On #WorldDownSyndromeDay Blue Apple and international friends ask “To be ..or not to be?”
Boots made for walking?
A visit from Alton College
Blue Apple's Core company played host to performing arts students from Alton College this week to give them a flavour of how we work and what we aim to do with our performances and workshops. After joining in a warm-up and exploring what it means to be a strong performer they were treated to a few scenes from 'The Blue Apple Wizard of Oz' to see our ideas in action. We all had an amazing afternoon skill sharing and learning from each other as you can see from the photo below.
Comic Relief Red Nose Day 2022
Blue Apple is supporting Comic Relief Red Nose Day 2022 on Friday 18 March. All this week our performers are telling jokes for Comic Relief to help those around us most in need. To support the campaign please visit our JustGiving page. #RedNoseDay
Orchestra Unwrapped
Orchestra Unwrapped is an outreach programme devised by the internationally acclaimed Philharmonia Orchestra. On Thursday 3 March a small group of Blue Apple performers from the Blue Apple Singing Group attended a workshop at The Anvil in Basingstoke that provided the opportunity to hear and work with a live orchestra. The group travelled by train, accompanied by Mary Richards, Blue Apple volunteer, and Georgiana Robertson, Blue Apple’s Chair Emeritus.
The programme included a specially devised hour-long concert offering our participants the opportunity to experience orchestral live music in an engaging and exciting way within a venue they may not have visited otherwise.
Who are the Philharmonia?
Founded in 1945, the Philharmonia is based in London at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall whose exceptional players come from all over the world and tour internationally. Unusually in 1964 it became a self-governing orchestra.
Below are photos of Blue Apple performers Paul Smith, James Elsworthy and Grant Powell alongside Mary Richards and Georgiana Robertson at The Anvil during their visit. (Please scroll).
Below is a very short clip of the performance on stage to give you a flavour of the event.
Wizard of Oz tickets now on sale
Blue Apple's Wizard of Oz
Book tickets here
7 to 8 April 2022 at 7.30pm
in The Winchester College QE2 Theatre
With guest vocal performances by
actress Miriam Margolyes and radio presenter Clare Carson
Tickets are now on sale here
If this is the ‘Wizard of Oz’ then who is the old lady in the Hampshire care home, and why are we moving from 2022 to 1970 and 1898? As memories fade and the mind plays its tricks, is someone confusing reality with childhood stories or Hollywood movies?
“I should have never trusted that damned-fool Baum man, shifty. Took everything I said and wrote it right down, in black and white. Not an original thought under his hat. And don’t get me started on that darned film! Ruby shoes indeed! The shoes were silver, the most beautiful things I ever saw. Silver…I should know…I wore them.”
Yes, there is a cowardly lion, confused scarecrow and a tin man searching for a heart – but this is Blue Apple Theatre taking on a classic, so expect the unexpected and be prepared to see the familiar from a fresh perspective.”
Performances at The Winchester College QE2 Theatre
Thursday 7 April 7.30pm | Friday 8 April 7.30pm
Ticket prices: Full price £15 | Family (any group of 4+) £12 | Play to the Crowd Members £12
Book tickets here
Illustration by Naomi Oppenheim. Poster by Rich Williams.
Lawrie Morris shares his ambitions
“I grew up watching Shakespeare - that’s my first experience of actually acting.”
Blue Apple core performer Lawrie Morris talked to artistic director Richard Conlon recently about his early love of Shakespeare, his ambitions and his love of Strictly!
Watch the interview in the video below.
Blue Apple actor Lawrie Morris
World Holocaust Memorial Day 2022
Today on World Holocaust Memorial Day we reflect on the lives damaged or destroyed by the Nazi regime. Among those were many thousands of people with learning disabilities who were forcibly sterilised or murdered. Blue Apple advocates for the development of a more inclusive and equal society and is committed to the development of integrated and progressive opportunities within the arts for people with learning disabilities to enhance their social, personal and artistic skills and achieve public recognition for their talents. #WorldHolocaustMemorialDay
Mencap appoints Blue Apple performer Tommy Jessop as ambassador
Tommy Jessop at rehearsal for Blue Apple’s performance of The Tempest in 2019
We are delighted that Blue Apple performer Tommy Jessop has become an ambassador for Mencap, advocating for and encouraging other people with learning disabilities to pursue their dreams. "Tommy plans to use his new position to get rid of the idea that people with a learning disability cannot do certain things. "People with a learning disability should be able to do anything we want, for example getting married or being a role model for people to look up to." Tommy told The Mirror he had 'always' wanted to be an actor after starting out with local theatre company Blue Apple Theatre, which was founded by his mother Jane. Photo credit: Mike Hall
Free taster for new online performing arts classes for young people 14-18 with learning disabilities Saturday 8 January 11-12pm
Blue Apple presents a new Young Company offering Performing Arts skills to young people with learning disabilities aged 14-18. The online sessions will offer a mix of singing, dance and drama and will be facilitated by a trained professional.
