tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72071727823400518852024-03-05T18:04:24.834+00:00The Border Studio BlogA font of creativity, knowledge and inspiration for theatre industry members and theatre lovers.
We are one of the UK's leading theatrical scenery and backcloth hire companies, and have been supplying the UK's theatres since our establishment in 1961.
Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-79733869089501511452016-06-10T17:03:00.000+01:002016-06-10T17:03:00.809+01:00Made in Dagenham Show Review - East Ayrshire Youth Theatre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>A few weeks ago we were very kindly invited by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EastAyrshireYouthTheatre/" target="_blank">East Ayrshire Youth Theatre</a> to attend the Scottish Premiere of '<i>Made in Dagenham'</i>. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had spent the past few months working closely with their directors Michelle Laats and Michaella Mullen, as well as their Stage Manager Roger Robinson to come up with an exciting new set design for this show, so we were all incredibly excited to be able to go and see our set make it's debut up on the stage. I'm sure you would all agree that there is a big difference between how a set appears in daytime and how it appears when it is lit beautifully on a stage & surrounded by cast members in costume, so we were really looking forward to getting 'the full effect'! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was also the first time that many of us would be seeing the musical, although by this point we all already had a fairly good understanding of the script & the soundtrack. My own experience so far had been to watch the film, and of course many of our staff members were alive when the real life strikes were happening at the Ford Dagenham plant in the 60's. Being only 24 years old it does seem a bit strange that in the future I could potentially be watching musicals based on today's current affairs, however who knows? Maybe 'EU Referendum - a Musical Extravaganza' might become the new 'Les Miserables'!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were particularly excited to see how our brand new cream Ford Cortina car was received- and I had purposefully avoided seeing it 'in person' so that I could enjoy the full effect of seeing it on stage for the first time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We opted to attend the Saturday matinee show, and arrived early enough to be able to enjoy lunch at the nearby </span><a href="http://franklinsloane.co.uk/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Franklin & Sloane</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> gastropub. If anyone is in the Kilmarnock area and looking for a bite to eat then we couldn't recommend this place enough! A really lovely venue that showcases a comfortable, yet quirky interior design as well as a superb food and drinks menu. We'll be making it our go-to place for pre-theatre dinners from now on I reckon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Franklin & Sloane was also just around the corner from the theatre too, so we were able to keep our car parked there and wander down with plenty of time to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kilmarnock.palace.theatre/" target="_blank">Palace Theatre</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we entered the auditorium we were greeted by our lovely cobalt blue Ford Dagenham gauze, and once we were settled into our seats the show started pretty swiftly, with the gauze lifting to reveal the suitably messy and chaotic family home of the O'Grady's. EAYT had provided some of their own stage dressings and every time the show returned to the O'Grady's home I felt it worked well. Washing was strewn everywhere, retro cereal packets were on the table and the combination of this and the cast helped really 'set the scene' for the busy family home it was meant to represent. A memorable 'mistake' that actually added a little something extra to a later scene was when a football being kicked around by the O'Grady's son (played by Andrew Maxwell) went a bit astray and ended up bouncing off his Father's head (Eddie O'Grady, played by Christopher Williams) - just as he was complaining about the chaos in the house. It earned a laugh from the audience and was a moment that, if it could be recreated would work incredibly well in the show. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the moment the curtain went up, the whole cast threw themselves into their roles. They maintained a good energy throughout the whole production that was kicked off straight away with the first song 'Busy Woman' - a song that I'm sure resonated amongst many of the grandparents, parents and siblings that were sat watching in the audience. Leading busy lives & trying to pack everything into a day is definitely not something that has changed much since the 1960s! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We then swiftly moved on (huge congratulations to the stage crew for quickly pulling off the many scene changes!) to the Ford Dagenham plant itself, where we were treated to a very lively number 'Made in Dagenham', and got to know some more of the key figures in the production. Two cast members that instantly stood out to us were the sweary Beryl (excellently played by Abbie McLelland) and the jolly, but forgetful Clare - played by Eva Beattie, who had such a transformation to become her character that I could barely identify her from the cast list! Both actresses had a wonderful stage presence and played their characters exceptionally well. They were often the light relief to some of the heavier issues addressed in this musical, and they had a great sense of comic timing and brought their characters to life. The ladies at the Ford Dagenham plant were all incredibly likeable, and you definitely rooted for them - and felt irritated at the 'Dagenham Boys' and Management (B*****ds!) for trying to undermine them. When they were dismissed as unskilled workers I was grinding my teeth and near enough clenching my fists in the audience - by the time we got to the end of Act 1 finale of 'Everybody Out!' I probably would have been angrily brandishing placards along side them if someone had thrown one to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There seemed to be plenty of feisty women outside the factory as well, with both Barbara Castle (played by Zhara Wark) and Lisa Hopkins (played by Katie Cameron) doing their best to support the strikers. Both gave confident and believable performances - you sympathised with Lisa Hopkins being reduced to the role of housewife despite her double first at Oxford, just as you sympathised with Barbara Castle for being a woman in a political game that was dominated by men. I'm not sure how the real life relationship between Castle and PM Harold Wilson really was, but within the musical it was clear who wore the trousers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course 'Made in Dagenham' isn't just about the girls, and Sean McCafferty gave an excellent, very comical interpretation</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> of Harold Wilson. He stole most of the scenes that he was in with his excellent timing, and strong Yorkshire accent, and definitely got the most out of a very funny character. He attracted big laughs even when he was just performing a quick walk-on, and definitely went down as one of the shows favourites, deservedly receiving a huge round of applause at the end. Another stand out comedian was the previously mentioned Andrew Maxwell, who played a few different characters throughout the show but is credited mainly as both Graham O'Grady and the Cortina Man. I had been looking forward to the Cortina scene most of all, and we were all in absolute fits of laughter at Andrew's eerily convincing performance. He managed to absolutely nail the performance with his smooth 1960's lounge lizard moves and with his backup dolly girls swaying and pointing, the big reveal of our cream 1600E Ford Cortina was made very special, and very funny indeed. He also managed to steal the show with a very convincing performance of a drunk in 'I'm Sorry, I Love You' - a bit too convincing perhaps! Andrew is a very confident and talented performer and I'm sure we'll be seeing him playing lead roles on stage for years to come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course we must also mention the two main male leads - Christopher Williams as Eddie O'Grady, and Ross Macfarlane as Monty. Christopher gave a very touching performance as Rita's supportive husband,and you rooted for Monty as his character is transformed from being a bit lazy and patronising at the start to a truly sympathetic character just trying to do the best for his girls. Both actors gave strong, self assured performances and were excellent foils to the strong, gutsy female characters such as Rita, Connie and Beryl. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've made a point of not mentioning Rita yet as I felt she deserved a paragraph to herself. Rita is undoubtedly the lead and drive of the whole story, and any actress playing her would feel the pressure of carrying the whole show on her shoulders. Paige MGregor was an exceptional Rita O'Grady and delivered on all fronts - from the acting, to the singing and the general performance of the part. She was required to portray all different emotions and characters - from the gobby machinist having a laugh with her mates at work, to the worried mother, the tireless campaigner and loving wife to her husband, and she did so with ease. Rita accomplishes a lot in the show, but she is allowed to also be flawed and I think Paige helped to portray that vulnerable side just as well as the driven campaigner that the story revolves around. There is a huge amount of work for her to do throughout the show but she kept her energy up right until the end note - and then some, as witnessed by the energy the cast were still exhibiting as they were having their photos taken backstage! A huge well done has to go to Paige for her performance, she is obviously a very talented and experienced performer and I hope she continues to enjoy and participate in the performing arts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As well as the main leads, the chorus and supporting roles also played a huge part in the success of the show. It was great to see younger members of the chorus stepping up, and each member had clearly put their all into the production. Being part of something like this requires a huge amount of dedication and commitment, and the cast would have had to balance this alongside school, homework, exams and other commitments and activities they do. I think that each cast member must have a certain drive that enables them to manage all this and applaud them for it - they did all this and put on a wonderful show that has been met with a huge amount of positivity and praise. I've seen many many different productions across the country, both youth groups and adults groups, professional and community theatre and I can honestly say that the standard of this production was incredibly high. Even with a smaller part, or if you're right at the back of the chorus it is very noticeable if you're not pulling your weight but the whole cast kept on smiling throughout the show, pulled off their choreography flawlessly and spoke clearly - even with thick Essex accents!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The whole cast and the technical crew behind East Ayrshire Youth Theatre's production need to be offered a big congratulations. Knowing the creative team behind the production I already had big expectations for this show, however they easily exceeded them and I am looking forward to the next time that I can go to see this musical, as well as whatever EAYT's next production will be! It was a joy to work with them over the past few months putting this show together and I hope they were as happy with our set as we were to see it up on stage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I may be a little biased but I think our set design really stood out and enhanced the production. I loved the slatted flats used to create the Ford Dagenham plant, which were lit beautifully, and we had also painted some really lovely cloths showing the Houses of Parliament, and the Factory Gates, and we'd also put together some very nice adjustable set pieces to show the O'Grady's and Hopkins houses. I particularly loved the jazzy wallpaper used in the Hopkins living room - I can give you 3 guesses as to who picked it out. This was a tough show to design as it has a lot of very fast moving scene changes, and requires some quite hefty set pieces - the Cortina car and the sewing machines being an example. Audiences forget that many theatres don't have the luxury of endless backstage spaces but the backstage team did well organising it all, and we've received a lot of great feedback complimenting our set for this show.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all I thought this was a wonderful show, and effectively showcased the many talents the young people at East Ayrshire Youth Theatre have. They had a real professionalism around them and I think a lot of adult casts would struggle to reach a similar standard. The whole team had obviously worked incredibly hard over a few months and the result was a really stellar show that I would have happily seen multiple times. I'm really looking forward to seeing what they do next - and also see what some of the older members of the cast go on to do!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A huge well done to everyone involved. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>A huge thanks and photo credits to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EastAyrshireYouthTheatre/" target="_blank">East Ayrshire Youth Theatre</a> & <a href="http://www.lloydsmithphotography.com/" target="_blank">Lloyd Smith Photography</a>.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-18893299399613101072015-04-09T13:48:00.000+01:002015-04-09T13:48:14.567+01:00Hawick AOS - Simply 'Fabulous, Baby!'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was really excited to attend Hawick's production of Sister Act - not just because Hawick put on a good show, but it was also my first time seeing the stage show of '<i>Sister Act</i>' and also the debut of our brand new set for it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I unfortunately missed last year's production of '<i>Summer Holiday</i>' but had heard reports from numerous people, including our owner Kate about how good it had been so I was definitely looking forward to seeing what they did with '<i>Sister Act</i>'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'<i>Sister Act</i>' is a great choice of production for many societies as not only is it a new, fun musical adapted from a popular movie - we always believe that a show will be popular when there has already been a well loved film and I doubt many people haven't seen the iconic films starring Whoopi Goldberg, but it also solves that classic problem that many societies struggle with today - not having enough men! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As much of the show is set within a convent there is a multitude of different roles and characters for women that all play to different strengths, and most importantly includes roles for all ages. A lot of the more traditional musicals focus on having a younger male and female lead so it is a breath of fresh air to see a musical where many of the main roles can be played by older members of the society - who can often be relegated to the chorus despite having the talent and experience enough to more than hold their own!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just within the main roles there is the comedic Sister Mary Lazarus (a personal favourite!) the sweet Sister Mary Roberts, the enthusiastic Sister Mary Patrick, the maternal and protective Mother Superior -as well as the feisty Deloris Van Cartier herself! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course there are also plenty of roles for the men in your society too - the thuggish Curtis and his cronies, the loveable Lt Eddie (Sweaty Eddie) , and the progressive Monsignor O'Hara amongst others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course 'Sister Act' isn't just a simplified copy of the original film -with an entirely original score and an adapted storyline this is very much a brand new musical that I think will become a very popular choice amongst societies and, like '<i>The Producers</i>' grow to become a well loved classic alongside older musicals such as '<i>Guys & Dolls</i>' and '<i>Annie</i>'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We went on opening night and from the curtain up Hawick AOS were polished and professional. Kate had previously attended their dress rehearsal so we had the benefit of being able to compare performances - during the interval she immediately said that whilst she had been impressed at the dress rehearsal the energy levels were much much higher, and whilst some of the scene changes had been a tad slow in rehearsal on the opening night the stage team were slick and efficient. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 'Sister Act', as there are so many quick scene changes needed it would be impossible for total set changes (outside the West End of course!) and the pace of the show can easily be affected by a couple of sluggish scene changes. Luckily we have thought about all these issues carefully with our set design for this show but the pace of your production still depends on your stage team being able to get on with things quickly & efficiently. The team at Hawick were more than capable of doing their duties without giving any distraction to what was happening on stage and also did so quickly so that the shows pace and momentum were kept up. Often the great work of stage management teams and all those 'backstage' are left out in reviews like this so I thought I should make a special note to say well done to the crew at Hawick, and indeed to all the teams who have worked on the productions that we've seen this year so far. Your hard work definitely does not go unnoticed or unappreciated and it definitely helps us sleep at night knowing our sets are being cared for by such reliable hands! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyhow - back to the production itself - we thought it was fantastic. I had been anticipating a great show but I had absolutely no idea as to just how strong the talent at Hawick AOS really is. There is great variety of different strengths and I felt that the main roles had an air of being seasoned, professional performers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The show had also been cast perfectly - I'm sure just by looking through the photos you'll be able to tell exactly who played who (despite the majority of them all wearing exactly the same Nun Habit costume!) and the leads all gave confident and authentic performances.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />I had been nervous as to how Deloris would be played - the character is a confident, funny, feisty black woman much like Whoopi Goldberg's character in the original film, however here in the Scottish Borders we are (once again unlike the West End) severely lacking a variety of nationalities and ethnicities. Many in the same position could easily fall into the trap of just 'blacking up' but Ashley Wolf who played Deloris gave the role some guts and gave a brilliant performance - not just playing the feisty black woman but adding some personality & authenticity. She was very likeable and I definitely found myself rooting for the character to succeed and find her place amongst the convent. O</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ne could even say she was 'Fabulous, Baby!' (I'm sorry, i'm sorry! I couldn't resist - what would this blog be without at least one dad joke?!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ashley is a very talented vocal performer who coped magnificently with the many musical numbers in the show. 'Take Me To Heaven' in particular was very catchy and I had it stuck in my head for a number of the days after the show....and now back again as I write this blog. She also had excellent comedic timing and excelled at portraying the extraverted, extravagant, bubbly diva that is Deloris without making her seem like she was a bit selfish or arrogant (there is a fine line!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, where would Deloris be without her sisters? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Collectively all the actresses and the chorus who made up the nuns of the Queen of Angels church were brilliant - all of them played their various parts with plenty of enthusiasm and it was a very animated cast - even from those right at the back. All of the nuns had their own distinct characters and it was a pleasure to watch a cheekier, or even dare I say naughtier side of them come out as they embraced Deloris and her wild style.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Natalie Paterson had been perfectly cast as the very sweet Sister Mary Roberts. She had a lovely tone to her voice (thanks to that diploma in shower singing! I thought the cast member biographies in the programmes were a nice personal touch) and did very well in her portrayal of a character </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">who overcomes her shyness over the course of the show. The overenthusiastic Sister Mary Patrick was played by the fantastic Amanda Blacklock, making the character very loveable and just the type of friend you want to have. She too has a fantastic singing voice and a very natural stage presence, she kept up her characters movements throughout the show and added little touches such as nodding her head which I felt perfectly fit the character and added that extra something. A personal favourite and one of the stand out stars of the show had to be Pamela Millan who played Sister Mary Lazarus. Sister Mary Lazarus would be my dream role to play - being both very grumpy and very hilarious. I'm not quite sure how Pamela was able to maintain her stony composure when delivering her </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">lines in that growly voice but she did very well. Her comic timing was perfect and her part in 'Take Me To Heaven' was one of my favourite moments in the show. I'm looking forward to the next time I get to see 'Sister Act' performed so that I can see Sister Mary Lazarus again! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course no flock of nuns would be complete without their Mother Superior, and Hawick's Mother Superior Marie McSherry gave a spectacular performance. The audience definitely saw the character's caring, nurturing side as she tried to protect her sisters and even as she argued with Deloris it was a clear that a mutual respect and love began to develop between the two characters. Marie and Ashley worked very well together - although their two characters are at odds for most of the show it wasn't portrayed in a nasty way and more like ying and yang. There was a bit of gentle teasing between them but I felt that it was clear that the two characters understood each other, embraced their differences and developed a mutual respect for one another. Marie McSherry also had a very clear, beautiful voice and her performances of 'I Haven't Got A Prayer' and 'Here Within These Walls' were very touching. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However it wasn't just the nuns that inhabited the Queen of Angels church - they were also joined by Iain Scott as Monsignor O'Hara as well as a trio of choir 'boys'. Monsignor O'Hara is a great character to play and Iain was very very funny in the role and the choir boys had us all laughing as they brought out the totaliser like a couple of traditional game show assistants - as well as appearing with gurneys at a few well timed moments in the show! Churches are places of great peace but from watching the cast you kind of felt like the Queen of Angels church was actually a great, lively place to hang out - especially when Deloris entered the mix!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Opposite Deloris was her old school friend 'Sweaty Eddie' - who had become Lt Eddie Souther in the Philadelphia police force and was tasked with hiding Deloris so that she could testify against Curtis and his gang. Lt Eddie was played by Stuart Mitchell - who had also played 'Rooster' in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Selkirk-Amateur-Operatic-Society/178057442074?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">Selkirk AOS</a>'s recent production of '<i>Annie</i>'. (Read the blog <a href="http://borderstudio.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/youre-never-fully-dressed-without-smile.html" target="_blank">here</a>) Quite how Stuart managed to cope with rehearsals for not just one main part but two in two separate shows goes beyond me, however he is clearly a very gifted performer and he delivered fantastic performances in both. Lt Eddie was a very sweet character and you kind of felt sorry for him being stuck with the nickname 'Sweaty Eddie'. I realise that he is a fictional character but High School must have been tough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were even more 'roles for men' amongst the villains of the musical - local Philadelphia gangster and nightclub owner Curtis Jackson, played by David Paterson and his accomplices Joey, TJ and Pablo - played by Craig McCredie, Richard Millan and Merijn Schepens. Curtis and his goon squad, despite being the bad guys, were very very likeable - a result of the funny and charismatic performances by all the actors. David Paterson had a real stage presence as Curtis, definitely making him a character that you wouldn't want to meet down a dark alley whilst Craig, Richard and Merijn were firm audience favourites with their comedic performances of the hapless gang. Their rendition of 'Lady In The Long Black Dress' was hilarious and energetic and they really engaged with the audience throughout the show, and they seemed to work very well together by bouncing off each other's energy and ramping it up. Looking through all the photos after the performance there are some great 'stills' of them all in character that really captured the mood of the show.