Education

Frantic lovers; plucky heroines; smiling villains; fearful kings; canny canines; and some distinctly dodgy rhymes. Nick Bottom and Peter Quince have reconvened their rude mechanicals with a view to setting up a professional troupe in the wake of their unparalleled performance at Theseus' wedding feast. This time they've got their hands on the Complete Works of one 'W.S.' But first they have to agree on which are the BEST BITS?! And just who is the sinister, dark stranger who keeps disrupting the rehearsals?

An introduction to the world and works of Shakespeare to prime pupils for their first encounters with the Bard at secondary school level. Four professional actors wield simple props & found objects (including each other and copious quantities of imagination) to bring to life the key characters and themes of Shakespeare's plays. Along the way ground rules are laid for - amongst other things - tackling the language, fighting, kissing and coping with codpieces. Audience participation and forum theatre techniques will be employed to directly involve pupils in the proceedings, and to foster an enthusiasm to explore the material further.

The performance (lasting approximately 1hr) can be booked on its own or in conjunction with workshops delivered by the cast and Wildcard's education department. Daylong residencies opening with the company's performance and culminating in a performance by the pupils can be tailored to suit a school's requirements.

Where possible, Wildcard plans to monitor the progress of participants as they enter secondary education and maximise opportunities for follow-up workshops and/or performances in the relevant secondary schools. As a potential 'bridging presence', the company aspires to consolidate its potential as a resource to both primary and secondary sectors.

For more information, or to make a booking, contact the Education Department on 01494 439375 or

Bottoms Best Bits

Your Name: E-Mail Address:

I would like more information on Wildcard's "Bottom".

Sites we love