Blue Apple’s brand new Young Company is for young adults anywhere aged 14-18 years with a learning disability who have a passion and interest in the arts. This company will explore all aspects of performing arts including drama, movement, and song, in a fun and nurturing environment, with development opportunities to perform and progress into Blue Apple’s adult companies and sessions.
Young Company Performing Arts for 14-18 year olds will be on Saturdays 11am-12pm via Zoom starting on 15 January 2022.
There will be a free taster session on Saturday 8 January for Young Company Performing Arts.
Cost £7 per session. Spring term 2021 is 13 weeks costing £91 in total or two payments of £45.50.
Term starts week beginning 10 January 2022 |
Term ends week beginning 4 April 2022 (No half term).
Book your place for the free taster, or half a term/full term.
Email admin@blueappletheatre.com or phone 07510 844480
One of the early sessions
New to Blue Apple? Hear what our performers say:
Blue Apple Singers knock it out of the park....
On the afternoon of Sunday 19 December the Blue Apple singers entertained the public at Pavilion on the Park’s Lantern Trail in Eastleigh. Here they are!
Blue Apple Singers at a practice session
Rebecca sings Doorstep Carols at Winchester Cathedral
Doorstep Carols is a nationwide event with cathedral choirs and professional singers leading the nation in song. The initiative works with BBC local radio stations, streaming to schools, hospital wards, care-homes, and communities around the country with the aim of warding off isolation at Christmas.
In support of this year’s national event, Sir Tim Rice said: "I hope that the singing en masse will remind us all that music, especially vocals, can bring everyone together whether in unison or harmony. We must not let recent troubles make us fearful of using our voices".
Blue Apple’s Engagement Coordinator Rebecca Godden took time out of her busy schedule to add her voice to the Doorstep Carols on Wednesday 15 December, saying: “What a pleasure it was to sing festive tunes in the beautiful backdrop of Winchester Cathedral and bring people together once again through song and joy in Doorstep Carols.”
Rebecca has arranged for the Blue Apple Singers to perform outside at Pavilion on the Park’s Christmas Lantern Trail in Eastleigh this Sunday 19 December 4-7pm. We hope you will come and enjoy their singing. See more details here.
Blue Apple team member recognised by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge
Blue Apple’s Development Lead Daisy Robinson was invited to attend the Royal Carol Service held on Wednesday 8th December by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge. This was to recognise her charity work during the pandemic for Eastleigh Youth & Community Trust. Daisy set up a lunch club on wheels service for vulnerable people that provided more than 4000 hot and healthy meals. She also arranged for the provision of Christmas Lunch (prepared and delivered by volunteers) to 50 individuals who, without our support, would have been alone and without food on Christmas Day.
Daisy shared: "I am really proud of what I achieved and that I could help people most in need during the pandemic. It was an honour to be invited to such a special event, and it was so much fun too - I got a smile from Kate and Will, and Leona Lewis performed right in front of me!"
Royal Carols: Together at Christmas will be aired on ITV at 1930 on Christmas Eve.
Daisy Robinson on left
Miriam Margolyes adds her voice to Blue Apple's Wizard of Oz
Blue Apple is delighted to announce that acclaimed actress and BAFTA award winner Miriam Margolyes has gifted her voice to the role of teacher in our 7-9 January production of The Wizard of Oz.
The actress is famed for her roles as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, for several distinctive roles in the Blackadder series, for the part of Mrs Mingott in Martin Scorsese's The Age of Innocence and so many more memorable performances on film, TV, stage, radio and audio books.
We feel very honoured that she has so kindly taken time out of her very busy schedule to record this part for Blue Apple.
Blue Apple’s Wizard of Oz will be staged at Theatre Royal Winchester and also live streamed.
#GivingTuesday
On #GivingTuesday 2021 you helped fund bursaries so all performers can access Blue Apple.
A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who donated to our #CurtainUpCampaign to fund performing arts training bursaries for people with learning disabilities.
Tickets on sale for Wizard of Oz in January
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 7-9 January 2022
Illustration by Naomi Oppenheim
“If this is the ‘Wizard of Oz’ then who is the old lady in the Hampshire care home, and why are we moving from 2022, to 1970 and 1898? As memories fade and the mind plays its tricks, is someone confusing reality with childhood stories or Hollywood movies?
“I should have never trusted that damned-fool Baum man, shifty. Took everything I said and wrote it right down, in black and white. Not an original thought under his hat. And don’t get me started on that darned film! Ruby shoes indeed! The shoes were silver, the most beautiful things I ever saw. Silver…I should know…I wore them.’