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was really surprised by just how good the cast at Hawick was, and I definitely think 'Sister Act' was the perfect show for them to do this year. They had cast it very well and it'll be difficult for me to see other people playing the parts - or indeed these actors playing different parts in the future. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing what they choose to put on next year, especially as Hawick has made some interesting choices in the past few years - choosing more modern musicals rather then relying on the traditional favourites. In fact all the local societies based near us in the Scottish Borders have made some great choices for their productions this year - </span><a href="http://borderstudio.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/you-cant-stop-beat-of-galashiels.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">my last blog</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> looked at </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Galashiels-Amateur-Operatic-Society/242366039643" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Gala AOS</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'s production of </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hairspray</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and my next one will be reviewing </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kaos.kelsoaos?fref=ts" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Kelso AOS</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'s production of </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Addams Family</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. In fact i've noticed that this year there has been a real shift with more societies looking to perform the 'freshly released' musicals - we've just ordered a whole stack of librettos to look through to make sure we're one step ahead for next year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway - as long as this blog already is, it just wouldn't do without mentioning <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/our-scenery/" target="_blank">our scenery</a> and the fabulous costumes provided by <a href="http://www.dresscirclecostumiers.com/" target="_blank">Dress Circle Costumiers</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Sister Act</i> was quite a tricky show to design a set for as there are so many different scene changes that needed to be fast & slick - nor can it really be a large static set that makes clever use of different lighting or trucks which is a technique that's used for a lot of shows. We all agreed that we needed a few 'showstopper' cloths and from looking at the pictures I'm sure many of you will agree that we think we achieved this. In fact since the Hawick production we've had a whole flood of <i>Sister Act</i> enquiries coming in from all over the UK- many of them new customers who haven't worked with us before!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The show also received some very positive and well deserved press attention - and we were very surprised and happy to see <i>The Southern Reporters</i> lovely comments about our set design. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A lot of hard work and careful thought goes into all our shows so it's always nice for that work to be appreciated, and the feedback and response that we've received about our new set for <i>Sister Act</i> so far has been wonderful and given us all a big boost after what has been a few very busy, draining weeks. If you've got in touch to say how impressed you were then a big thank you to you all! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As well as <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/our-scenery/" target="_blank">our scenery</a>, we thought the costumes from Dress Circle Costumiers were absolutely marvellous - there were even audible ooh's from the audience as different costumes were revealed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Particular favourites of mine were the beautiful nun's habits adorned with hearts, but I thought the bright colours of the jewel toned habits worked perfectly with our Cathedral cloth - <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/search.php?showselect=&q=889" target="_blank">Cloth No 0889 Cathedral Window Interior 2</a> (<a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/enquiry-form/" target="_blank">Enquire here!</a>) If anyone is considering whether to perform <i>Sister Act</i> in the future then not only <i>must</i> you enquire with us but please do get in contact with the lovely folks at </span><a href="http://www.dresscirclecostumiers.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Dress Circle Costumiers</a> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall this was simply a fantastic show - achieved not just by our <i>wonderful</i> scenery (I'm well aware that I'm overcooking the point a fair bit now) and the beautiful costumes but by a brilliant cast and team that worked well together and had clearly put the hours in to deliver a very professional and polished production. A huge well done to everyone that was involved with Hawick AOS's production - and an especially big congratulations to Producer Brian McGlasson, Choreographer Anne Anderson and Musical Director Derek Calder (who made a surprise appearance as the Pope at the end!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Written by Tamsin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.robgrayphotographer.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rob Gray Photography</a> & <a href="http://www.baimages.co.uk/" target="_blank">Alwyn Johnston</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>If you're thinking of doing 'Sister Act' for your next show then please get in touch to receive a full colour brochure of our plans and pictures.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We would like to remind our customers that it is definitely not too early to start booking your cloths, shows and pantomimes for next year! Get in touch today so that you don't miss out!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Contact us through <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><u><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank">our website</a></u> </span>or by calling us on 01750 20237.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Border Studio - Design to Inspire</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We are a <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/our-scenery/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">theatrical hire company</span></a> </span>based in Scotland, and remain one of the UK's most popular scenic suppliers.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>With a catalogue of over 100 different shows, the <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/theatrical-backcloths/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">UK's largest collection of hand-painted backcloths</span></a> and a vast <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/stage-properties/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">prop store</span></a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/enquiry-form/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">get in touch today</span></a> to see how we can help enhance your show.</i></span></div>
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<br />Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-43033644444814431602015-03-26T16:55:00.000+00:002015-03-26T16:55:00.896+00:00'You Can't Stop The Beat' of Galashiels Amateur Operatic!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every year , if there's one show that I look forward to seeing the most it has to be <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Galashiels-Amateur-Operatic-Society/242366039643" target="_blank">Galashiels Amateur Operatic Society</a>'s production. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year they took us all back to 1960's Baltimore as they performed the smash hit '<i>Hairspray</i>' - a colourful, vibrant musical that deals with the racial tensions of post-War America with big doses of comedy, memorable songs and lots and lots of hairspray.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every year Galashiels push themselves to put on their best show yet and this year the standard felt impossibly high - there's no point to beating around the bush as I can confidently say that without doubt Galashiels managed to surpass even their own impeccably high standards and put on a show that had our mouths gaping open in amazement. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With professionally choreographed routines, impeccable styling and costumes, fantastic sets (supplied by <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank">us</a>, just sayin') and an incredibly talented cast their production went beyond the standards of just being a really really fantastic amateur show and would actually comfortably rival this years professional tour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I actually feel sorry for the professional actors who are cast in these roles as I feel I will be judging them based on Gala's performances, however maybe not as sorry as I feel for the members of GAOS who now have to top this with next year's production of '<i>Sunshine On Leith</i>'. Good luck guys - get some rest before you start it all again in a few months!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I'd like to say that I wake up like this...but that would be a lie</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gala AOS have a fantastic range of members and so are uniquely positioned to be able to perform almost any show - we are well aware of the problems many societies face of not having enough men. This is definitely not the case for Gala who have a strong & talented cast made up of all ages and genders - this year the lead role went to Kayley Henderson who starred as Tracy Turnblad. Last year Kayley had been part of the chorus for '<i>Half A Sixpence</i>' so it was great to see her showcasing her talents in a lead role. She gave a fantastic and exuberant performance - not only easily handling the extensive vocals (i'm sure the half time intermission was a welcome break!) but also delivering a very likeable and funny performance. Maybe not all will agree with me but I find Tracy Turnblad can often come across as being deeply annoying (sorry!) an emotion which I feel intensely when I watch Nikki Blonsky's performance in the hit film. This was not the case with Kayley's performance, seeing her and Jan Baird, who played Penny Pingleton bouncing around on stage together definitely made you want to backcomb your hair back and be a part of Tracy's gang. This vivacity was not exclusive to the lead's performance however - the whole cast seemed to run on a supply of boundless energy. There were smiles all round as they bopped their way through some really extensive and impressive choreography and they kept it up throughout the show - not even lagging during their big finale. The show certainly finished with a bang and I was left feeling exhausted just from watching them all - in a good way of course. It certainly motivated me enough to go out for a run the next day.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>It was this kind of behaviour that made Zayn leave One Direction</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kayley was well matched as returning lead Clark Eaton Turner wooed her as teenage heartthrob Link Larkin. As he crooned to the audience and the ladies in the cast swooned at his feet (quite literally for Penny Pingleton at one point) it reminded me of the old footage of bands like The Beatles in their heyday - Clark Eaton Turner certainly has the same confidence and charisma when on stage and was well cast as Link. He even managed to pull off a white guitar without looking like a cruise ship crooner or a member of The Shadows and o</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">n that achievement alone Clark, I must say well done.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>They may all have exactly the same guitar but at least they're plugged in, <br />unlike another member of One Direction. <a href="http://www.holymoly.com/celebrity/pictures/look-pic-niall-horan-playing-guitar-then-look-it-again-whats-wrong68047" target="_blank">Poor little Niall Horan</a><br /><br /></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Also supporting Tracy were her friends Penny & Seaweed - both of whom</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">contributed to some of the funniest moments of the evening. Jan Baird has a very natural talent for comedy and her performance extended through all aspects of the production - she'd even put her own Penny-style spin on some of the dancing & the way she moved around the stage - even when the spotlight wasn't on her character. Seaweed, played by William Pearson, was also able to pull off his role with ease - there was some moments when the combination of the questionable dance moves & the cheesier-than-a-cheese-puff lines could have led to some serious corpsing but he kept it together throughout the show & delivered without a shade of self consciousness. His onstage Mom, the formidable Motormouth Maybelle was played by the fantastic Shelley Foster who delivered some powerhouse vocals & gave an authentic performance - her performance of 'I Know Where I've Been' was emotional and flawless, whilst her rhythms and rhymes brought the house down. The whole Motormouth family was completed nicely with Richeldis Brosnan portraying a sparky and feisty Little Inez. Mike Hyslop a</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">s Corny Collins also gave a strong performance - for his opening number there were a few technical issues with the sound however Mike carried on like a true professional, missing neither step nor note. He was very likeable and the audience definitely rooted for him as he stood up to resident racist Velma and battled for an integrated show.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The protagonists -mother and daughter team Velma and Amber von Tussle were played by GAOS veterans Ruth Davidson and Carla McColgan. This pairing worked extremely well with Ruth giving a flawless performance of the manipulative Velma (a former Miss Baltimore Crabs don't cha know) whilst Carla was consistently squirm-inducing with her portrayal of the spoilt, pushy Amber.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However of course the best pairing of the night had to be Tracy's parents - Ivor Lumsden and Alaistar Waddell as Edna and Wilbur Turnblad, who not only gave the biggest laughs of the night but also performed the sublime 'Timeless to Me' which even without the jokes is still a very touching song. The comedy timing between the two was absolutely spot on and provided a fabulous foil to some of the more emotional parts of the show. There was also a great chemistry between them which made for a believable romance - you can imagine 's happy go lucky prankster Wilbur sailing through life with the feisty Edna by his side. Really they need a sequel of their own - did the Har De Har Hut's survive? Did Edna's dress making business take off? This is the problem with these great musicals - you always want to know what happened to the characters after they achieved their Happily Ever After - hopefully nothing along the lines of '<i>Into the Woods</i>'! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>#relationshipgoals</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course we can't go without giving a special mention to our very own Graeme Lilley - by day he dispatches backcloths and prepares your scenery but by night he glides across the stage in a bubblegum pink suit. As part of Corny Collins' gang Graeme was at the forefront for many of the scenes and confidently showcased his acting skills, as well as his dancing talents. There was all manner of complicated lifts, steps and choreographed pieces that Graeme, and the rest of the cast managed to master & deliver without so much as a batting of an eyelid. The team behind '<i>Hairspray</i>' - including choreographer Marie McCullough and Musical Director and P Jeff Thomson totally pulled the stops out for this show and they really did deliver. There was a polish to the performance that can only be achieved by months of hard work and every single member of the cast had absolutely put there all into it - on the night the cast were word & step perfect with</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">not one </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">chink in the chain showing, if there was any at all.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Genuinely how I make my exits after most nights out, and how<br /> Kate arrives to work in the morning! </i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>GAOS on TV, live from The Corny Collins Show on the other side of the stage</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cast had been beautifully costumed by Ewan at <a href="http://www.utopiacostumes.com/" target="_blank">Utopia Costumes</a>. The costumes complimented our sets perfectly and the overall effect was fantastic - bright colours, happy faces and a clear enthusiasm for what they were doing. Visually the show looked stunning and I'm pleased to say that the performances definitely matched this - in fact I'm not even sure that I can go on as I'm running out of adjectives and well aware that I'm laying it on so thick that I need a trowel. A piece of stagecraft that I really enjoyed was the use of a video camera on stage to connect The Corny Collin's Show to the TV in Tracy's parents apartment - in black and white of of course. It helped sync up the two locations and I thought it was an effect that worked really well and was a nice added extra. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>'Our Graeme' (as Cilla Black would say) is the one in pink</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All we can say really is a huge congratulations to everyone who was involved with Gala's production of '<i>Hairspray</i>' - the quality was outstanding and we just don't know how it can be topped next year. However I'm sure you'll all give it a good go and I'm looking forward to coming to see '<i>Sunshine on Leith</i>' next year! Well done Gala AOS - in the words of Gary Barlow - that was absolutely fantastic!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Written by Tamsin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo Credit: Sheila Scott at <a href="http://www.sheilascottphotography.com/" target="_blank">Sheila Scott Photography</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sheila Scott is based in the Scottish Borders and takes fantastic pictures - not just of the local shows but for local events, weddings, private photo shoots etc. If you're in need of a friendly, reliable and professional photographer then get in touch with Sheila via <a href="http://www.sheilascottphotography.com/" target="_blank">her website</a> and see examples of her latest work. You can also order pictures from this year's production of 'Hairspray' and relive your moment in the spotlight! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't forget to also like her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheila-Scott-Photography/258907977459484" target="_blank">facebook page</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theborderstudiouk" target="_blank">ours</a> too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>If you're thinking of doing 'Hairspray' for your next show then please get in touch to receive a full colour brochure of our plans and pictures.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We would like to remind our customers that it is definitely not too early to start booking your cloths and pantomimes for next year! Get in touch today so that you don't miss out!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Contact us through <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><u><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank">our website</a></u> </span>or by calling us on 01750 20237.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Border Studio - Design to Inspire</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We are a <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/our-scenery/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">theatrical hire company</span></a> </span>based in Scotland, and remain one of the UK's most popular scenic suppliers.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>With a catalogue of over 100 different shows, the <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/theatrical-backcloths/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">UK's largest collection of hand-painted backcloths</span></a> and a vast <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/stage-properties/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">prop store</span></a></i></span></div>
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Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-91417544042642604622015-03-18T13:21:00.000+00:002015-03-18T13:21:23.301+00:00You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpDVqhBySo7RmKhALjjhgOjAiw7jNyt-tU3z1gi8YgQMfPcECPDDJ6uoro7zbiCqu1dMb-B6_vJXcmPBBpD77vSEBAxmzOG5WuCiKFWURMB-AmucTB6WmFwBaicaKU0s_PM5LuFN5rzY/s1600/10854904_10206156011725770_8742679992558575846_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpDVqhBySo7RmKhALjjhgOjAiw7jNyt-tU3z1gi8YgQMfPcECPDDJ6uoro7zbiCqu1dMb-B6_vJXcmPBBpD77vSEBAxmzOG5WuCiKFWURMB-AmucTB6WmFwBaicaKU0s_PM5LuFN5rzY/s1600/10854904_10206156011725770_8742679992558575846_o.jpg" height="300" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Selkirk-Amateur-Operatic-Society/178057442074?fref=ts" target="_blank">Selkirk Amateur Operatic Society</a> very kindly gifted us with some complimentary tickets for their production of '<i>Annie</i>'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every year '<i>Annie</i>' has remained as one of the top five most performed musicals in the UK, along with other classics such as '<i>Guys & Dolls</i>' and '<i>Oliver!</i>'.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipxbr6KJXeC_g7HPozNUEDvrItUR8eDqGLqI8FgjlzqXmE5gQvNe0orzzycyh6rc_knDz4-Wuw1lqTQIuXdAxZVSLD_n75W1eGAfSTjHJ0ZIVEbFN1fFuvdnUHLWz9KCiF9Sf5nPyTVM/s1600/10960242_10206156007645668_7443370802993798821_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipxbr6KJXeC_g7HPozNUEDvrItUR8eDqGLqI8FgjlzqXmE5gQvNe0orzzycyh6rc_knDz4-Wuw1lqTQIuXdAxZVSLD_n75W1eGAfSTjHJ0ZIVEbFN1fFuvdnUHLWz9KCiF9Sf5nPyTVM/s1600/10960242_10206156007645668_7443370802993798821_o.jpg" height="320" width="292" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's hard to really pinpoint what makes a musical so popular - in the office we all have our own favourites (mine's <i>A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum!</i>) however dealing with enquiries on a daily basis means we do see see patterns and trends that emerge over the years. If you visit our historical timeline on </span><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/about-border-studio/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">our website</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> you can even see what the top musicals were for each decade. However, '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Annie</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">' has always been slightly different as despite what the trends are for that year, '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Annie</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">' has consistently remained within the top five most performed musicals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seeing Selkirk perform '<i>Annie</i>' made it clear why the musical is so popular. Simply, it's a real 'feel good' musical with plenty of great musical numbers, a likeable lead character, and plenty of funny moments - even the 'bad guys' are, in their own way, endearing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A huge bonus comes from the fact that there are also enough roles for a much larger cast - many of Selkirk's ensemble had a chance to portray their own characters at various points of the show instead of just being relegated to a few dance steps and chorus vocals at the back of the stage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whilst watching Selkirk, many individual performances stood out to me - Ian Wilson who played Radio Host Bert Healy had managed to capture that distinctively American smooth radio voice perfectly ('Oxident! Because you're never fully dressed without a smile!') and the dancers were well rehearsed, handling their routines with ease and keeping in sync with each other and the beat. Freya Hoppe and Ellen McFadzen both stood out as being particularly confident and comfortable on stage. Freya is a talented dancer who is able to maintain a beaming smile throughout the show - after months of rehearsals I'm sure she must have been feeling tired however she still looked fresh & like she was having the time of her life. Meanwhile Ellen had a real stage presence and had made a real effort with her hairstyle and makeup, which fitted the era perfectly & had been applied well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A topic that Ewan from Utopia Costumes has touched on in his columns for<i> <a href="https://www.noda.org.uk/noda_today" target="_blank">NODA Today</a> </i>has been the importance of styling makeup & hair for the right era for the show. Every now and again we do still see examples of modern fringes, tans and makeup looks up on stage, whilst they undoubtedly make the person look great they're not always a look that is right for the era, or the character - imagine the Matchmaker from '<i>Fiddler on the Roof</i>' appearing with bright red lipstick & a sideswept fringe. <i> </i>Not only is it fun to try a new look from a bygone era but when hair is properly styled and the right makeup applied then it can really pull a costume and the whole look of a show together. It can even have that psychological effect of helping you become your character as you go through the application - however, this is probably a blog for another time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we went on the Thursday night we saw Jess Thomson play little orphan Annie. We were both very impressed with Jess's performance - there are a lot of lines to learn and she didn't stumble once through the whole show & delivered them clearly & confidently. She pulled off Annie's sassy personality well, sweet talking the policeman to rescue Sandy the dog, and won the hearts of the audience alongside Daddy Warbucks & his assistant Grace. She also handled 'Sandy' (played by Meg the Border Terrier) well, although there was one very funny moment where Meg struck gold and managed to get her head in the pocket containing all the treats. What I initially thought was a lovely cuddle between dog and girl quickly turned into Annie having to wrestle Sandy as she tried to sing 'Tomorrow'. Whilst a nervous performer might have visibly panicked Jess didn't even flinch, managing to continue to deliver a perfect rendition of 'Tomorrow' whilst hauling Sandy away from the treats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jess also worked well with Grace played by Karen D'Agrosa. Karen's Grace was very likeable and managed to play sweet without being sickly, and was also one of half of a brilliant husband & wife team as her real life husband Raymond D'Agrosa played Daddy Warbucks. Raymond has a really fantastic voice and the developing relationship between little orphan Annie and her potential adoptive Father Oliver Warbucks felt authentic. Raymond also effectively portrayed the changing nature of Warbucks who grows from being a workaholic with no time to a loving Father who makes time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last year's King from 2014's '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The King & I</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">' had swapped his palace in Siam to the Oval Office in Washington DC to play the President Franklin D Roosevelt and did so with aplomb, and his Cabinet had the audience in raptures as they sang 'Tomorrow' together. Lewis Wilde and Kyle Fairbairn also did well to juggle multiple roles throughout the show - I am sure the many costume changes and different cues kept them on their toes for the six months of rehearsal!