutely nothing interrupts the narrative. We meet trolls and princes and wander through the seasons towards a happy end.
Snow White emphasises the story’s tragedy of an adoption gone terribly wrong from the very start, and the sheer endless vanity and small egos of those ruling rather than on folks of reduced height. Expect the magic of a masked ball, monarchists from all over the world with their souvenirs and a dream wedding led by no one else but Elvis Presley! What is not to love?
It is a busy afternoon with two fairytales on stage (each lasting an hour each), followed by a raffle lottery, carol singing and mince pies for which I do not stay due to the local bus timetable I have wisely checked before. Prospero Theatre, it was worth the wait! Donation made online as well.
**** out of 5 stars
The Prospero Theatre ensemble played their fairytale double-bill twice this season at The Arc. Tickets £10, concessions £5
Sadie takes the Stage 