Children
SCHOOL’S IN THIS SUMMER Emma Thompson does her homework to find out how budding thespians can improve their theatrical skills during the school break... LHK Productions and The Epstein Theatre launched a fantastic opportunity for young people to beat school holiday boredom, have fun and learn new skills – with a Musical Madness Summer School! This brand new venture from LHK heralds a welcome return of summer school to the theatre on Hanover Street, as when the venue was known as The Neptune Theatre it was the home of the popular Elliott Clarke theatre school’s summer holiday activities. Now, the new Musical Madness Summer School promises to be the perfect summer activity for superstars in the making. With two separate weeklong sessions (from Monday, July 29 – Saturday, August 3 and Monday, August 5 – Saturday, August 10), young people will receive training from TV and theatre industry professionals, many of whom started their careers within the venue’s four walls and enjoy a real life theatre experience. Performers will cover some of the most popular musical numbers of all time from classics such as Grease, Hairspray,
Fame and Bugsy Malone while learning the skills and techniques needed to succeed in the entertainment industry. Each week will culminate in a live showcase performance on the renowned Epstein stage, which will be open to friends, family and the public. The school will be split into two age groups age five – 12 and 13 plus, with technical placements also available for those who want to learn more about behind the scenes workings of a performing arts venue. This is a fantastic opportunity for any budding young stars to get an early taste of the theatre, and with no audition necessary and all levels of experience welcome places are expected to be snapped up fast and will be on a first come first served basis! A full week’s Summer School tuition costs just £120, with sessions running from 10am-5pm each day (early drop off and late pick up available). Those interested in applying should contact Chloe Charlesworth on Chloe@ epsteinliverpool.co.uk LHK Productions and The
Epstein Theatre have also announced that 10 places for each of the two weeks will be free scholarship places. Those wishing to apply for a scholarship will be required to audition – details will be released soon. Lee Kelly, producer and director of LHK Productions says: “This will be the first summer school back at my theatre of choice and we promise it will be a fantastic
experience to remember with a brilliant showcase for all budding performers. “Having performed on that very stage myself as a youngster I hope to offer promising performers the same opportunities I had and I have no doubt that everyone who attends will learn the skills needed to succeed in the business while having fun and making lifelong friends.”
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
WIND IN THE WILLOWS
DORA THE EXPLORER
LHK Youth Theatre will bring Disney’s High School Musical on Stage! to the Epstein Theatre this month with three days of all singing, all dancing, family entertainment, chockful of fun, friendship and show stopping numbers. From July 4 to 6, audiences can join their favourite brainiacs, jocks, thespians, and skater dudes as they sing and dance their way through high school in this stage spectacular which features fresh up and coming talent from across Merseyside. Get’cha head in the game at The Epstein Theatre this July for this much loved modern classic. Tickets are £12.50 and £9 for children. Call the box office on 0844 888 4411 or log on to www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk
YOUNG Everyman Playhouse (YEP) are taking on Kenneth Grahame’s well-known tale, The Wind in the Willows. But if you think you know the plot, be prepared to be surprised as a cast of 80 young people bring this timeless children’s story to life within the grounds of Croxteth Hall from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28. The story has been adapted and brought into the 21st century by James Phillips, and while the much-loved characters of Toad, Badger, Ratty and Mole remain, this contemporary vision incorporates themes of social class, hierarchy and a struggle for power as the Weasels rise up. But who will be victorious? Performance times are 5pm and 7pm, tickets cost £4/£6, call the box office on 0151 709 4776 or log on to www.everymanplayhouse.com
DON’T you just hate it when you can’t find your toys? Now, thankfully, Dora the Explorer is on her way to the Liverpool Empire in the show Search for the City of Lost Toys! Life Like Touring and Nickelodon is bringing everyone’s favourite explorer on her first UK tour, and stopping off at the Liverpool Empire from July 12 to 14. In this live musical adventure, Dora the Explorer has lost her teddy bear, and the search is on to retrieve him! With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys. Visit www.atgtickets.com/liverpool Meanwhile, Best of Liverpool is offering readers the chance to win a family ticket (for four people) to see Dora the Explorer for the first performance on July 12. For a chance to win a family ticket, answer the following question:
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
AHOY THERE MATEY! THE annual Liverpool Pirate Festival has become a firm favourite with pirate-clad visitors who flock to the Albert Dock to witness spectacular live action battles complete with cannon fire, sword fights and jaw-dropping drama on the high seas. This must-see event returns to the Albert Dock on July 20-21, with activities happening from 11am until 5.30pm each day. With around 80 professional performers, the festival will transform the Albert Dock into an arena of sensational swashbuckling antics that are sure to entertain young and old alike. Expect face-painting, a treasure trail, authentic 18th century encampments and one of the country’s finest Captain Jack Sparrow imitators, all creating a weekend of fun for all the family. Children and adults are all encouraged to come dressed up in their finest pirate gear for the event! For more information log onto www.albertdock.com
WIN Q. What is Dora searching for in this new show? Send your answer, name, address and telephone number to Dora Competition, Best of Liverpool, Liverpool ECHO, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Closing date for entries: July 8, 2013. Maximum one entry per person.