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me however, the absolute standout stars of the show had to go to the comedic and dastardly trio of Miss Hannigan, Rooster and Lily St Regis (like the hotel!) who were played by Val McLean, Stuart Mitchell and Yvonne Mitchell. Val McLean stalked the stage like an exhausted hawk, clutching onto her 'medicine' and nursing her constant hangover. You almost felt sorry for her as she descended into madness during 'Little Girls'. That is until she teams up with her con artist brother and his latest squeeze in a plan to take up Daddy Warbuck's offer of a reward by pretending to be Annie's long lost parents - Mr & Mrs Mudge. Stuart Mitchell is a confident performer who played the despicable Rooster perfectly, balancing the badness with a touch of comedy and Yvonne Mitchell shone as Lily St Regis. With a girlish American accent and a squealing giggle just right for the character - think Shirley Temple on helium - Yvonne had the down-on-her-luck glamour girl with loose morals absolutely pegged. When the three performed 'Easy Street' it was with much hilarity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall Selkirk AOS put together a really fantastic performance of '<i>Annie'</i> and it would be easy to just go through the entire cast listing all the positives. The children's cast gave a performance that was polished and professional, and the adults all performed well in their roles - often many of the supporting cast played more than one role but put their all into each one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was a very confident performance from Selkirk and there are several members of the cast who are starting to emerge as real stars - i'm sure it won't be long till we start to see some of the younger, newer members taking on some leading roles! Well done Selkirk on a fantastic show - we're looking forward to seeing what you do next year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Written by Tamsin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo Credit: Yvonne Mitchell</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>If you're thinking of doing 'Annie' for your next show then please get in touch to receive a full colour brochure of our plans and pictures.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We would like to remind our customers that it is definitely not too early to start booking your cloths and pantomimes for next year! Get in touch today so that you don't miss out!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Contact us through <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><u><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank">our website</a></u> </span>or by calling us on 01750 20237.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Border Studio - Design to Inspire</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We are a <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/our-scenery/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">theatrical hire company</span></a> </span>based in Scotland, and remain one of the UK's most popular scenic suppliers.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>With a catalogue of over 100 different shows, the <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/theatrical-backcloths/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">UK's largest collection of hand-painted backcloths</span></a> and a vast <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/stage-properties/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">prop store</span></a></i></span></div>
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<br />Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-34776566127975162342015-01-21T11:42:00.000+00:002015-01-21T11:47:47.155+00:00From Cubs To Bears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Tuesday 20th January Kate was kindly invited to speak about our #bearinablanket project to the Selkirk Cubs Group.</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a great evening where Kate spoke to the Cubs about her travels in Egypt, the places she had visited and the people she had met and ultimately what had inspired her to start up the #bearinablanket project. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The #bearinablanket project's goal is to try and bring a bit of happiness and hope to impoverished families living in Egypt, as well as comfort to the children who often don't have a single toy of their own. Kate had visited several families in a rural village, and whilst she had been warmly welcomed she had been shocked by the living conditions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kate decided to try and knit blankets and matching jumpers which she would put on teddy bears to give to the children the next time she was out - the idea being that each child would receive a warm, cosy blanket with a corresponding teddy bear. She bought up the teddy bears at charity shops and in carboot sales and started to knit jumpers and squares in bright, vibrant colours, before crocheting them with black wool to make the colours stand out even further. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When she explained to her friends what she was trying to do, a lot of them who also enjoyed knitting decided to come on board with the project and start knitting too - and so the #bearinablanket project was born! Kate decided to use the platform of her business, The Border Studio to ask if anyone wanted to help and since then support has been terrific with bears, squares, balls of wool and completed blankets arriving from theatre groups all across the UK - we've even received pictures of groups knitting together in rehearsal and the story has been featured in the press across the UK in various newspapers and magazines.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNxsYkVex8GBb3KTxoRnbNRtlDx6O7DlS6q-M8DhuiKXxnPl0-dTifFKF1rOY1wW6_gCChM9mRquc-oCUrHD4AQ_AtvpgHOBMyBfOTZJyZSA8DMzquMw5H46nlPPfnvbr2AEZK6l0OHs/s1600/Bear+Blanket+cubs+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNxsYkVex8GBb3KTxoRnbNRtlDx6O7DlS6q-M8DhuiKXxnPl0-dTifFKF1rOY1wW6_gCChM9mRquc-oCUrHD4AQ_AtvpgHOBMyBfOTZJyZSA8DMzquMw5H46nlPPfnvbr2AEZK6l0OHs/s1600/Bear+Blanket+cubs+002.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When talking to the Cubs, Kate was very impressed by their attentiveness and enthusiasm in learning about the project, and they were visibly touched by the pictures that Kate showed them of the families and children in Egypt. After the talk one of the boys even came up to Kate offering to donate a pair of brand new shoes that didn't fit him very well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As part of the talk Kate had put together an Egyptian themed game where the boys had to decode a secret message using Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs - she was amazed by how quickly the boys all cracked the code - uncovering where she had hidden a 'buried treasure' under the bears and blankets! The boys were all delighted to discover the 'treasure' was in fact a box of chocolates for them all, and the first group to guess the correct order also received an extra treat each. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqXfjoLFEjrgVdiaIMp8Qc5QhD_X_orcESF2DY7subd0kphjBqIOaPaBF9oTQVOnkbvx_bIJX7rceWdeLZrpmly8SlkW1eaXCNIcQijlSpmZ2LVP8USmteHqx3hpLy820SJg49QdLEhs/s1600/Bear+Blanket+cubs+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqXfjoLFEjrgVdiaIMp8Qc5QhD_X_orcESF2DY7subd0kphjBqIOaPaBF9oTQVOnkbvx_bIJX7rceWdeLZrpmly8SlkW1eaXCNIcQijlSpmZ2LVP8USmteHqx3hpLy820SJg49QdLEhs/s1600/Bear+Blanket+cubs+003.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kate really enjoyed her evening talking to the Cubs and left feeling very impressed by the whole group. They were incredibly welcoming and asked some really interesting questions about what she had seen in Egypt. Let's hope a few boys are encouraged to pick up some knitting needles and have a go at knitting some squares themselves!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you would like to get involved with our #bearinablanket project then click <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-fk57sRIfCKdlZlelVoTUtqSEk/edit" target="_blank">this link</a> to download a PDF file with more information, as well as some instructions to help get you started. You can also email <b>bearinablanket@gmail.com</b> with any questions or contact us via our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theborderstudiouk" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Happy knitting!</b></span></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7LnJIZicrZ-B2hkqu7IbuViRMmB3bguyL3fE1dIoxmKr5cLatRiBSFrM4fry7djudBR8vYa17CKugTJp6_RpTfLJTn5YXlj-MVlvVUmyqu7xDzgeQzxnxTqxhKJ9bKLlqXl8w-UKMDM/s1600/SAM_1456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7LnJIZicrZ-B2hkqu7IbuViRMmB3bguyL3fE1dIoxmKr5cLatRiBSFrM4fry7djudBR8vYa17CKugTJp6_RpTfLJTn5YXlj-MVlvVUmyqu7xDzgeQzxnxTqxhKJ9bKLlqXl8w-UKMDM/s1600/SAM_1456.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We would like to remind our customers that it is definitely not too early to start booking your cloths and pantomimes for next year! Get in touch today so that you don't miss out!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Contact us through <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><u><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank">our website</a></u> </span>or by calling us on 01750 20237.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Border Studio - Design to Inspire</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We are a <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/our-scenery/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">theatrical hire company</span></a> </span>based in Scotland, and remain one of the UK's most popular scenic suppliers.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>With a catalogue of over 100 different shows, the <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/theatrical-backcloths/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">UK's largest collection of hand-painted backcloths</span></a> and a vast <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/stage-properties/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">prop store</span></a></i></span></div>
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/enquiry-form/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">get in touch today</span></a> to see how we can help enhance your show.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Written by Tamsin</i></span>Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-45073565294549541962014-12-23T09:49:00.001+00:002014-12-23T09:50:20.832+00:00Twas the Night Before Christmas...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the mill<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not a creature was stirring, there were no squeaks or
shrills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The backcloths were tucked on the shelving with care<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the stone walls protected them from the cold, frosty
air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The scenery was nestled, all neat in their rows<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the only sound came from the crowing of crows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every once in a while you’d hear the drip of a tap<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or the soulful old meow from an adventuring cat.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvYiqbQS5QKlrpWVwuRMDqx5pshzevdHP03QRuzO2dkjwBT_fTAlV-n25pjaMUbuqheHcS9NTBKjUwDrbpXfIi1FegZFESFVIURKEUfKn6_MkcRfS_CVapwkjzGaguMOXJgl_Kp_rmDY/s1600/IMG_2731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzUJ10R4LtkCrDOj92THO_2LC8t1aqRhp9eWxd5KSFkvo0fug580LWtd9TMm4nY_xVFX96GRhYNBPdjbpXY18MRuAiakmfx0ehcK5ocQWrxs-wXJGfgKRsPtk3-XQl5xbl7fucPquRFE/s1600/clockmouse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzUJ10R4LtkCrDOj92THO_2LC8t1aqRhp9eWxd5KSFkvo0fug580LWtd9TMm4nY_xVFX96GRhYNBPdjbpXY18MRuAiakmfx0ehcK5ocQWrxs-wXJGfgKRsPtk3-XQl5xbl7fucPquRFE/s1600/clockmouse1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvYiqbQS5QKlrpWVwuRMDqx5pshzevdHP03QRuzO2dkjwBT_fTAlV-n25pjaMUbuqheHcS9NTBKjUwDrbpXfIi1FegZFESFVIURKEUfKn6_MkcRfS_CVapwkjzGaguMOXJgl_Kp_rmDY/s1600/IMG_2731.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />When unexpectedly outside, their rose such a clatter,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The mice all woke up to see what was the matter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Away to the windows they flew like a flash,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But the shutters blew open with an almighty crash.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When, what to the mice’s wondering eyes should appear,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With a little old driver, so lively and quick,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The mice knew in a moment it must be St Nick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Comet, On, Cupid! On, on Donner and Blitzen!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So up to the mill—top the coursers they flew,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the sleigh full of props, and St Nicholas too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then, in a twinkling, the mice heard on the roof<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The mice squeaked in excitement, and as they turned round,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through the window St Nicholas came in with a bound. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOgslHJ9zruHXnryw224cYLd2Y_pXCbk_5cT4B-HhyUyZTMrflNzGSFKTT0tjlJbkh7oJQsNwCXStVBKAm3BPx65K97DObznV82OUxSl1NsPDIOliu6stYA7zX9RGKgrg3cN4IMFlTeA/s1600/IMG_2705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOgslHJ9zruHXnryw224cYLd2Y_pXCbk_5cT4B-HhyUyZTMrflNzGSFKTT0tjlJbkh7oJQsNwCXStVBKAm3BPx65K97DObznV82OUxSl1NsPDIOliu6stYA7zX9RGKgrg3cN4IMFlTeA/s1600/IMG_2705.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was dressed up in overalls and shone like a Saint<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47VgVh6oySt7bm14FS3zY_8X2u5HthcBzgVYfp7Uom6cpdO-dh57iZyvleaUGHznKiLCAJO8YB8jX-32xxdpe8U8spjsvFqdNN_kp6J9ZHkaOEmIzg8uxPmGP91b-KrfET6zQKxL-67Q/s1600/IMG_2738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47VgVh6oySt7bm14FS3zY_8X2u5HthcBzgVYfp7Uom6cpdO-dh57iZyvleaUGHznKiLCAJO8YB8jX-32xxdpe8U8spjsvFqdNN_kp6J9ZHkaOEmIzg8uxPmGP91b-KrfET6zQKxL-67Q/s1600/IMG_2738.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As his clothes were all tarnished with glitter and paint,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A bundle of props he had on his back<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And he looked like a pedlar just opening his pack.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His eyes-how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He had a broad face and a little round belly,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTsgHShjtWYpjQYQRnLoIQHJtGiZSQZZ3LwoD91K57R_ojq7Gj8TTcByl8Bau8IhI7OGDcBqzqdJNuzTT5SzVsq_yfnCiIWQFTvJyqbuO77N9ogJWeZSEUTN6XyFn2ct8I_g5WALObTI/s1600/IMG_2747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTsgHShjtWYpjQYQRnLoIQHJtGiZSQZZ3LwoD91K57R_ojq7Gj8TTcByl8Bau8IhI7OGDcBqzqdJNuzTT5SzVsq_yfnCiIWQFTvJyqbuO77N9ogJWeZSEUTN6XyFn2ct8I_g5WALObTI/s1600/IMG_2747.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the mice squeaked when they saw him, and some hid on the
shelf!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But a wink of his eye and a twist of his head,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soon let them know they had nothing to dread.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He spoke not a word but went straight to work,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He unloaded the props, then turned with a jerk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And laying his finger aside of his nose,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And giving a nod, through the window he rose!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But the mice heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“And please do remember” he said with a smile,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“there’s only one place with scenery who’ll go an extra
mile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For magic, enchantment and shows hard to forget<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Border Studio is where you’ll find all of that met”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“The Border Studio works hard to always do their duty,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And provide their customers with things of great beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we sing and dance up North in the snow,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Border Studio always provides the scenery for our show<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We wouldn’t have any other, it wouldn’t be right,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But anyway, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Our very own adaptation of 'A Visit from St. Nicholas', originally written by Clement Clarke Moore.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Our version was written by Tamsin</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We would like to remind our customers that it is definitely not too early to start booking your cloths and pantomimes for next year! Get in touch today so that you don't miss out!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Contact us through <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><u><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank">our website</a></u> </span>or by calling us on 01750 20237.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Border Studio - Design to Inspire</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We are a <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/our-scenery/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">theatrical hire company</span></a> </span>based in Scotland, and remain one of the UK's most popular scenic suppliers.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>With a catalogue of over 100 different shows, the <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/theatrical-backcloths/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">UK's largest collection of hand-painted backcloths</span></a> and a vast <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/stage-properties/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">prop store</span></a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/enquiry-form/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">get in touch today</span></a> to see how we can help enhance your show.</i></span></div>
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Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-18585778759550152202014-12-16T12:14:00.000+00:002014-12-16T12:36:10.192+00:00Add some Magic and Sparkle to your Christmas!<h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I'm sure you are all aware Christmas is just around the corner, and Christmas really isn't Christmas without the decorations!</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some of you may already have your trees up and baubles polished, whilst the rest of us are groaning at the thought of having to wrestle your tree out the attic and untangle yards of fairy lights. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over here at <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank">The Border Studio</a> we like to think we're quite a creative bunch, and we do like to sink our teeth into a good DIY project (as shown by our enthusiasm for knitting blankets and bears for our <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-fk57sRIfCKdlZlelVoTUtqSEk/edit" target="_blank">#bearinablanket project</a>!)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLSv9KEJf7yyl-RQ3jXvkwWmHb5wnCWRfWSh0BU1x3Whtgim8RK6AWbXuF1PguGhJKQU7UJBCVmtahElXExvB75vtOKaXfSTnommIsbK2hOcP4-YPAZ24qjHJoJtoNduksbnoHavnNX4/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLSv9KEJf7yyl-RQ3jXvkwWmHb5wnCWRfWSh0BU1x3Whtgim8RK6AWbXuF1PguGhJKQU7UJBCVmtahElXExvB75vtOKaXfSTnommIsbK2hOcP4-YPAZ24qjHJoJtoNduksbnoHavnNX4/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>A Christmas Wreath - handmade by our very own Tamsin</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year I decided to put together a list of some of my favourite DIY and 'How To' projects to help you decorate your house in a more creative, and even cost efficient way. Some of these would also be really fun activities you could do with your own children and grandchildren or with youth groups in the lead up to Christmas - and you'll end up with handmade decorations that are a bit more special then a multipack of coloured baubles from the local garden centre.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course crafts aren't for everyone - but if you do feel up for a challenge with decorating your house this year then this guide is perfect for those who want to be a bit more creative and hands-on. We certainly think our customers are very creative and hands-on and definitely willing to take on any challenge!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have tried to find detailed 'how to' guides for each project so just click on the links to find out how to do them yourself. We hope you enjoy!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2emXwipRWkCkZ20KB1KwNQ5rtVc9iu8XYIwzt_GF05Jt7nBG9uh8QNLcyMlMIuRjFKNV7bRER1c1mqbKicvbsJ3v8gQvt4_K_-PUNypNEKkNWMsFhGojP2vt-WHGxJhB2HitRjchdDo/s1600/Untitled+design+(10).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2emXwipRWkCkZ20KB1KwNQ5rtVc9iu8XYIwzt_GF05Jt7nBG9uh8QNLcyMlMIuRjFKNV7bRER1c1mqbKicvbsJ3v8gQvt4_K_-PUNypNEKkNWMsFhGojP2vt-WHGxJhB2HitRjchdDo/s1600/Untitled+design+(10).png" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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<ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pX1uWpRDSx3mpKAAYJ3TXVbYDWaGaeUerGdy0zrhSRvSBdGUDcmViNyrw9dCE6yP464LsphfJ1fwC-YOYhyUH7kCFT54laG8Cc2GRwKBBR0JTK05zD3e_8mnC2aiPKavaTOgY6zMFnE/s1600/willow_xmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pX1uWpRDSx3mpKAAYJ3TXVbYDWaGaeUerGdy0zrhSRvSBdGUDcmViNyrw9dCE6yP464LsphfJ1fwC-YOYhyUH7kCFT54laG8Cc2GRwKBBR0JTK05zD3e_8mnC2aiPKavaTOgY6zMFnE/s1600/willow_xmas.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kidskubby.com/paper-ballerina-snowflakes/" target="_blank">Ballerina Snowflakes</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://ideasparadecoracion.com/bambalinas-navidenas-de-hilo/" target="_blank">Glitter Snowballs </a> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/12/make-your-own-diamond-ornament.html" target="_blank">Wooden Diamonds</a> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://apps.rhs.org.uk/schoolgardening/uploads/documents/willow%20star_750.pdf" target="_blank">Willow Stars</a> - </span><i>I learned to construct these on holiday at Centerparcs this year. They can seem a bit fiddly but once you get the hang of them you can do them in your sleep - and they look so pretty hung around the house!</i></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheU-TKydgj3eYnTu_eifu05mMacgCoib6QWPRQwWfoMYirQ8DiTdylrDaVmMnDgYfM5_8AzPwHunTLewfF448lZHMNznorp2a56gRGBiQKspRo9G8WDTdCKvUpre0P5hyphenhyphenKqMg7Z1SmLk/s1600/to+all.