Yes, there is a cowardly lion, confused scarecrow and a tin man searching for a heart – but this is Blue Apple Theatre taking on a classic, so expect the unexpected and be prepared to see the familiar from a fresh perspective.”
Performances at Theatre Royal Winchester
Friday 7 January 2022 7.30pm / Saturday 8 January 2022 7.30pm / Sunday 9 January 3.30pm
Ticket prices: Full price £15 / Family (any group of 4+) £12 / Play to the Crowd Members £12
Book at: https://www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/blue-apples-wizard-oz
Livestream webcast performances
Saturday 8 January 2022 7.30pm / Sunday 9 January 3.30pm / Ticket price: £10
Book at: https://www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/blue-apples-wizard-oz-live-online
Blue Apple Singers turn a shade of Purple Tuesday at the Swan Centre Eastleigh
#PurpleTuesday2021 aims to drive positive change to the customer experience for disabled people and their families. The Blue Apple Singers had lots of fun supporting the event at The Swan Centre in Eastleigh. Below are some photos of the singers and their director Kate Mellors. Thanks to Cas Small from the Swan Centre for arranging everything so beautifully.
New online dance and exercise classes
Blue Apple and Winchester Go LD have teamed up with Louisa Church from Collective Motion Dance to offer new online dance and exercise sessions on Mondays 1-2pm up to 20 December. A pilot session was very successful and performers found it great fun. The sessions are accessible and Makaton friendly.
Find out more and book places here.
New faces at Blue Apple
Rebecca Godden joins staff as Engagement Coordinator
Rebecca Godden is an experienced Multi-Disciplinary Practitioner of performing arts, communicating her talent and passion for the arts across varied platforms within theatre, education, and the community on a national and international scale. She studied Contemporary Performance at The University of Winchester and holds a First-Class BA honours degree. Rebecca specialises in Devised Theatre and has a passion for access for all within the arts, and has collaborated with many industry artists and companies which include, Equity, Birmingham Stage Theatre Company, Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG London and Regional) and City Lit. She is thrilled to now be a part of the Blue Apple family!
Daisy Robinson joins staff as Development Lead
Daisy is a freelance Charity Consultant who is passionate about helping both individuals and the charities that they work for to thrive and be the best that they can be. Daisy has extensive knowledge and experience with a range of not-for-profit organisations, from established charities through to local start-ups. Daisy is a visionary, ambitious, and creative freelancer bringing over 15 years of experience spanning arts, youth, community, disability, and voluntary sectors. Daisy is committed to values of social justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion. Pronouns: she/her.
Rebecca Godden
Daisy Robinson
Dominic Thompson and Megan Ball join as Trustees
Dominic Thompson brings experience from his role as Director of Adult and Higher Education at Peter Symonds College. He also lectures in Educational Studies at Portsmouth University. Megan Ball is Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer at Sands, stillbirth and neonatal death charity and was previously President and Chair of the Board of Trustees at Winchester Student Union, and Student Governor at the University of Winchester Board of Governors.
After several years contribution as a Trustee we say a big thank you to Rebecca Sheppard as she leaves to focus on work and family commitments.
Megan Ball
Double Premiere for Blue Apple Theatre and Theatre Royal Winchester
On Thursday 21 October 2021 a small group of Blue Apple performers stood on stage at Theatre Royal Winchester to talk about a very important film called See No Evil. Those performers all starred in a film designed to help people spot hate crime and protect vulnerable people from being exploited through a process known as ‘cuckooing’. This is when dealers convince a vulnerable person to let their home be used for drug dealing. They are often urban gangs who are involved in county lines drug trafficking. The film was premiered in the beautiful heritage theatre auditorium at Theatre Royal Winchester via their new surround sound cinema screen which has been recently installed thanks to generous support from the Garfield Weston Foundation. This was the first film to be screened on the new equipment that will in future enable Theatre Royal Winchester to not only host live performance but also to screen films and live-streamed performances from theatres from around the country and beyond.
On stage to explain the key themes of the film were Anna Brisbane, James Elsworthy and Tommy Jessop alongside outgoing Chair of Trustees Georgiana Robertson. Co-performer James Benfield was unable to attend the premiere.
Photos by Mike Hall.
The part-animated video, created in collaboration with Cass Productions, features four of Blue Apple’s actors who all have learning disabilities, as well as real-life police officers. See No Evil was developed with the Hampshire Police Crime Commissioner and Hampshire County Council. Speaking before the film was shown to invited guests from local organisations, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Councillor Luke Stubbs talked about the critical importance of crime prevention in the role of policing.
The film is designed for viewing alongside an educational workshop that includes drama and discussion activities, co-facilitated by members of Blue Apple Theatre. Free educational resources and the film can be accessed via Blue Apple's website at blueappletheatre.com/seenoevil