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheU-TKydgj3eYnTu_eifu05mMacgCoib6QWPRQwWfoMYirQ8DiTdylrDaVmMnDgYfM5_8AzPwHunTLewfF448lZHMNznorp2a56gRGBiQKspRo9G8WDTdCKvUpre0P5hyphenhyphenKqMg7Z1SmLk/s1600/to+all.png" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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<ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE2DbXsd_OtCPF0VMOXV0vOswXeh6YuE2mr-oYAyHisDTsAaCf-JiXly2AtMI67CXcw0Bca_g5VTCm17kxye6eTa-2wqknzy0Gg5bf680y3Imrx38QX1Yu-5YTCAgNVP-hrT7SxZNvWg/s1600/96509fbc21feedd7f0ebfe4e5e5dad0f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE2DbXsd_OtCPF0VMOXV0vOswXeh6YuE2mr-oYAyHisDTsAaCf-JiXly2AtMI67CXcw0Bca_g5VTCm17kxye6eTa-2wqknzy0Gg5bf680y3Imrx38QX1Yu-5YTCAgNVP-hrT7SxZNvWg/s1600/96509fbc21feedd7f0ebfe4e5e5dad0f.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paper Snowflakes - Best Pattern Collections </span><a href="http://www.usefuldiy.com/diy-snowflake-paper-pattern/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">1</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> & </span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://wonderfuldiy.com/wonderful-diy-paper-snowflakes-with-pattern/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">2</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.craftbyphoto.com/easy-tissue-paper-pom-poms/" target="_blank">Tissue Paper Pom Poms</a> - </span><i>We used paper pom-poms to decorate our office last year, alongside miles & miles of traditional paper garlands</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Swan Place Settings <span style="color: magenta;">- </span><i>We couldn't find a 'how to', but I'm sure you can follow these to put together your own design. Perfect for Panto Parties!</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Painted Tree Stump Side Tables <span style="color: magenta;">- </span><i>A unique way to dress your house, we love these rustic side tables. All you need is a tree, sanding paper, some elbow grease and some pretty paint colours. </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3D Stars & Snowflakes - <i>we made a few of these last year to hang in the window. Much easier to make then they look! We recommend using a stapler to put together and we made a card 'stencil' to cut around to ensure all the sizes matched.</i></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlKkcVi37r63BZwmhyphenhyphenEs445dxGjDcYUKq37j_oOYwYZSkK1gEL8WrN_yCTFmFuGGcsUEJeDgR99G7KXLmqrKsAX2DdVfJOqd3fd26Tw5WydbybXzVBjfAzrLw66gde6QZ2QBquH9kONQ/s1600/Eat.+Enjoy.+Share..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlKkcVi37r63BZwmhyphenhyphenEs445dxGjDcYUKq37j_oOYwYZSkK1gEL8WrN_yCTFmFuGGcsUEJeDgR99G7KXLmqrKsAX2DdVfJOqd3fd26Tw5WydbybXzVBjfAzrLw66gde6QZ2QBquH9kONQ/s1600/Eat.+Enjoy.+Share..png" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://missrenaissance.com/2012/12/19/its-diy-time-holiday-edition/" target="_blank">Glittery Pinecones</a> </span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://6thstreetdesignschool.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/diy-falling-leaves-garland.html" target="_blank">Glittery Leaves Garland</a> </span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Leaf Table Setting - <i>Send your children outside to gather some leaves then simply spray paint them! A cheap yet very creative way to sort out place settings.</i></span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Glittery Twigs - <i>Again you just need to gather some twigs together and spray glitter over them. Just pop them into a vase and display them in the corner of the room, you can even thread fairy lights through them. They would make an interesting, yet lovely table centrepiece.</i></span></b></span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLlwOM7oCRqUHAQWQGHxciFejC7HHWoVjs9BSe9Ck7Z6VUTHx9hlrg0Kt_uFtczUsNriX4ZaMfrzEM9XOARZrkyhpzlxHjPox6YJlgiR6-xrKbHwynUai1tK4VpzFHyKMRbCmKtBkSOU/s1600/20120630205938_S2AEQ.thumb.700_0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLlwOM7oCRqUHAQWQGHxciFejC7HHWoVjs9BSe9Ck7Z6VUTHx9hlrg0Kt_uFtczUsNriX4ZaMfrzEM9XOARZrkyhpzlxHjPox6YJlgiR6-xrKbHwynUai1tK4VpzFHyKMRbCmKtBkSOU/s1600/20120630205938_S2AEQ.thumb.700_0.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwAttoShVf8RLpyPKZ5iYHcKDN0r8yH0OK8X5MG7RR4NQMuUSs2tas52JJ7MG0RxXO5fg0-P3inZEX52PA6yb-rBtTUY9mGI-bdcuhceAAo9zZt6PMrCNQqvF5lJdbn53_shiBEb1hyphenhypheng/s1600/FullSizeRender+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwAttoShVf8RLpyPKZ5iYHcKDN0r8yH0OK8X5MG7RR4NQMuUSs2tas52JJ7MG0RxXO5fg0-P3inZEX52PA6yb-rBtTUY9mGI-bdcuhceAAo9zZt6PMrCNQqvF5lJdbn53_shiBEb1hyphenhypheng/s1600/FullSizeRender+(2).jpg" height="117" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
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Something a little different</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although these aren't strictly Christmassy, we couldn't resist popping them in to show you! The party boxes would be perfect alongside the swan place settings for a Panto themed party, and the paper hats are ideal for New Years. Lots of these decorations could be used to put together a fantastic 'Princess' themed party - with different coloured wooden gems, homemade crowns and Fairy Tale themed decorations the party would be fit for a Queen - you could even reuse all your snowflakes and declare it a 'Frozen' party!</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://shopwalkinlove.com/blogs/walk-in-love/11197349-new-years-resolution-party-hats" target="_blank">Party Hats</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cinderella's Coach Party Boxes - <i>we found plenty of similar ones available to buy on <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wedding-Favor-Carriage-Gift-Box-Princess-White-Pink-Cinderella-Fairytale-Favour-/181108695386" target="_blank">eBay</a></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.duitang.com/people/mblog/38170303/detail/" target="_blank">Castle Lanterns</a></span></span></li>
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We would love to see how you get on! Make sure you post pictures of your handmade decorations to our <a href="http://www.facebook.com.theborderstudio1/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/theborderstudio" target="_blank">tweet</a> us or tag us in your pictures so we can see! </i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Written by Tamsin</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We would like to remind our customers that it is definitely not too early to start booking your cloths and pantomimes for next year! Get in touch today so that you don't miss out!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Contact us through <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><u><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank">our website</a></u> </span>or by calling us on 01750 20237.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Border Studio - Design to Inspire</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We are a <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/our-scenery/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">theatrical hire company</span></a> </span>based in Scotland, and remain one of the UK's most popular scenic suppliers.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>With a catalogue of over 100 different shows, the <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/theatrical-backcloths/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">UK's largest collection of hand-painted backcloths</span></a> and a vast <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/stage-properties/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">prop store</span></a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/enquiry-form/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">get in touch today</span></a> to see how we can help enhance your show.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-6817486498766669632014-12-04T12:47:00.000+00:002014-12-04T15:06:47.482+00:00Gearing up for Panto Season...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoovSrF3dTTnhPQYbVZ0jM3KxEdnztdnHzVsA74EzvMJuMY0y6Al2b0FHS96ZSz5Bo-ORUtkdBg3QJjkEuyLZQWCZdASxcFO-7FPlgORUNUHUohAbMsMCxTmVn4rXfVYv_BoQI72qveg/s1600/967136_10201604558770673_734027796_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoovSrF3dTTnhPQYbVZ0jM3KxEdnztdnHzVsA74EzvMJuMY0y6Al2b0FHS96ZSz5Bo-ORUtkdBg3QJjkEuyLZQWCZdASxcFO-7FPlgORUNUHUohAbMsMCxTmVn4rXfVYv_BoQI72qveg/s1600/967136_10201604558770673_734027796_o.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">'Cinderella' - as performed by EROS Musical Society last year</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we finally emerge into a very frosty December, there is only one thing on the minds of anyone who works in theatre - no, not Christmas but Panto Season!</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Panto Season has always been the busiest time of the year for us. All our backcloths are regularly booked almost a year in advance, and we spend the months leading up to December having to fend off phone calls from people trying to book pantomime kitchens, woods, Cinderella coaches and beanstalks at the last minute. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboQ1xI7vW5UyMLM06VuGiKseGo3Sg-aXeP1vKXCZ6YXBeN5YwBPV6PkLeWbARvNailvX0CkoLyHm0dXTcMLxIkmq6xk3phHM50OkBFP8tww3fkNzNp5RQ_VAvfahzZb0TCuKMuKmkXC8/s1600/H+G_44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboQ1xI7vW5UyMLM06VuGiKseGo3Sg-aXeP1vKXCZ6YXBeN5YwBPV6PkLeWbARvNailvX0CkoLyHm0dXTcMLxIkmq6xk3phHM50OkBFP8tww3fkNzNp5RQ_VAvfahzZb0TCuKMuKmkXC8/s1600/H+G_44.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>'Hansel & Gretel' - as performed by FMC Technologies last year</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year we are particularly excited as not only are we looking forward to <a href="http://celebratepanto.co.uk/" target="_blank">Panto Day</a> on the 12th December, but we are also starting to gear up for the release of Kenneth Branagh's new live action adaptation of '<i>Cinderella</i>'. We posted the official film trailer on our Facebook page last week - but today also saw the release of the official film posters - a chance to admire the exquisite costumes, opulent settings and all-star cast!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ANuAHEuNokZl87gPdiDRGXeRdF93Qc46sgP9-1F5g_LHSksmRlqMLNKn4KDB9kM1Si7lQBBO5TxyJT8EIM_PXq3iaHSrt0wa2dFYoDTABxsnubD8SRlt9XRbvEVmEDzOxEyvr6V0M3Y/s1600/C-050-35087R.JPG_cmyk-600x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ANuAHEuNokZl87gPdiDRGXeRdF93Qc46sgP9-1F5g_LHSksmRlqMLNKn4KDB9kM1Si7lQBBO5TxyJT8EIM_PXq3iaHSrt0wa2dFYoDTABxsnubD8SRlt9XRbvEVmEDzOxEyvr6V0M3Y/s1600/C-050-35087R.JPG_cmyk-600x400.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Long before Anna and Elsa from box office phenomenon '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Frozen</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">' came onto the scene, Cinderella has reigned supreme as the nation's most popular panto princess. In fact the recently revealed statistics from the National Database of Pantomime Performance and first ever National Amateur Panto Survey show that '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cinderella</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">' managed to beat off competition from rival princesses '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sleeping Beauty</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">' and '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Snow White</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">' to remain the people's princess, and only very narrowly missed out on the top spot, which went to '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aladdin</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'<i>Cinderella</i>' has always been a popular pantomime to perform as it is guaranteed to sell tickets. Many a little girl and boy has looked on in awe and wonder as the Fairy Godmother transforms Cinderella from penniless servant into the belle of the ball, and this moment in the Disney film is still remembered as a wondrous and inspirational sequence of animation. After watching the Disney film or seeing a performance at the theatre who doesn't want to find their Prince Charming and have their own Cinderella moment?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7I6lXIuOkkQoOZ3Z5ddTgNCvLvFG89RRf-HhnbuiwgCXz4LEL72UwiXG53QD7YHPo6_imdHo1Q_3WA0pxv7k0RGUK-VkFFBCwA_E1VEmiyXNUo58XXGIzF6kUTZqbU98ubuDvakRioI/s1600/FotorCreated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7I6lXIuOkkQoOZ3Z5ddTgNCvLvFG89RRf-HhnbuiwgCXz4LEL72UwiXG53QD7YHPo6_imdHo1Q_3WA0pxv7k0RGUK-VkFFBCwA_E1VEmiyXNUo58XXGIzF6kUTZqbU98ubuDvakRioI/s1600/FotorCreated.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From watching the trailer Kenneth Branagh's film certainly doesn't look set to disappoint - with an all star cast featuring many familiar faces from <i>Downton Abbey</i> and <i>Game of Thrones</i> - as well as Hollywood veterans Cate Blanchett as the Wicked Stepmother and Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother, '<i>Cinderella</i>' also looks to be a great showcase for emerging British acting talent. Although a whole host of starlet's and more-than familiar-faces are rumoured to have auditioned - including <i>Harry Potter</i> alumni Emma Watson and <i>The Wolf of Wall Street's</i> Margot Robbie, it was <i>Downton's</i> Lily James who was picked for the title role - and although this isn't her first foray into film this is certainly her first real blockbuster role.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRSLTi1zmnSUOv7spPXA_3tW5lSccom28YqPP8TPrcuU2uGrDMAkYHe89mdiJy5TXRLrQcpYBqWCc3OPwXfAU5jcqJ4pZDT4_Ia0r48QRiui1odL_PNGBWy8jauT9QWQrRPMrdtyAbCM/s1600/FotorCreated1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRSLTi1zmnSUOv7spPXA_3tW5lSccom28YqPP8TPrcuU2uGrDMAkYHe89mdiJy5TXRLrQcpYBqWCc3OPwXfAU5jcqJ4pZDT4_Ia0r48QRiui1odL_PNGBWy8jauT9QWQrRPMrdtyAbCM/s1600/FotorCreated1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the official film trailer and the promotional pictures that have been recently released it is clear that we can expect a real visual masterpiece. Although we can't comment on the standard of acting until we've seen the film (although with cast members including Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi and Kenneth Branagh at the helm, I'm sure we're in safe hands!) we can definitely comment and say that the costumes and settings look phenomenal. We ooohed and aaahed when we saw the first image of Cinderella's gilded carriage, and it's wonderful to see Cinderella's beautiful, and iconic pale blue ball gown brought to life.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfZPg8H4NRL9tYkWa9tsXPkzd_Bwil0cDrdRt79B3iY7YWUTA2HBJKTo4ckemeQjvJKEPhVgSLwVM20RnWfZaAhxmVWU1B-ORgdUrcy6Nz1WaQQIP6Vly99hCKlAwhbTw-RhG8xQnPzY/s1600/Depp-Woods.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfZPg8H4NRL9tYkWa9tsXPkzd_Bwil0cDrdRt79B3iY7YWUTA2HBJKTo4ckemeQjvJKEPhVgSLwVM20RnWfZaAhxmVWU1B-ORgdUrcy6Nz1WaQQIP6Vly99hCKlAwhbTw-RhG8xQnPzY/s1600/Depp-Woods.png" height="326" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Promotional image from 'Into the Woods'</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course - '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cinderella</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">' isn't the only show to get the Hollywood treatment this year. With last summer's release of '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maleficent</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">' starring Angelina Jolie -an adaptation taken from the original story of '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sleeping Beauty</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">', and the upcoming '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Into the Woods</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">' film which features another all-star cast, including Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp and James Corden to name just a few, it seems that cinema is having a bit of a moment in revisiting classic fairy tales and musicals. Another Disney favourite '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tarzan</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">' is set to be remade, and plenty of rumours are circulating across the internet that '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wicked</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">' is set to be the next Broadway show to be remade for the big screen. In reverse, in 2014 it was hard to avoid the behemoth that was the box office smashing, record breaking '</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Frozen</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8byvcTX61mF492_q_KxdcZ-OKzDoHjr_eaBkdIjTUchEtHq4LZstDWIOm1Jd1H-njFsExLyJDqP453NzZQx9ryDR5hi0eRCEUNjWBW7aseKrgEY4QhGq2Y6WnDT8-xRjg0lpDG_IzWDg/s1600/frozen_elsa-2048x1536+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8byvcTX61mF492_q_KxdcZ-OKzDoHjr_eaBkdIjTUchEtHq4LZstDWIOm1Jd1H-njFsExLyJDqP453NzZQx9ryDR5hi0eRCEUNjWBW7aseKrgEY4QhGq2Y6WnDT8-xRjg0lpDG_IzWDg/s1600/frozen_elsa-2048x1536+(1).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Queen Elsa - a more than familiar face to parents across the world</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apparently there are already talks happening on Broadway as people hope to capitalise on its seemingly unwavering popularity and put together a stage show version. Even now, nearly a year after it's original release, cinemas are still successfully putting on 'Sing a Long' </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Frozen</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> screenings so we're sure any show that features Queen Elsa and her singing snowman Olaf would have swarms of little girls begging their parents to buy tickets - only last week I walked into Tesco to see they had put on a 'Frozen' party and the small children of the Scottish Borders, boys and girls alike, were queuing up to have their faces painted and buy yet more <i>'Frozen</i>' merchandise - lunch-boxes, wigs, hair clips and party plates. If it has Elsa's face on it then it's in high demand this year for Christmas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As it happens, Disney has played a clever card to guarantee that people go see '<i>Cinderella</i>' by announcing that a '<i>Frozen</i>' short will play before the film - we're sure that will be leverage enough to persuade plenty of little girls to go pester their parents to book cinema tickets!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHMyOsrmxKsyGXpySVzMike_Whwr2sE_6NQLJE9o-D-Em3MIMwutQciq39JzMOiwxzZ6Wp_kPWK9PSr4dhZgGN3r6O8QqVoWrUn27Yv7bu_EfLXuS3E3LSTdQMcyZBaaxvxjXXWe_Vd4/s1600/into-the-woods-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHMyOsrmxKsyGXpySVzMike_Whwr2sE_6NQLJE9o-D-Em3MIMwutQciq39JzMOiwxzZ6Wp_kPWK9PSr4dhZgGN3r6O8QqVoWrUn27Yv7bu_EfLXuS3E3LSTdQMcyZBaaxvxjXXWe_Vd4/s1600/into-the-woods-01.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Promotional image from 'Into The Woods'</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, as theatre and film fanatics this is <i>no bad thing</i>. We love that these films are being remade into live action movies! It gives us a chance to drool over the big budget costumes and sets and provides us with plenty of inspiration from which to design or enhance our own sets. I think the release of these films will also help rejuvenate flagging theatre audiences - little girls who go see 'Cinderella' at the cinema may ask their parents to buy tickets for the local panto, and families may even decide to go see a show together later in the year. Hopefully, with cinema revitalising these old musicals and stories it helps bring new audiences back to the theatre to see the same shows performed locally, and I'm sure with some clever promotion local theatres can capitalise on any box office successes and trends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are sure that this will be a year that we will see lots of little girls and boys queueing up to see the local pantomime with their parents, proudly wearing their Cinderella, Rapunzel and Elsa costumes and frantically waving around their flashing wands and swords. Let's hope that this new interest taken by Hollywood helps bring audiences back to their local theatres and we see a renewed interest in the Arts and the Theatre - especially in the face of government cuts to this area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Written by Tamsin</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>'Cinderella' is due to be released on the 13th March 2015</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>'Into the Woods' is due to be released on the 25th December 2014 </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We would like to remind our customers that it is definitely not too early to start booking your cloths and pantomimes for next year! Get in touch today so that you don't miss out!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Contact us through <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><u><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank">our website</a></u> </span>or by calling us on 01750 20237.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Border Studio - Design to Inspire</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We are a <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/our-scenery/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">theatrical hire company</span></a> </span>based in Scotland, and remain one of the UK's most popular scenic suppliers.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>With a catalogue of over 100 different shows, the <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/theatrical-backcloths/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">UK's largest collection of hand-painted backcloths</span></a> and a vast <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/stage-properties/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">prop store</span></a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/enquiry-form/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">get in touch today</span></a> to see how we can help enhance your show.</i></span></div>
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</div>Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-66456747600925636622014-11-24T13:36:00.001+00:002014-11-24T13:36:48.069+00:00Creative Futures 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKW09PP6kpdH_vnp1GwhQYwzrOSDWkqRBi-Y1LFUMqqkQnEkCRDK6IPDIkiMBD7OYGA4pjMHMSUzVPJUjvbZBdkLRMpiV0qrtsNbtf7IZzMCwT_Vsedr0BqkSj3XOoAhzVgveEtW0du4/s1600/IMG_2181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKW09PP6kpdH_vnp1GwhQYwzrOSDWkqRBi-Y1LFUMqqkQnEkCRDK6IPDIkiMBD7OYGA4pjMHMSUzVPJUjvbZBdkLRMpiV0qrtsNbtf7IZzMCwT_Vsedr0BqkSj3XOoAhzVgveEtW0du4/s1600/IMG_2181.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the 24th October, Kate and Tamsin were kindly invited to
take part in the Creative Future's event at the WASPS Artists Studios - a great
afternoon focused on talking to young people aged 13-25 who were considering a
career in the creative arts.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were kindly invited by the artists at the <a href="http://www.selkirkwasps.com/" target="_blank">WASPS studios</a> across
the road from us to join them and other representatives from the creative
industry in an </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">afternoon event focused on encouraging young people to get
involved in a creative future.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EnAuJdr8oq5wzS2eMqecyWIL6sdW9JeqjdKgG_npFOqIk9_6c-FwGtm4S73aUpltX0pyWyGUSWXf9v1cHpbSgLQ_l464L3I1Yt9eswRJMV1w-54RldKU7kb7mh0K-OmXBVCfhKpfxck/s1600/IMG_2180+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EnAuJdr8oq5wzS2eMqecyWIL6sdW9JeqjdKgG_npFOqIk9_6c-FwGtm4S73aUpltX0pyWyGUSWXf9v1cHpbSgLQ_l464L3I1Yt9eswRJMV1w-54RldKU7kb7mh0K-OmXBVCfhKpfxck/s1600/IMG_2180+-+Version+2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was a great event focused on engaging young people aged from
13 to 25, and talking to them about their possible career routes into a
creative job. There were lots of different companies and different creative
pursuits represented, from us - theatrical designers, to independent artists,
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/VOMO/798951923466954" target="_blank">Voice Of My Own</a> filmmakers and representatives from <a href="http://www.hw.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Heriot Watt University</a> and
the Borders Arts Festival.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were incredibly impressed by the enthusiasm of the young people
who attended and also by how many of them had heard of our company through our
work experience programmes with the local schools, or from performing in shows
which featured our sets! We came away with a notebook full of enquiries about
work experience placements with us which was great as we love having people
come and join us here at the Studio, but also because getting as much
experience as possible is incredibly important if you want to pursue a creative
career or get a spot at art college!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5qDsRUZl2g8bCp8nJypDrUBwCCcEUgp3oxBqgmDKX0XFcTB9NgPy2jxBAyk2qaWB_T3L4ohX0mni_tumX8Dx8JeWPChcwxD5_aUBW8ARrhcXupi9fkDIzTWuNw2RO4JboBdA5Cnn52Y/s1600/IMG_2165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5qDsRUZl2g8bCp8nJypDrUBwCCcEUgp3oxBqgmDKX0XFcTB9NgPy2jxBAyk2qaWB_T3L4ohX0mni_tumX8Dx8JeWPChcwxD5_aUBW8ARrhcXupi9fkDIzTWuNw2RO4JboBdA5Cnn52Y/s1600/IMG_2165.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRc4Th3udel07s32lLN1NEF-Ua7dCTet7odX_MZIZ6bwHuN6VC-qrf4bOS4ZWp_nRCFN9e5MXKEBE2PT_G7O_exWe6r5kWEJXd9J-gwgyGRy8fkt15Xg4Jg1DBI52upIMTsRHyKOSvNEk/s1600/IMG_2158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRc4Th3udel07s32lLN1NEF-Ua7dCTet7odX_MZIZ6bwHuN6VC-qrf4bOS4ZWp_nRCFN9e5MXKEBE2PT_G7O_exWe6r5kWEJXd9J-gwgyGRy8fkt15Xg4Jg1DBI52upIMTsRHyKOSvNEk/s1600/IMG_2158.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The WASPS Studios themselves are also an incredibly inspiring
place to visit. Many Borders based artists have their own studios within the
building which gives them a space to allow them to focus on their work as well
as be able to display finished pieces that are up for sale. It's a very light,
peaceful enviroment and, as I had not had a chance to visit it before, I found
it really interesting to be able to wander around and see artists 'at work'.
It's a really friendly, comfortable enviroment and was perfect for hosting this
event.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall the Creative Futures event was a great success, it was
well attended by lots of different people who all shared a passion for working
in the creative arts and it was lovely to meet other artists who are based in
the Borders and hearing about their work. We're looking forward to attending
the next one already!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Don't forget to visit our<a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank"> brand new website</a> and let us know what you think!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Puppets by artist Kerry Jones</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Written by Tamsin</i></span></span></div>
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Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-53790233177862414862014-06-20T13:43:00.001+01:002014-06-20T13:43:22.579+01:00A Working Holiday<h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We’re back in the office after having quite an adventure-filled
working holiday in London.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a wonderful time – but after the hustle and
bustle of the big city the Scottish Borders seems rather quiet!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course it was a working holiday so don’t just think that
we spent our time soaking up the rays in Hyde Park – our time was spent at
shows, exhibitions and generally seeking out inspiration and references for
future cloths and sets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take a look at some of the pictures we took and read about
what we got up to:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn37mZAQVGbpieCykrUPmIbVrsf7nXq_ZLwipWYNUyvs0rVS81jtq9dKep8k1N2uLCm6a0Xp6sEAFAiJPFHG-piqcq53cZEznG0aAaDPJqWaIRF5c-QlokfA2QkvRuQb7krwYDAwTgqE/s1600/10468217_243367375860340_4761362425889879636_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn37mZAQVGbpieCykrUPmIbVrsf7nXq_ZLwipWYNUyvs0rVS81jtq9dKep8k1N2uLCm6a0Xp6sEAFAiJPFHG-piqcq53cZEznG0aAaDPJqWaIRF5c-QlokfA2QkvRuQb7krwYDAwTgqE/s1600/10468217_243367375860340_4761362425889879636_o.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>The last helicopter out of Saigon - photograph by Michael Le Poer Trench</i></span></td></tr>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Miss Saigon</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG0jvzxgS3UMExeWG15S3Lg0kJJsxJ2xfqMBw-QQvyW2ibqIDwn6QIZOfeqqap1XT9_0w5O-a4Oih4jvspZ6HGJwtVyqRoZjpYh75hJ-3QAIM9eca-Q3MOV7NfMpc8phqSeGsT8xh-KY/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG0jvzxgS3UMExeWG15S3Lg0kJJsxJ2xfqMBw-QQvyW2ibqIDwn6QIZOfeqqap1XT9_0w5O-a4Oih4jvspZ6HGJwtVyqRoZjpYh75hJ-3QAIM9eca-Q3MOV7NfMpc8phqSeGsT8xh-KY/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we have recently put in a new set for this show we simply had to go and see ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miss Saigon</i>’ whilst we were down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_N9TmPtIWRYRth3WbRcWJVyXDWb8xW7dKJGBx-0t_MJDOPa7r7q6Ux0Aq0Coyu4oJQEpeQmCYDFuhbo5frTlimnCwm1Zt-IB8js359y1AWhN8-HPSk0QZqJrmrBSAvaxz5NFnIsj3nuU/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_N9TmPtIWRYRth3WbRcWJVyXDWb8xW7dKJGBx-0t_MJDOPa7r7q6Ux0Aq0Coyu4oJQEpeQmCYDFuhbo5frTlimnCwm1Zt-IB8js359y1AWhN8-HPSk0QZqJrmrBSAvaxz5NFnIsj3nuU/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having recently returned to the West End you can’t currently
walk through London without seeing at least three billboards proclaiming it to
be ‘the most powerful and moving musical you will see', a statement certainly
backed up by the fact that most of the audience left in floods of tears when we
went to go see it – Kate included!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a fabulous production that had been cleverly done –
the sets were marvellous and, although multi-functional, did not scrimp on the
detail at all. Lighting and projections were cleverly used throughout the show
to enhance the pieces of set that were used. The moment that the helicopter
arrived was a real showstopper scene – however at some points through the show the noise effects
were slightly too loud to be comfortable, and some quite blinding strobe
lights were used.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The production had a very talented cast but it was Jon Jon Briones who played ‘The Engineer’ who
delivered a real standout performance and was well deserving of the standing
ovation he received at the curtain call. He was an excellent foil to the more
heavier storylines and he had the audience in fits of laughter throughout the
musical – even in the more traumatic scenes. Being able to have an audience laughing through their sobs is a real testament to his skill as an actor, his
rendition of ‘The American Dream' was superb and remained entertaining as well as retaining the
emotion behind the piece. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was a fantastic production and if anyone is planning a
trip to London then we would highly recommend for you to get tickets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EENEmt4VkpZaIFQFWX-_v4Z8dcggA2miFCkHH0eFqyx8OCHOSnO_htfmDxyiV9rloF_O-YPrqCcgoeDJ7kcXpX6IeYlZeAQ0CPKbRFdQbds1FZMqBl5tWY4QLxITtE3NGytboWbEs8M/s1600/10333483_236235743240170_5526883931630225268_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EENEmt4VkpZaIFQFWX-_v4Z8dcggA2miFCkHH0eFqyx8OCHOSnO_htfmDxyiV9rloF_O-YPrqCcgoeDJ7kcXpX6IeYlZeAQ0CPKbRFdQbds1FZMqBl5tWY4QLxITtE3NGytboWbEs8M/s1600/10333483_236235743240170_5526883931630225268_o.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Jon Jon Briones as 'The Engineer'. Photograph by Matthew Murphy</i></span></td></tr>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The only downside to this show was having to cope with the
heat – I’ve always believed that the London theatres need to equip themselves
with better air conditioning and ventilation for their audiences – especially
during the hot summer months. A lady actually collapsed during half time when
we went to see ‘</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Miss Saigon’ </i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and it
was unsurprising considering that you’re sitting in a stuffy, crowded room with
hot theatre lighting. The heat combined with limited legroom can really detract
from the show itself as you find yourself constantly shuffling around in your
seat trying to get comfortable. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8J2IWunzHHCDv-qHgdoAVZohyphenhyphenQtIGukM1p-yzIQSc12mMAijTDYfJ27vVNPygZ0cBABcyZyu9YrMjU7pEVgg2iIs7w2whuHk0LPSqDB4Cj46BARIrzbYhMjIvY6pJ77ll43V-NaGzvZw/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8J2IWunzHHCDv-qHgdoAVZohyphenhyphenQtIGukM1p-yzIQSc12mMAijTDYfJ27vVNPygZ0cBABcyZyu9YrMjU7pEVgg2iIs7w2whuHk0LPSqDB4Cj46BARIrzbYhMjIvY6pJ77ll43V-NaGzvZw/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Prince Edward Theatre fortunately had an outside
terrace which we all flocked to to cool off and which gave a lovely view over
the goings on in the streets of Soho below, but never before have I ever felt
like I needed to leave my seat at half time in order to cool down or get some
fresh air. Hopefully in the next few years these old, traditional theatres can
find a way to maintain the atmosphere and beauty that makes the West End unique, alongside putting in a modern air conditioning system to make the experience even
better for their audiences.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course it’s important to preserve these
institutions but at some point we’re going to have to admit that the UK actually can become really hot, and we need to be more prepared
for it. Put it this way - you wouldn’t keep a dog or a child in a hot car so
why should we be left to boil in these theatres when we're trying to see a show?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps this could turn into a real topic of discussion – let us know what you think!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>To see some fabulous pictures and 'behind the scenes' shots you can see the official Facebook page for the show <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MissSaigonOfficial" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">here</span></a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>For the official website and to book tickets then please <a href="http://www.miss-saigon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">click here</span></a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>To contact us about our set for 'Miss Saigon' then please email us at info@borderstudio.com or visit our <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">website</span></a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theborderstudio1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Facebook page</span></a>.</b></i></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hampton Court Palace
& The Tower of London</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During our trip we also made the effort to visit several
London landmarks to take photographs for reference, as well as to generally
explore whilst seeking inspiration and new ideas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whilst the weather was nice we drove out to the incredible
<a href="http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Hampton Court Palace</span></a> – the iconic palace built for Cardinal Wolsey and which eventually became one of King Henry VIII’s favourite palaces to base his Tudor court.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjq2EUGYEIkYjlfzFl660JFHEO6_HfKxR-u9g0wluDpwqdNc9IP29sC_32RI_dfqV_1wKgziDRGwchEVlsJgPZHokQ84NX_VkzkioopL-5T96oLSDT9aeo1hJsrhkIqep81hPh1_p3q8/s1600/IMG_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjq2EUGYEIkYjlfzFl660JFHEO6_HfKxR-u9g0wluDpwqdNc9IP29sC_32RI_dfqV_1wKgziDRGwchEVlsJgPZHokQ84NX_VkzkioopL-5T96oLSDT9aeo1hJsrhkIqep81hPh1_p3q8/s1600/IMG_0706.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With a mixture of original Tudor buildings and the later Stuart extensions built by William III and Mary II, Hampton Court is a labyrinth of
inspiration and has a real combination of different architectural styles, period
trends, and a real showcase of incredible masonry and craftsmanship. From the
enormous Tudor kitchens blackened from centuries of smoke to the magnificent
Great Hall with its hanging tapestries inlaid with gold thread, Hampton Court
is a real representation of the wealth, influence and majesty of its past
owners and inhabitants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A real highlight was meeting King Henry himself, along with
his Queen Anne Boleyn and various other palace inhabitants. We could examine
the costumes up close and see the exquisite detail and craftsmanship behind
each garment. The care and eye for detail that had been put in to each
outfit was extraordinary and Anne Boleyn even wore her famous strand of Boleyn pearls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have definitely been inspired to book tickets to go and see
the productions of Hilary Mantel’s ‘<a href="http://www.rsc.org.uk/whats-on/bring-up-the-bodies/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Bring Up The Bodies</span></a>’ and <span style="background-color: white;">‘<a href="http://www.rsc.org.uk/whats-on/wolf-hall/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Wolf Hall</span></a>’</span> next time
I’m in London – it must be the Tudor effect!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At Hampton Court we were also lucky enough to be able to
listen to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in rehearsal for the <a href="http://www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Hampton Court Festival</span></a>, and
as well as exploring the palace interiors we were also able to walk through the
decorative gardens and admire the world’s oldest vine. There were some
beautiful colours in bloom in the Rose Garden so we couldn’t resist taking a
few snaps (perhaps there is a rose garden cloth on the horizon?) The
weather was so glorious that it really was the perfect day for exploring a
grand English country house garden!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As well as Hampton Court we also visited the </span><a href="http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tower of London</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
– one of my favourite spots in the city.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With it being a settlement that has been built on and used
since the Norman conquest, the Tower features a real mish-mash of architectural
styles and imagery. There are plenty of examples of beautiful stone and
plasterwork and the White Tower is a wonderful example of the skill of the Norman builders. St John’s Chapel, the little Norman chapel built into the White
Tower, is considered to be one of the finest examples of Norman ecclesiastical architecture. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qTEP8AGrYRIPSvg5Ms_0zhcfg1j_bN1VUbP6EVKzzjdfwkpnN3fGVkgwq8rSSXvrju24t2qNxsCLXaaxrq67vyu3GOQoHYDl_hmxWlCCTpoKF7ekqomdrup0wWs947eveOPDejvHHlk/s1600/St-Johns-Chapel-Tower-of--010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qTEP8AGrYRIPSvg5Ms_0zhcfg1j_bN1VUbP6EVKzzjdfwkpnN3fGVkgwq8rSSXvrju24t2qNxsCLXaaxrq67vyu3GOQoHYDl_hmxWlCCTpoKF7ekqomdrup0wWs947eveOPDejvHHlk/s1600/St-Johns-Chapel-Tower-of--010.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The Chapel of St John - photograph by John Kellerman/Alamy.<br />Original photograph from an article in The Guardian, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/picture/2012/aug/08/chapel-st-john-tower-london" target="_blank">link here</a></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After exploring these two famous landmarks we came away
absolutely bursting with ideas and with hundreds of photographs to use as a
reference for future designs. Unfortunately we didn't get to see the crown jewels, however we did manage to get quite close to some of the Tower's famous ravens.</span><br />
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<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Martina Abramovic</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whilst down I was also able to catch the highly acclaimed
new performance art piece <a href="http://www.serpentinegalleries.org/exhibitions-events/marina-abramovic-512-hours" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">'512 Hours' by Martina Abramovic</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Situated in the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park, I attended
with a friend and was unsure and a bit apprehensive of what to expect – in
fact, I nearly didn’t go in when I saw the sign on the doors saying that by
attending the exhibition you were giving your consent to be filmed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However what I did find when I eventually went in was a
bubble of peace and calm in the middle of a hot, sticky, busy city. With its
white walls and tall ceilings the Serpentine Gallery itself is a very relaxing
environment but when I left the exhibition I was still experiencing a really
enhanced feeling of calmness and self awareness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I won’t go into what happens too much but I'd say that the environment
that was created is akin to group meditation, with people (both members of the
public and artists – I was often unsure as to who was who!) quietly and calmly
moving round a series of rooms, all with different elements that included use of different props which focused your perspective in different ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was a real focus on breathing and being aware of
yourself, the space around you, and the people around you and surprisingly I
didn’t feel uncomfortable at all with the interactions that I had with various
artists within the space – they were there to help guide you through the piece
and they really helped me to ‘slow down’ and just absorb and enjoy the
experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7-TLTJGycMP8tmSZAmp1K_6utPXm6F04tij1zcS_DZeBbwevOlakj2JH9RgAC3FMsrFSfZtzBvp-Xmd_98mxh3qr8K69IjeTpuK-eGYYLNrJt9mXx1denXpp31o_s3WsMr3pLKe1LU4/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7-TLTJGycMP8tmSZAmp1K_6utPXm6F04tij1zcS_DZeBbwevOlakj2JH9RgAC3FMsrFSfZtzBvp-Xmd_98mxh3qr8K69IjeTpuK-eGYYLNrJt9mXx1denXpp31o_s3WsMr3pLKe1LU4/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>I took a picture just in case I ended up<br /> a victim of GBH by a swan</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really enjoyed this exhibition and ended up staying
within it for over an hour, just enjoying the peace, quiet and tranquillity – when I
finally came out I was even in a bit of a daze, although this feeling was
broken rather quickly after I decided to rent a pedalo in the lake and ended up
being chased through the water by quite a vicious swan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If anyone happens to find themselves in the city stuck for
something to do or perhaps feels a little stressed this was a really fun way to
relax and experience something different – I came out feeling really rested and
would be interested to hear what other people thought of it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/jun/15/marina-abramovic-512-hours-review-serpentine-gallery" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Click this</span></a> to read a much better explained, although with a different opinion, on the performance piece by Laura Cumming of <i>The Guardian </i>newspaper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or <a href="http://www.serpentinegalleries.org/exhibitions-events/marina-abramovic-512-hours" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">click here</span></a> for the Serpentine's website for additional exhibition information.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back to our roots<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hwxhCWcmOt8GaVYCoPt0TC63gVQJDw8EMaTne7-RO2UyhPzxSVqRTeG8IksF9lW_dtMh3t5ltzUZN8ukxBPijGNLBTXQwnieh4Nb7jmc-doNr0Y9pRreIA70pRmiRo_W5mI_Hc_YyOs/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hwxhCWcmOt8GaVYCoPt0TC63gVQJDw8EMaTne7-RO2UyhPzxSVqRTeG8IksF9lW_dtMh3t5ltzUZN8ukxBPijGNLBTXQwnieh4Nb7jmc-doNr0Y9pRreIA70pRmiRo_W5mI_Hc_YyOs/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course – no trip would be complete without a wander
through Covent Garden and a return to the place where The Border Studio really all started – the
<a href="http://palladium.londontheatres.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">London Palladium</span></a> Theatre where my grandfather Les used to paint backcloths and
scenery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sadly there wasn’t a production currently in else I’d have
snapped up a ticket but I do have fond memories of having a backstage tour and
seeing ‘The King and I’ in production here several years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall we had a really fantastic time in London and feel
really excited about what’s to come in the future as we came away with plenty
of ideas for new shows and backcloths – and if anyone is considering a visit
soon then please do go see ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miss Saigon</i>’
and tell us what you think!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Written by Tamsin</i></span></div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><b>Picture Credits</b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">John Kellerman/Alamy - The Chapel of St John</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Matthew Murphy - Miss Saigon the musical</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Michael Le Poer Trench - Miss Saigon the musical</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i></i></span></div>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCuwdRGTwCqobjaqDAXxDNCN1NXYwIhVw5ZXscTaxn8nPY-fNOt8CmD4vXULKm007kMyzGlVa0e0pFiet88Vt6O4VynDYX7YtDTpf6eP34Rypq_zSd3aMnIgFZ4tcQ4sOrrsunRcdIeE/s1600/ManchesterCityCentrePanorama3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCuwdRGTwCqobjaqDAXxDNCN1NXYwIhVw5ZXscTaxn8nPY-fNOt8CmD4vXULKm007kMyzGlVa0e0pFiet88Vt6O4VynDYX7YtDTpf6eP34Rypq_zSd3aMnIgFZ4tcQ4sOrrsunRcdIeE/s1600/ManchesterCityCentrePanorama3.jpg" height="237" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Manchester City Centre, picture by <a href="http://www.danielcaddenphotographer.co.uk/" target="_blank">Daniel Cadden Photography</a></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s the <a href="http://www.noda.org.uk/" target="_blank">NODA </a>North West conference just around the corner
and we are already so excited as we gear up towards it! </span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also this year it’s in Manchester- the city that our very
own Marketing and Social Media Co-ordinator Tamsin lives (on weekends!) so
we thought we would put together a list of top things to do whilst you’re in
this wonderful city from the unique perspective of someone who actually lives
there and knows the secret spots that the tourist guides fail to mention!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We know many of you will be staying in the <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.mercuremanchester.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mercure Hotel</a></span> and
will be dining and celebrating with us at the conference, however there will no
doubt be one or two of you who have perhaps planned an extended weekend as a
chance to see a bit of the city and the surrounding area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Manchester is a buzzy, vibrant city with plenty to do for
all ages, but without the jacked up prices of London or the huge distances you
have to travel to get from one end to the other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With a rich cultural history and a, safe to say, historical
music scene (Oasis, The Stone Roses, The Smiths, The Buzzcocks, The
Courteeners, Elbow, Joy Division, The Happy Mondays, Simply Red and of course
Frank Sidebottom – do we need to drop anymore names?) Manchester undoubtedly
has a fantastic nightlife, offering a huge range of independent quirky bars,
music venues and restaurants – at which you’ll often see many a famous face!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s also home to two of the world’s biggest football clubs
– Manchester United and Manchester City, and the city has a multitude of
different theatres, museums and tourist attractions as well as plenty of
opportunities for shopping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Manchester is considered to be one of the top destinations
for a city break in the UK so if you’re not planning on staying on a bit longer
and taking the opportunity to discover the city – why not?! Call and extend
your booking now!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To help you explore and get the best out of your time here
in the beautiful city we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite places
to go and things to do in the city centre from the best places to eat down to
where you’re most likely to spot a footballer (you might see ex Man United
manager David Moyes partying down Deansgate, P45 in hand!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim77Hez-3esqtZAMqDAo8nydSPC8EqGaJ-duBnqwuir_Q30LecMc2LnA6m1er-5Bxrjg87g-tKsWdMfhTVC8MKn9WP4b73cI_hUt0wnO0fQYBKFFe7AEhnYAjTuudb6cks4MhC7W1QIqE/s1600/manchester_mur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim77Hez-3esqtZAMqDAo8nydSPC8EqGaJ-duBnqwuir_Q30LecMc2LnA6m1er-5Bxrjg87g-tKsWdMfhTVC8MKn9WP4b73cI_hUt0wnO0fQYBKFFe7AEhnYAjTuudb6cks4MhC7W1QIqE/s1600/manchester_mur.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Artwork on Affleck's Palace</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a look through the list and see what you fancy – and if
you know a gem that we’ve not mentioned then don’t hesitate to let us know and
share the knowledge!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at the
conference at Manchester, come say hello to us on our stand and if any of
you try anything from our list then do tell us what you think!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Top places to eat:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://tomschophouse.com/" target="_blank">Mr Thomas’ Chop House</a></i>
– an old Victorian pub that has maintained its charm and on Sunday's it offers the best roast
dinner in all of Manchester, the infamous 'Chop House Roast'. Enjoy your dinner and a pint in its historical
surroundings and gaze at the portraits of famous Mancunian’s that cover the
walls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaALzkK_2d93bT-TAMV0H6Bmeyo0I76b5JVVuXDB2dZbnF6YLdJ5uMAuTZ1cDAmuRfCzNdHfpQJU5E4cfVEfklyet3xz3SNxQzGR9wHdbvrhgXretczpJNZoMuWp3MYSk_bJQAQvo1i6U/s1600/THREE18b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaALzkK_2d93bT-TAMV0H6Bmeyo0I76b5JVVuXDB2dZbnF6YLdJ5uMAuTZ1cDAmuRfCzNdHfpQJU5E4cfVEfklyet3xz3SNxQzGR9wHdbvrhgXretczpJNZoMuWp3MYSk_bJQAQvo1i6U/s1600/THREE18b.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Mr Thomas' Chop House</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.thekoffeepot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Koffee Pot</a> – </i>This
place is top dog when it comes to breakfasts and people flock from across town
to this diner to get their full English or stack of American pancakes. With a
retro setting, out of this world food and a purse friendly menu to boot this is
probably the place I eat at the most.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.sugarjunction.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sugar Junction</a></i> – Another Northern Quarter favourite Sugar
Junction is an excellent tea room that is also known for its delicious
cocktails. The ‘Twickers Shake’ is a personal favourite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://almostfamousburgers.com/page18.htm" target="_blank">Almost Famous</a></i> – This place is absolutely notorious for producing burgers on a
whole new level. If the UK had a version of ‘Man vs Food’ Almost Famous would be
featured. Having gone from a well kept secret to 'place to be' all I'll say is that this burger joint is not for the faint hearted or for those who don't like any mess. With burgers like the 'Baddaboom' (double cheeseburger, garlic butter brioche, bacon, chorizo, onions, marinara, famous sauce, frenches, parmesan and chilli) expect to be covered in sauce as you try and chomp your way through their gravity defying stacks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEV9iJhf1HcdRTfQjMrROvgkEpPupukuxelAFxnueITGsQWTZj_cQPXCXgbVLCQEKV3_SYUvHzffuk6TxgBh-MR6SG6ijML7Hh6r9uTgdNyzHeP2cF3ElEoMgW_wpGArmLLwhRqSJyRI/s1600/P1160565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEV9iJhf1HcdRTfQjMrROvgkEpPupukuxelAFxnueITGsQWTZj_cQPXCXgbVLCQEKV3_SYUvHzffuk6TxgBh-MR6SG6ijML7Hh6r9uTgdNyzHeP2cF3ElEoMgW_wpGArmLLwhRqSJyRI/s1600/P1160565.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Koffee Pot, photo c/o <a href="http://www.innasky.com/en/x-mas-in-manchester/" target="_blank">innasky</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.visitmanchester.com/what-to-do/festival/MAN-283461_fridayfoodfight" target="_blank">Friday Night Food Fight</a></i> – I’ll admit – we’ve not attended
this yet but I have seen the crowds lining up round the corner outside of it.
Situated in the Victorian Markets opposite the Hilton Hotel (Beetham Tower) you
can get a table and sample some of the best street
food that there is on offer, accompanied by music and of course with a fine selection of drinks and cocktails. Since it was started it’s quickly become very
popular with people around the city and is not something to be missed if you fancy trying something different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTiOsKKSqSY5q2XmEEqx_wzHltg1KysjIqc3qCgSggdTp0EMbLeq4dwIrQpi1BUXTyzEX79UhNVz2qx1mMeL_Eh-lleawsAuqORoxT_doJx8lg7LfnwUPS142aIv8LBevD0P5tJDlwZc/s1600/P1160567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTiOsKKSqSY5q2XmEEqx_wzHltg1KysjIqc3qCgSggdTp0EMbLeq4dwIrQpi1BUXTyzEX79UhNVz2qx1mMeL_Eh-lleawsAuqORoxT_doJx8lg7LfnwUPS142aIv8LBevD0P5tJDlwZc/s1600/P1160567.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Frank pops up at Koffee Pot!<br />Photo c/o i<a href="http://www.innasky.com/en/x-mas-in-manchester/" target="_blank">nnasky</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.redchillirestaurant.co.uk/manchester-port_gallery.asp" target="_blank">Red Chilli Restaurant</a></i>, China Town – A favourite of our owner Kate’s. Expect superb chinese food and
massive portions. I recommend the sweet and sour chicken and at the end of your meal don't be afraid to ask for a doggy bag- there will be leftovers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://lucklustliquorburn.com/" target="_blank">Luck, Lust ,Liquor and Burn</a></i> – linked to Almost Famous
burger, the guys at Luck Lust Liqour and Burn,as well as having a fabulous
name, serve up fantastic burritos, tacos, nachos and general tex-mex.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dimitris.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i>Dimitri’s</i></a> – a bit more upmarket, many footballers
frequent Dimitri’s for its fantastic tapas and greek food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://teacupandcakes.com/" target="_blank">Teacup</a></i> – Another tearoom that has an astonishingly large
selection of teas. If you are a tea connoisseur and fancy finding and trying
something different then this is the place to go to track down an elusive leaf.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOKsAC0IBbE-j2okCz5Z7Si4YmRH2QpnG6qea8Z-7c1Xi7HIttYnHxOrEshMjOj0tgNYWAC0kzFV1OE4XaQ_v0hes1SSKqzreiHB80gvSXqvjoCNNYes7Py5v8G-lzSFrQucyPROYDZI/s1600/P1160587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOKsAC0IBbE-j2okCz5Z7Si4YmRH2QpnG6qea8Z-7c1Xi7HIttYnHxOrEshMjOj0tgNYWAC0kzFV1OE4XaQ_v0hes1SSKqzreiHB80gvSXqvjoCNNYes7Py5v8G-lzSFrQucyPROYDZI/s1600/P1160587.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Teacup, photo c/o i<a href="http://www.innasky.com/en/x-mas-in-manchester/" target="_blank">nnasky</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://northernquartermanchester.com/home-sweet-home-2/" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home</a></i> – Cake makers extraordinaire. We also rate
<a href="http://www.heylittlecupcake.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hey Little Cupcake</a> but this is a bit closer to the Mercure hotel. Expect wild
theatrical creations with many colours and lots of unusual, yet delicious,
flavours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.doughpizzakitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dough</a></i> – pizzas just like mama used to make. Their pizzas
are works of art but with no compromise on taste. They are also able to meet
lots of dietary requirements with gluten free and even whole-wheat pizzas on
offer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://bembrasilrestaurants.com/restaurants/northern-quarter" target="_blank">Bem Brasil</a></i> – Experience a taste of Brazil with its
exquisitely barbecued meats and well stocked buffet. Ask any Mancunian what a
great place to eat is and this will often be the first place that anybody will
mention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdxGZlUxbUBpB8Pur5rIJWQlNOF9b3KGgm_6P0EEwEAS5mOOFMqZCnDA2GbA-6p4tO-nc96FKkimXATm87wfffIOcDX6tlm62qNqI8_AqR6CRchDTCVVHt0jbsL9Y7BoXvChpz8MK8o8/s1600/Deansgate-Locks-by-TJ-Blackwell-468x154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdxGZlUxbUBpB8Pur5rIJWQlNOF9b3KGgm_6P0EEwEAS5mOOFMqZCnDA2GbA-6p4tO-nc96FKkimXATm87wfffIOcDX6tlm62qNqI8_AqR6CRchDTCVVHt0jbsL9Y7BoXvChpz8MK8o8/s1600/Deansgate-Locks-by-TJ-Blackwell-468x154.jpg" height="209" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Deansgate Locks - photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tjblackwell/" target="_blank">T.J. Blackwell</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Best Places to Drink<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Generally, you only need to walk down the street and you’ll
come across a great pub or bar but the best place to go for unique and
independent bars and clubs is the trendy Northern Quarter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Home to many of Manchester’s best loved nightspots you’d be
mad not to try it – however if you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket
and glam then you’re best bet is to try in Deansgate where you’ll find places
such as <a href="http://www.revoluciondecuba.com/bar/manchester" target="_blank"><i>Revs de Cuba</i></a> and <i><a href="http://www.thelivingroom.co.uk/location/manchester" target="_blank">The Living Room</a></i>, or along <i><a href="http://www.manchesterbars.com/location-deansgatelocks.htm" target="_blank">Deansgate Locks</a></i> where you’ll
find the clubbing institutions such as Vodka Revolution and Lola Lo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can also try along <a href="http://www.canal-st.co.uk/" target="_blank">Canal Street</a> for Manchester’s vibrant
gay district which features popular venues <i><a href="http://www.g-a-y.co.uk/" target="_blank">G-A-Y</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.baabar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Baa Bar </a></i>and <i><a href="http://www.axmgroup.co.uk/axm-club-manchester/" target="_blank">AXM</a></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here’s a few of our favourite places to go for drinks:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERoyBH1haeI3FXujHSzc1mE0EhH1ivZC7FnIVZIY0EfaoloVz0sRPvYDrd2yCXEZH80MU001kXbXkb-KswRCs7ZOaRtJUlFjjjrltc14WfMrMDf_ygQE2ZdqtvPGtZIncfiSNX3pt830/s1600/1371205467848369dbb2a059b182b7568cbe879775f83-mediumoriginalaspectdouble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERoyBH1haeI3FXujHSzc1mE0EhH1ivZC7FnIVZIY0EfaoloVz0sRPvYDrd2yCXEZH80MU001kXbXkb-KswRCs7ZOaRtJUlFjjjrltc14WfMrMDf_ygQE2ZdqtvPGtZIncfiSNX3pt830/s1600/1371205467848369dbb2a059b182b7568cbe879775f83-mediumoriginalaspectdouble.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Night & Day Cafe, photo c/o <a href="https://witness.theguardian.com/user/holly89" target="_blank">Holly89</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.nightnday.org/" target="_blank">Night & Day Café</a></i> – A truly historical music venue in the
Northern Quarter that has hosted some of the biggest names in the UK music
scene. This much beloved venue has been at the centre of a news storm recently
where it has been met with thousands of messages of support and a series of
fundraising gigs have been announced to help it in it’s upcoming court battle.
Without a doubt this is my favourite nightspot in Manchester as it hosts some
fantastic live music nights and its quirky venue is perfect for enjoying a
drink on a Friday night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.trofnq.co.uk/" target="_blank">Trof</a></i> Northern Quarter – Another quirky venue, Trof is a
popular place to go for drinks on Fridays and Saturdays before ‘hitting the
clubs’, they often have DJ’s playing music that can stretch from reggae to the
most recent chart hits and during the week host a popular Open Mic night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.theliarsclub.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Liars Club</a></i> – Devilishly good cocktails and an authentic
tiki bar décor create this 'tropical hideaway'. The tunes and a few Zombie cocktails will soon have
you up on the dancefloor!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blackdogballroom.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i>Black Dog Ballroom</i></a> - Black Dog
Ballroom is a fantastic bar that plays fantastic music and also just happens to
serve fantastic food and have its own pool hall. Their latest venture is the new <a href="http://www.blackdogballroom.co.uk/dogbowl/" target="_blank"><i>Dog Bowl</i></a> which, alongside the fab food and drink, also has a bowling alley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://thefontbar.wordpress.com/manchester/" target="_blank">Font</a></i> bars – A Manchester institution really, a little way
out of the city centre (but only a couple of minutes by taxi and opposite the
Palace Theatre!) the cocktail menu is incredible and won’t break the bank. With
a huge range of £2 and £3 cocktails my recommendation would be to try the ‘Dr
Pepper’.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Soup Kitchen, photo c/o <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187069-d2710943-Reviews-Soup_Kitchen-Manchester_Greater_Manchester_England.html" target="_blank">trip advisor</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://soup-kitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank">Soup Kitchen</a></i> – Craft beers in a 'canteen, bar and music venue'. Split across two floors you’ll find DJ’s playing anything from disco
to techno until the early hours, and the venue has hosted everything from art exhibitions to film nights. A recent winner of the 2013 Manchester Evening News City Life 'Best Club'.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.creativetourist.com/articles/food-drink/manchester/manchester-bars-big-hands/" target="_blank">Big Hands</a></i> – Another bar that’s out of the city centre but a
great place for spotting band members. Situated next to Manchester Academy
(where lots of bands play) you’ll find plenty of good drink and a member or two
from whoever is playing at the music venue next door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Places to Visit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As well as a fantastic
nightlife Manchester is culturally rich with an array of places to go and
things to do suitable for all ages and interests.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With theatres
scattered across the city there’s plenty of opportunity to catch a show, but
Manchester also plays host to two of the biggest football clubs in the world so
why not book a stadium tour?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For people more
interested in history then visit one of the various museums, book a canal walk
or visit the Cathedral or the Roman ruins at Castlefield.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take a look at what we
recommend to do to really get to know Manchester:<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Old Trafford at night</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.manutd.com/en/Visit-Old-Trafford.aspx" target="_blank">Old Trafford Stadium</a></i> – Book a tour and see the ‘theatre of
dreams.’ You’ll get shown all around the stadium, go into the home dressing room and even
have a chance to get on the pitch! If you’re a fan of football (or just Man
United) then Old Trafford is probably the most famous stadium in the world, and
home to one of the world's biggest clubs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mcfc.co.uk/the-club/visiting-the-stadium" target="_blank"><i>Etihad Stadium</i></a> – that said, I’m a City supporter myself
and considering how we’re doing in the Premier League so far compared to United it
might be worth going to see the Etihad instead!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Hopefully we will be seeing this again soon! Picture c/o Reuters</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.mosi.org.uk/" target="_blank">Manchester Museum of Science and Industry</a></i> – Manchester
played a huge part in the Industrial Revolution and the Museum of Science of
Industry was seen recently on ‘Corrie’. Learn more about Manchester’s
industrial past here and enjoy a walk along the canals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.museum.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Manchester Museum</a></i> – A lovely museum in the University that
was recently renovated with a brand new rejuvenated Egyptian department. Having
studied Archaeology at the University of Manchester a lot of my time was spent
in this museum and alongside the exhibits it also has a lovely shop that
perfect for souvenirs, as well as a café. Well worth visiting to see the
fantastic T-Rex they have on display which they have running along the gallery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.manchestergalleries.org/our-other-venues/platt-hall-gallery-of-costume/" target="_blank">Gallery of Costume</a></i> – this is all the way down in Platt Fields
Park but definitely a must see for us theatrical folk! Featuring beautiful
costumes and fashion through the ages this is just a small museum but always lovely to go to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Royal Exchange Theatre, photo c/o <a href="http://www.innasky.com/en/x-mas-in-manchester/" target="_blank">innasky</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.royalexchange.co.uk/page.aspx" target="_blank">Royal Exchange Theatre</a></i> – in the centre of Manchester is the
lovely Royal Exchange, a beautiful ‘theatre in the round’ that attracts lots of
fantastic productions, both modern and traditional. <a href="http://www.royalexchange.co.uk/event.aspx?id=779" target="_blank">‘Much Ado About Nothing</a>’ is
showing until Saturday the 3<sup>rd</sup> May – we’ve got our tickets booked
for the Friday performance already!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester/" target="_blank">The Palace Theatre</a></i> –
when the touring musicals come to town they come into this theatre and on the 3<sup>rd</sup>
of May a run of ‘<a href="http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/rock-of-ages/palace-theatre-manchester/" target="_blank">Rock of Ages</a>’ will be starting, eventually finishing on the 10<sup>th</sup>
of May. After three years on the West End Manchester now has a chance to relive
the 80’s with this energetic musical that’s filled with power ballads.
Excellent if you feel like punching the air, unleashing a mullet and doing the
air guitar in the stalls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Take a walk along the canals in Castlefield<br />Photo c/o <a href="http://www.innasky.com/en/x-mas-in-manchester/" target="_blank">innasky</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.manchestertheatres.com/operahouse.htm" target="_blank"><i>The Opera House</i></a> – yet another great theatre and the 3<sup>rd</sup>
of May happens to be the last night of ‘<a href="http://www.manchestertheatres.com/offers-seehowtheyrun.htm" target="_blank">See How They Run</a>’, presented by The
Reduced Height Theatre Company and starring the legendary Warwick Davis. We’d
suggest booking your tickets now to avoid disappointment!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.manchestertheatres.com/thelowry.htm" target="_blank">The Lowry</a></i> – if anyone is planning a long weekend in
Manchester and you’re still around on Monday the 5<sup>th</sup> May then you’re
in luck as <a href="https://www.quaytickets.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=0AE702F7-8278-4927-A454-A7A4ECF2144E&SessionSecurity::referrer=ManchesterTheatres" target="_blank">'Fame the Musical'</a> has its opening night at the Lowry! Dust off your
legwarmers and ‘learn how to fly’ with the students of New York’s High School
of the Performing Arts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.manchestercathedral.org/" target="_blank">Manchester Cathedral </a></i>– You’ll find the cathedral near Harvey
Nichols and Selfridges and it offers a peaceful and tranquil area away from the
buzz of the city centre. The Cathedral dates back as far as Saxon times and the
cathedral its famed for its misericords which are considered to be some of the
finest in Europe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.visitmanchester.com/articles/attractions/castlefield/" target="_blank">Castlefield</a></i> – the Castlefield Bowl is a popular visitor
attraction due to its Roman ruins from when the city was first founded. The
site also has a reconstruction of a small fort and if you follow the site
around you can get down to the network of canals which are perfect for a walk
as you can see some of the Industrial buildings and mills. On the way to
Castlefield there is also a small ‘greasy spoon’ that serves up delicious bacon
rolls – perfect for a cold day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>John Rylands, photo c/o <a href="http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Culture/Architecture/John-Rylands-Library-A-Picture-Gallery" target="_blank">Manchester Confidential</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/" target="_blank">John Ryland’s Library</a></i> – Part of the University of
Manchester but tucked away on Deansgate is the John Ryland’s Library which has
one of ‘the world’s finest collections of rare books and manuscripts.’ The
library itself is a beautiful gothic building that was originally designed by
the architect Basil Champneys. The library took ten years to build and is
considered ‘the best example of neo-Gothic architecture in Europe’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.afflecks.com/" target="_blank">Afflecks Palace</a> </i>- Affleck's is a shopping mecca and an absolute must for anyone visiting the city. Located in the Northern Quarter Afflecks features hundreds of different small shops run by independent sellers where you can find anything from records, vintage clothing, an american diner with out of this world milkshakes, a bead shop and several extensive costume shops! If you are putting on a show or need a costume for a themed evening or night out Afflecks is the first place to go and despite having lived in Manchester for 5 years I always discover something new when I go to Afflecks. It really is the pride of the city and is a wonderful place to discover and support independent traders.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSwSEDrjO8hwP957QO3hxviUtOCsCKr_WD6RjJz8SadnWg62aS0mUXNvF0gNlVBEusda5LE_-YGBpiPZmvRQEeUhuULN8McmZPMxvHyh1sF7u_H-qMSVelwN3T7GdcT2_PiOP0Bs9Lzc/s1600/Afflecks-Palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSwSEDrjO8hwP957QO3hxviUtOCsCKr_WD6RjJz8SadnWg62aS0mUXNvF0gNlVBEusda5LE_-YGBpiPZmvRQEeUhuULN8McmZPMxvHyh1sF7u_H-qMSVelwN3T7GdcT2_PiOP0Bs9Lzc/s1600/Afflecks-Palace.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Afflecks Palace with Black Dog Ballroom tucked underneath it. Photo c/o <a href="http://www.murdermysterycostumes.co.uk/" target="_blank">Murder Mystery Costumes</a> (who can be found inside)</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, these are just our top picks, there really is
much more to do and explore in this city.</span></blockquote>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will be on our stand all weekend so do make sure you come
say hello and if you want any further recommendations – perhaps artisan cinemas
or karaoke bars, then don’t hesitate to ask!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the weekend and
we hope you find this guide helpful, or that you’re persuaded to stay a few
extra nights!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Written by Tamsin</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Picture Credits:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.danielcaddenphotographer.co.uk/" target="_blank">Daniel Cadden Photography</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tjblackwell/" target="_blank">T.J Blackwell</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.innasky.com/en/x-mas-in-manchester/" target="_blank"><i>innasky</i></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://witness.theguardian.com/user/holly89" target="_blank"><i>Holly89</i></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187069-d2710943-Reviews-Soup_Kitchen-Manchester_Greater_Manchester_England.html" target="_blank"><i>Trip Advisor</i></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Reuters</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Culture/Architecture/John-Rylands-Library-A-Picture-Gallery" target="_blank"><i>Manchester Confidential</i></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.murdermysterycostumes.co.uk/about/" target="_blank"><i>Murder Mystery Costumes</i></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><u><br /></u></span>
<br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-74721373491137444052014-04-16T11:52:00.000+01:002014-04-17T10:10:12.433+01:00Immerse Yourself - A New Way to Engage Audiences<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_Uly9SM1inLOZkftiHIM8e83n3O2P8My55mnSFbpSD-xreH9pG99gtE4PNUqzN9YZzlmBsWKSWCJDdCG55rDh9FGaFgqhqK_hyphenhyphen_h8X3AAZLRAUE6WKbnsCnUPpyuZ7mx8qKPWhh7sS4/s1600/H+G_83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_Uly9SM1inLOZkftiHIM8e83n3O2P8My55mnSFbpSD-xreH9pG99gtE4PNUqzN9YZzlmBsWKSWCJDdCG55rDh9FGaFgqhqK_hyphenhyphen_h8X3AAZLRAUE6WKbnsCnUPpyuZ7mx8qKPWhh7sS4/s1600/H+G_83.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>FMC Technologies production of 'Hansel & Gretel', Cloth No 887 Gingerbread House Interior</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For many years pantomime season has been the bread and butter
of the amateur theatre world.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The festive period is the busiest time of
year for us as scenery suppliers and also vastly successful for amateur companies as y</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ou can often really rely on the fact that whatever panto
you choose to put on you can depend on getting plenty of bums on seats as
people attend their local panto regularly year after year.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The key to panto’s popularity with its audience is the fact
that the shows themselves are very interactive and depend on the audience’s
participation, as well as offering a full escapism into a different world. It’s
that feeling of involvement that appeals to so many of the people that attend a
pantomime each year, and audiences come out of the theatre feeling like you’ve
all shared a great laugh together, and whilst watching a panto you also become
immersed into a new world. Unlike viewing a piece of theatre that addresses
hard issues or has the characters overcoming terrible struggles, for example ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Streetcar Named Desire</i>’ which is a
wonderful play but also very distressing, in pantoland you can rely on the fact
that good always triumphs over evil in the end and that the land of ‘Far Far Away' is always very cheerful, hence offering a form of escapism from the
drudgery of day to day life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The success of how audiences respond to this involvement is
clearly something us in the amateur world have recognised and known for years
and it now seems like everyone else is finally catching up as interactive
theatre outside of pantomime is enjoying a surge in popularity at the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This post was prompted by an article in this months <a href="http://www.elleuk.com/" target="_blank">Elle Magazine</a> which looked into ‘the best new cultural experiences that put you at
the heart of the action’ – a pick of events currently on in the UK which offer
you something slightly different for your money – think quirky locations and
improvised performances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5vDs1olVskGYn__3FiEeNlOILHvXlrpPefp2k8jaID40_SZHKh5S77aXlUzc38uhCZiUrNpR4-mDlvN7Rlf30KWBvWSdTjsKfODnQjvo-H5pkf0G7m9cM61m-aXW91qTmbJ55AwYSRc/s1600/photo1+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5vDs1olVskGYn__3FiEeNlOILHvXlrpPefp2k8jaID40_SZHKh5S77aXlUzc38uhCZiUrNpR4-mDlvN7Rlf30KWBvWSdTjsKfODnQjvo-H5pkf0G7m9cM61m-aXW91qTmbJ55AwYSRc/s1600/photo1+(1).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M-Wr3YeMtmdrNH3rjoy6x7ImcxpYPRA-lzk6GfSk418aA0nJudR7KRYxgqcSfieIC-dxazmvcz9rO_74JuG68DjvEDNJELaf5FWPWDtaL8aLH0N8TkSdx5fW7B7eVpHxaxUy2SZPNpw/s1600/photo2+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M-Wr3YeMtmdrNH3rjoy6x7ImcxpYPRA-lzk6GfSk418aA0nJudR7KRYxgqcSfieIC-dxazmvcz9rO_74JuG68DjvEDNJELaf5FWPWDtaL8aLH0N8TkSdx5fW7B7eVpHxaxUy2SZPNpw/s1600/photo2+(1).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Article from the 2014 May Issue of <a href="http://www.elleuk.com/" target="_blank">UK Elle Magazine </a>- Available for subscription both digitally and on print</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The shows that they list cater to a multitude of different
tastes from ‘</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://macbeth.in/" target="_blank">Macbeth</a></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">’ being performed
in a carpark to a boutique festival.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(On a totally different note - the Macbeth tickets are delivered as little passports - how awesome is that? You know you're going to see something really special when the tickets are a bit different)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are the kind of shows that I love to go and see as it
takes you out your comfort zone – in a theatre you can rely on the safety of
the seats but when out in the open who knows what’s going to pop up where! Even
just being in a strange location can enhance your involvement in the piece as
it blurs that barrier between actors and audiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To run alongside the article in Elle we thought we’d
recommend some other similar events and experiences that we would recommend if
you fancy dipping your toe into something a little bit different and seeing for
yourself what the hype is about – without having to gather at midnight in a
disused warehouse or creepy carpark.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4uzisupoO2ohhVDzBy6TqX9jmNttdOUveiW4X3SWvIa3_0_nYma86h5lyF7QWE5I0gJS4fl-rw4ePZ53ZLTd4lMhB_PYcxw4e6Zr6km75PidP8mpmai36VFwXwTXtUCRSxHpOFz3wTM/s1600/Shakespeare~~element13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4uzisupoO2ohhVDzBy6TqX9jmNttdOUveiW4X3SWvIa3_0_nYma86h5lyF7QWE5I0gJS4fl-rw4ePZ53ZLTd4lMhB_PYcxw4e6Zr6km75PidP8mpmai36VFwXwTXtUCRSxHpOFz3wTM/s1600/Shakespeare~~element13.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>The Three Witches of Macbeth<br /> by Alexandre-Marie Colin.<br />Wouldn't want these sneaking up on you!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://punchdrunk.com/" target="_blank">Punchdrunk</a></i> are
considered to be the real pioneers in immersive theatre at the moment and
specialise in creating ‘theatrical experiences’ where the audience can choose
what to watch and where to go – often being given free reign across the set.
This month they have put together <a href="http://punchdrunk.com/current-shows" target="_blank">‘The Drowned Man: A Hollywood Fable’</a>
alongside the <a href="http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-drowned-man-a-hollywood-fable?dates=all#tabpos" target="_blank">National Theatre</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Promising to tread the line between illusion and reality attendees
are advised to ‘wear comfortable footwear’ but if you’ve got images of a bunch
of drama graduates in leotards running around a dimly lit space then you’ve
definitely got the wrong idea. Punchdrunk are the people you want to see to put
your faith back into experimental theatre.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT9ehNk9vYEghpEUHLc9vd5JNXSp072U-n0NfTlA6N3DdacUH_D4FbC_PfL1qYrnAU5JwEb5zajaKpqflIb5nGj_fLVOOkh-RzPb2jlvmMGA-TxyddFW8C7qCbPvGkOwrNxdYKOBW_8A/s1600/Hanson+Leatherby_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT9ehNk9vYEghpEUHLc9vd5JNXSp072U-n0NfTlA6N3DdacUH_D4FbC_PfL1qYrnAU5JwEb5zajaKpqflIb5nGj_fLVOOkh-RzPb2jlvmMGA-TxyddFW8C7qCbPvGkOwrNxdYKOBW_8A/s1600/Hanson+Leatherby_6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT0knThGwehbAAKHSwYdw6Y6vI30hVuiJMZs-vT07XKoZWUH1CZlNVHmcmDMEVi_o_o8Q1oEtT6KiSPv0R453_S0CnQnvfQd2wHwFVxze43rfm3gK4pQVwUyzG1-FrrwF4HiEQSFnmAQ/s1600/Hanson+Leatherby_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT0knThGwehbAAKHSwYdw6Y6vI30hVuiJMZs-vT07XKoZWUH1CZlNVHmcmDMEVi_o_o8Q1oEtT6KiSPv0R453_S0CnQnvfQd2wHwFVxze43rfm3gK4pQVwUyzG1-FrrwF4HiEQSFnmAQ/s1600/Hanson+Leatherby_7.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Future Cinema's screening of 'Ghostbusters' - Pictures c/o <a href="http://www.futurecinema.co.uk/" target="_blank">Future Cinema</a> and Photography by <a href="http://hansonleatherby.com/" target="_blank">Hanson Leatherby</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For people who want an added theatrical experience on top of
a more regular activity then one of our top recommendations is to go check out the
events run by </span><a href="http://www.futurecinema.co.uk/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Future Cinema</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> as well as their sister company </span><a href="http://www.secretcinema.org/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Secret Cinema</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Future Cinema promise to offer ‘cinematic experiences like
no other’, and this is a promise that they definitely deliver on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYZcn9Ixv_4OC6Q2bHznos4JykVuB_oKIy0usU1zaB7Uzn4cLiLdVjjGHTvm-MTyHHmHr6N6iR6zYcl7zAJQQ_co4Gy0LT6KKh3T5x41BMvQGIzys0NMV3cLO_slYhvaE7BAhgReLGrg/s1600/1904092_10151878316817245_4620196_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYZcn9Ixv_4OC6Q2bHznos4JykVuB_oKIy0usU1zaB7Uzn4cLiLdVjjGHTvm-MTyHHmHr6N6iR6zYcl7zAJQQ_co4Gy0LT6KKh3T5x41BMvQGIzys0NMV3cLO_slYhvaE7BAhgReLGrg/s1600/1904092_10151878316817245_4620196_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Future Cinema and 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'<br />Photography by Roberta Facchini</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Combining screening popular films with an added theatrical
experience their screenings are in absolutely huge demand. Charlotte Skeoch of
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/charlotte-skeoch/review-future-cinemas-ghostbusters_b_4340070.html" target="_blank">The Huffington Post</a> wrote that attending Future Cinema is ‘like being dunked
head first into your favourite guilty pleasure.’ Each location is decorated
appropriately and in extraordinary detail and the screening is combined with
actors physically acting out scenarios alongside the film. It’s essentially a
themed event on acid as everything is planned down to a T, from the costumes
that the organisers wear down to special effects within the film (I believe a
lot of slime was involved at their showing of ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ghostbusters</i>’) and the menu and drinks that are on offer are all in
accordance with the themes in the film. Charlotte Skeoch rightly explained the
event as being ‘multi-sensory’ and in my book the added elements make it much
more of a fun escape then just plonking yourself down in a dark room at the
regular cinema.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Secret Cinema also offers the same immersion into the film –
however the catch is that often the film is left as a complete mystery so who
knows what world you’re going to end up being dunked in! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm already breaking the first rule of Secret Cinema as their website proclaims 'tell no-one.'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Secret Cinema’s latest offering was its recent showing of
Wes Anderson’s (our favourite! See our blog post <a href="http://borderstudio.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/be-our-guest-be-our-guest-put-our.html" target="_blank">here</a>) new film <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/10681199/Secret-Cinema-presents-The-Grand-Budapest-Hotel-review.html" target="_blank">‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NGtzZxMbPhILLPBHiwbNnPjJ7impUKX1l1FLkvKDX6zChAj7I_6rewHDsOS_5PcHTiorSu3eNamXQcr6VDNaWAmXgwtvMR8QC0RZF8Nz7g_sIsHkvcewYWO3HKEqj8OyLOf_qATQw_0/s1600/1913243_10151982630186053_3147010319681868141_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NGtzZxMbPhILLPBHiwbNnPjJ7impUKX1l1FLkvKDX6zChAj7I_6rewHDsOS_5PcHTiorSu3eNamXQcr6VDNaWAmXgwtvMR8QC0RZF8Nz7g_sIsHkvcewYWO3HKEqj8OyLOf_qATQw_0/s1600/1913243_10151982630186053_3147010319681868141_o.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Secret Cinema's screening for 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' picture c/o their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SecretCinema" target="_blank">facebook page</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The event held for ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ encouraged
those attending to dress up in costume and the location, actors, décor and food
and drink were all chosen to recreate films and references from the film.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The popularity and success of both of these events shows
that people are definitely interested in exploring a more ‘hands on’ style of
theatre – people enjoy being involved and having people taking part can turn
what could be considered quite a solitary activity – such as attending a
cinema, into a real social event. In short, audiences now want the full
experience of being immersed totally into a different world – escapism taken to
the next level!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, as I mentioned before, all of us theatrical folk
have known the appeal of audience involvement for years but perhaps this
suggests we can all look forward to a new golden age of theatre. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A big question could be is could we enhance amateur theatre
shows further? Even something little such as the staff working at the theatre
being in costume would certainly be a talking point for the audience while they
gather before the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>show and would help
establish an atmosphere before the curtain was even up – the world that the
show is set needn’t begin and end at the front of the stage, it could be good
fun to sneak a few ad<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ded extras into the theatre itself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These theatrical elements already have a real foothold
outside theatre itself as institutions like museums often capitalise on the fun
factor by having actors dressed as figures from history giving demonstrations
or guided tours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnUjuRojARe9KKNrF4xcCp8MxoGnR0vS5VivzMtC8GX4gnE7ZGskqPLGs7PsVUotgcVrMXLZ1w3G-FUuDhFEeavw0bDbSPv4BRSuqIeu9ndVjJLDUfWGPLD9QZWhrWF8bUElJvrK55UM/s1600/FileItem-245913-IMG_0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnUjuRojARe9KKNrF4xcCp8MxoGnR0vS5VivzMtC8GX4gnE7ZGskqPLGs7PsVUotgcVrMXLZ1w3G-FUuDhFEeavw0bDbSPv4BRSuqIeu9ndVjJLDUfWGPLD9QZWhrWF8bUElJvrK55UM/s1600/FileItem-245913-IMG_0179.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>The 'Back to Front Weekend' at the Foundling Museum. Picture from <a href="http://www.danweillphotography.co.uk/foundling-museum-back-to-front-weekend-y" target="_blank">Dan Weill Photography</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTLdsLuP6PTt8P3b8Z7CR7tSQKSXrECBusxD82Iolxg1xC4oRJ3BOnZbr2ONifL7Ltl1eOgUs2JEWDgW4-24wh1Cwy8CAH20NrEHNqYViqWYcH3I7qH7Oc_5g8l807SHbBIydDFFxsV0/s1600/553759_10151443297875043_680123131_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTLdsLuP6PTt8P3b8Z7CR7tSQKSXrECBusxD82Iolxg1xC4oRJ3BOnZbr2ONifL7Ltl1eOgUs2JEWDgW4-24wh1Cwy8CAH20NrEHNqYViqWYcH3I7qH7Oc_5g8l807SHbBIydDFFxsV0/s1600/553759_10151443297875043_680123131_n.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Our very own Tamsin getting <br />into the spirit of the weekend</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The '<a href="http://www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk/events/view/back-to-front-weekend-by-yinka-shonibare/" target="_blank">Back to Front Weekend by Yinka Shonibare'</a> event at the <a href="http://www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank">Foundling Museum</a> in London that we helped
out at saw the museums staff put together a weekend celebrating the museums
past and engaging the local community. The entire staff team dressed in
authentic costumes from the period and collaborated with local schools in a
role reversal weekend where the children, also in costume, gave tours and acted
out small skits – as well as learning about the Foundling Museum’s origins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The weekend was a huge success and even included
performances given by students from <a href="http://www.rada.ac.uk/" target="_blank">RADA</a> who gave sword fighting demonstrations
and re-enacted scenes from popular plays.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a great weekend, and a huge success for the museum –
many visitors commented on how lovely it was to see people sweeping around in
their costumes and how it really enhanced how they experienced the museum. It
also attracted a lot more visitors who had only heard about the museum through
its promotion of the event!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFk5PTYi4IBrw3XMjCBqk7E2A2ZB03tvKHKg3GrnrOvhP15EU449RTP7BsKNh-EgLJc2VR2LMA0KI8HHvb4lHkoTqmVbHB2-8O3gNoWf-WS327vGpPWBjhUT-LQPQlXc3wNU9e4e1kLk/s1600/FileItem-245904-IMG_9896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFk5PTYi4IBrw3XMjCBqk7E2A2ZB03tvKHKg3GrnrOvhP15EU449RTP7BsKNh-EgLJc2VR2LMA0KI8HHvb4lHkoTqmVbHB2-8O3gNoWf-WS327vGpPWBjhUT-LQPQlXc3wNU9e4e1kLk/s1600/FileItem-245904-IMG_9896.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The 'Back to Front Weekend' at the Foundling Museum. <br />Picture from <a href="http://www.danweillphotography.co.uk/foundling-museum-back-to-front-weekend-y" target="_blank">Dan Weill Photography</a></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The success of events like these are encouraging more people
and businesses to use a more theatrical element or create an experience which
they can use to promote their products or exhibitions and it’s a technique which
really goes hand in hand with this decade’s craze: viral marketing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAVZZwbKQ5eAbEfayAOrB-etxcrxpKxEDObQvUInkBHp_eFlWWEg6hFB-67YZZ4AHv0fEf_8unlWGHPk53kgUfK9DHjhjfvQR9oEcOGgNwNxeipiMMwIoSDh0daI1n9f4_vG8k_80n3M/s1600/BlVUDYCCQAAN7WI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAVZZwbKQ5eAbEfayAOrB-etxcrxpKxEDObQvUInkBHp_eFlWWEg6hFB-67YZZ4AHv0fEf_8unlWGHPk53kgUfK9DHjhjfvQR9oEcOGgNwNxeipiMMwIoSDh0daI1n9f4_vG8k_80n3M/s1600/BlVUDYCCQAAN7WI.jpg" height="400" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>The longboat after its trip along the Thames ready<br /> for Vikings Live, picture c/o The British Museum</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All across the UK you can experience the theatrical outside
the theatre with well known success stories including the ‘<a href="http://www.thedungeons.com/locations/" target="_blank">Dungeons</a>’
experiences which are scattered across the uk in cities including Edinburgh, York and London and even the upcoming ‘<a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/vikings/vikings_live.aspx" target="_blank">Vikings Live</a>’
that the <a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/?ref=header" target="_blank">British Museum </a>have put together to promote their current exhibition ‘Vikings
Life and Legend’ – where they’ve even sailed a longboat down the Thames! It
even boils down to people handing out flyers on the street while dressed in a
costume – if anyone has seen the costumed actors advertising the Edinburgh
ghost walks then they’ll know that they truly help to establish a chilling and
unnerving atmosphere!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I definitely think that interactivity only enhances an
audiences experience further and is something we can all embrace – but if
you’re not too sure and do fancy dipping your toe then our (and Elle magazines!) fantastic recommendations for shows and events are definitely all good places
to start!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Have you experienced an interactive or themed event or seen
a fantastic show lately? Let us know with a comment below and share the
knowledge!</i></b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Written by Tamsin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Picture Credits:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.danweillphotography.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dan Weill Photography</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.britishmuseum.org/" target="_blank">The British Museum</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.thedungeons.com/locations/" target="_blank">The Dungeons</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.secretcinema.org/" target="_blank">Secret Cinema</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.futurecinema.co.uk/" target="_blank">Future Cinema</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://hansonleatherby.com/" target="_blank">Hanson Leatherby</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.robertafacchini.com/" target="_blank">Roberta Faccini</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.elleuk.com/" target="_blank">Elle Magazine</a> May Issue 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span></div>
Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-75749426294976959602014-04-03T11:00:00.000+01:002014-04-09T16:16:29.726+01:00A #bearinablanket project update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y-TNfif9aaO9v6iU5D4L-EXncGWHoBFxTewmKbhhUcyNtZ1hWsbqYixnsYQhQejVaUQC_tFPBVR30XR27jqGXj-KKgwicn9E0XBG82fd6TeIBxsR1ZRTkCs6LNEerTRUiwmDCuWwwXY/s1600/bears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y-TNfif9aaO9v6iU5D4L-EXncGWHoBFxTewmKbhhUcyNtZ1hWsbqYixnsYQhQejVaUQC_tFPBVR30XR27jqGXj-KKgwicn9E0XBG82fd6TeIBxsR1ZRTkCs6LNEerTRUiwmDCuWwwXY/s1600/bears.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few months ago we officially announced the launch of our
new charity initiative, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=497592107017020&set=a.404580652984833.1073741828.404577636318468&type=1&theater" target="_blank">#bearinablanket project</a>.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the huge response that
we received from everyone and are so excited that so many of you are willing to
join us with our challenge!</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We recently sent over a shipment of bears and blankets to
the charity <a href="http://www.littlestars-luxor.org/" target="_blank">Little Stars in Luxor</a>, who have just got back in touc</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">h with some
pictures to show what happens next.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Little Stars is currently supporting around 85 families in
rural Luxor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since their establishment Little Stars have built a clean
medical clinic that provides free healthcare to the surrounding community, as
well as being a resource centre that provides additional support.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMK-385aeoJLaYMTDxuIcFgs2vlKk8FSmU6Bhjp5R0Vqc437h6oqTUC13UpBYT_bQMobFGcYNJc1RL06E6sIJ-yJ1fcgNf_ypeibEB6Kw03hJaRbgWLe0yo63Hi1miJrE5cY7u3ZMMUE/s1600/10154129_10153943628760043_505436255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMK-385aeoJLaYMTDxuIcFgs2vlKk8FSmU6Bhjp5R0Vqc437h6oqTUC13UpBYT_bQMobFGcYNJc1RL06E6sIJ-yJ1fcgNf_ypeibEB6Kw03hJaRbgWLe0yo63Hi1miJrE5cY7u3ZMMUE/s1600/10154129_10153943628760043_505436255_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, the centre includes a surgery, an IT room, several schoolrooms and a playroom featuring numerous toys for the children who often
don’t have any of their own. It also has a sewing room where women are shown how to use
sewing machines and taught how to sew their own clothes, and to mend and make
alterations. The IT room is often used to help teach the children who can
attend as well as teaching computer skills to help people find jobs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only this but Little Stars also helps the poorest families in the outlying villages by
taking out food parcels for them once a month, and handing out donations of
clothing. Typically a family will have to survive on around 400.00 Egyptian Lei
a month, given to them by the government – the equivalent of about £40.00.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEf-l1jLlDq5oMpifzBcORWq4lykObLcLIkb45Pu0bnJhVovb0AN3IcKFC3AOcziMZ53yDuwQHfqUzJ7XYPEO1CE5rwptubQYlxVfp6YEDjqukQJ-4ZO_DI4qHL_I7BtR1y5tL87o4SQ/s1600/1982140_10153943627780043_636445303_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEf-l1jLlDq5oMpifzBcORWq4lykObLcLIkb45Pu0bnJhVovb0AN3IcKFC3AOcziMZ53yDuwQHfqUzJ7XYPEO1CE5rwptubQYlxVfp6YEDjqukQJ-4ZO_DI4qHL_I7BtR1y5tL87o4SQ/s1600/1982140_10153943627780043_636445303_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4JupC5AvZnOspxFWQdeiug0j4P87cGBxVC_2s1lI__EqOFQEHHYfrckOGlwz2nrj_LM4HmdzwSvm1qX4vVb-3wFtpgip0s1zj1FDKZMOMXkrlaPL5txr0hYOAFeNTaxVQT_c43sl-AM/s1600/10154414_10153943625900043_2090182391_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4JupC5AvZnOspxFWQdeiug0j4P87cGBxVC_2s1lI__EqOFQEHHYfrckOGlwz2nrj_LM4HmdzwSvm1qX4vVb-3wFtpgip0s1zj1FDKZMOMXkrlaPL5txr0hYOAFeNTaxVQT_c43sl-AM/s1600/10154414_10153943625900043_2090182391_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Images showing the living conditions of the families that the charity currently supports</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From looking at the pictures you can see that the conditions
these families are living in are appalling, and deeply upsetting to witness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The centre runs on donations and is in desperate need of
clothing and shoes for older children as well as for the younger children,
babies and toddlers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whilst Egypt is very hot during the day it can become very
cold at night and without proper clothes to cover them the children are incredibly
vulnerable to becoming sick. Even a small knitted hat for a new born baby can
make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the families that Little Stars supports is a mother
and her two children, both of whom are severely disable<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">d.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KPcRUX1LBb4LjClAWUG5JWmnfIiEm4B4VFO4JdciSC1qEUOnKAVG8u9N3IxNRQt57c6poldSU4EzeKCo3LHzfbnFjlthKxco0v6P0xYucWzUQnDVytT9eHUP4aYUClXBXkXpKGGlmOk/s1600/10013813_10153943626600043_1685795175_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KPcRUX1LBb4LjClAWUG5JWmnfIiEm4B4VFO4JdciSC1qEUOnKAVG8u9N3IxNRQt57c6poldSU4EzeKCo3LHzfbnFjlthKxco0v6P0xYucWzUQnDVytT9eHUP4aYUClXBXkXpKGGlmOk/s1600/10013813_10153943626600043_1685795175_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both children are unable to move so their mother is their
full time carer, and she struggles to find any time to be able to go out to
work and earn money and therefore relies on the charity to support her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What these families really need is money and food, but
through the Little Stars centre they also have access to resources to help them
learn skills that they can use to support themselves better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zNsu2T3GBpP0T0tLxlINgEkrlDNOqZCWWH3SKLH0XujzpbHRxdkydxr8URUcFRGDIaESJJlUKL_xfVBzaHcFgdY261du9GzbthQdMySLz125oJqYv31iCvNp-E83miqVf2zhHPCMV7c/s1600/10154073_10153943625460043_1667826388_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zNsu2T3GBpP0T0tLxlINgEkrlDNOqZCWWH3SKLH0XujzpbHRxdkydxr8URUcFRGDIaESJJlUKL_xfVBzaHcFgdY261du9GzbthQdMySLz125oJqYv31iCvNp-E83miqVf2zhHPCMV7c/s1600/10154073_10153943625460043_1667826388_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsO_0_2T8J6S5w1g0I7HyQZrNL8vQGmyuhjQfU_WD3ln8nzclDMC4fLCO7q-xMppi52a_7wCm9Ms7N8qds3Q046yWC9jaPJllJC-bTKjwBJ0jreR5lGWa4JriUBN0yOlbpNpv7BEUuC0/s1600/10154060_10153943627430043_228080002_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsO_0_2T8J6S5w1g0I7HyQZrNL8vQGmyuhjQfU_WD3ln8nzclDMC4fLCO7q-xMppi52a_7wCm9Ms7N8qds3Q046yWC9jaPJllJC-bTKjwBJ0jreR5lGWa4JriUBN0yOlbpNpv7BEUuC0/s1600/10154060_10153943627430043_228080002_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEXqYNKrMSluyQiqg5g0wQ9RBSGH2TnKa5ADsDlYh4LXsQhMIkEwz4Fam5jV2HZYtRAGP6BXJ3u4BSff39SBchV2tdYfT6a26E5zhS50oaloL8qeCFFRp87QqUKu8rEV8sqsfnm6M1r8/s1600/983618_10153943627320043_964182074_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEXqYNKrMSluyQiqg5g0wQ9RBSGH2TnKa5ADsDlYh4LXsQhMIkEwz4Fam5jV2HZYtRAGP6BXJ3u4BSff39SBchV2tdYfT6a26E5zhS50oaloL8qeCFFRp87QqUKu8rEV8sqsfnm6M1r8/s1600/983618_10153943627320043_964182074_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAoLKIi7bgx9hGkT8n7CeuTk8KKmSsxWtGLt0VEkZ66Ll9zc8d4wu9aAw0h-10oPm1-SyXf_CrpMxOajPlPDtqP8R_FbfnYO12ob8nhZIwbxYXZzwiAQdaW759d539tIqgTFSU_VmDTk/s1600/1004861_10153943625645043_1590556104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAoLKIi7bgx9hGkT8n7CeuTk8KKmSsxWtGLt0VEkZ66Ll9zc8d4wu9aAw0h-10oPm1-SyXf_CrpMxOajPlPDtqP8R_FbfnYO12ob8nhZIwbxYXZzwiAQdaW759d539tIqgTFSU_VmDTk/s1600/1004861_10153943625645043_1590556104_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Pictures of the facilities at the Little Stars clinic. The second image shows some of the clothing that the women have been <br />making in their sewing class.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The children that received the bears and the blankets were
totally overwhelmed that something had been made specially for them by people
in a far away country. The gesture from receiving a bear showed them that lots
of people do care and are trying to help.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrc8a9tRfLiYz8M4Nhn5vF3l9Au1nlw8uC8r1ikxSyycz6Jl23QwjTqL7Vqwi0lzB7raBSy5zizZfpOsK_zzPPUye04DbjVAl7gOOJLSdOqqiCoe7_PFiwmgyC0hU8L0iZkQib_5CJwT8/s1600/1979896_10153943624930043_1433092183_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrc8a9tRfLiYz8M4Nhn5vF3l9Au1nlw8uC8r1ikxSyycz6Jl23QwjTqL7Vqwi0lzB7raBSy5zizZfpOsK_zzPPUye04DbjVAl7gOOJLSdOqqiCoe7_PFiwmgyC0hU8L0iZkQib_5CJwT8/s1600/1979896_10153943624930043_1433092183_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They were so thrilled to each have a toy of their own, as
well as a matching blanket to snuggle up in at night. Even the older children
were gathering around and were delighted when there was enough for them also.
We think the older boys would be even more impressed if they received some
things from ‘Manchester United’ (much as it pains me to say, being a firm City supporter!) but from now on as well as knitting the
bears and blankets we’re also going to start collecting footballs and other Man
United club bits and pieces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However there are still plenty more children who do not have
a teddy or a blanket yet. We need you to join us in continuing to knit these
bears and blankets to show even more families that we want to try and help
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixup_FdJf6_N5JlNZahbPnPNoh8XWBTEbfyNNaDxSTJk-GhJIuWhU9jvWXCZXitLT6fPUhh6uBD_F4FLMoWf60nI1nNOsdEHSPbIfydRH1YtJttpXfdNnxMN1HhFYSaKdYIkl2GkEYGLs/s1600/1011595_10153943626850043_1328495873_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixup_FdJf6_N5JlNZahbPnPNoh8XWBTEbfyNNaDxSTJk-GhJIuWhU9jvWXCZXitLT6fPUhh6uBD_F4FLMoWf60nI1nNOsdEHSPbIfydRH1YtJttpXfdNnxMN1HhFYSaKdYIkl2GkEYGLs/s1600/1011595_10153943626850043_1328495873_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time we also sent out lots of children’s clothing which
Little Stars can distribute so alongside your bears and blankets please feel
free to donate any clothing and toys, and we also accept donations of balls of
wool to keep us going!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To an experienced knitter, knitting a bear and a blanket is
such a small thing but it really did make a huge difference to these children
who were just so appreciative!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you would like to learn more or receive our
#bearinablanket project info pack please don’t hesitate to get in touch!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can leave a comment here or on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theborderstudio1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">facebook page</span></a>, or
you can email us at <a href="mailto:bearinablanket@gmail.com">bearinablanket@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Additionally, you can download the info pack by visiting <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-fk57sRIfCKdlZlelVoTUtqSEk/edit" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">this page</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us so far!</span></div>
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Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-32300434606284516472014-03-27T11:04:00.000+00:002014-03-27T11:31:30.271+00:00Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest - Put Our Service To The Test!<h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week as I was on the train I came across an interesting
article that was talking about a new Tumblr blog ‘<a href="http://wesandersonpalettes.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Wes Anderson Palettes</a>’ which takes a look at the different colour palettes that the director u</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ses in all his films.</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgFugP58pZb3MbwkI7reC9gdkI7Vi-l_O3FGx8chrn1vBlLMRBJEelQ6p_Fuepd5tajZ7G4pOrgRpqavBNI7LlOaK1TbzfQJdfX_7LUgyPHK0Rg1NYWzt73wIK7OYF39ua616NAvwQAY/s1600/tumblr_n2h3z4H9L21tvvqeko1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgFugP58pZb3MbwkI7reC9gdkI7Vi-l_O3FGx8chrn1vBlLMRBJEelQ6p_Fuepd5tajZ7G4pOrgRpqavBNI7LlOaK1TbzfQJdfX_7LUgyPHK0Rg1NYWzt73wIK7OYF39ua616NAvwQAY/s1600/tumblr_n2h3z4H9L21tvvqeko1_500.jpg" height="272" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wes Anderson is one of my favourite directors because I find his
attention to detail is absolutely astonishing. He's a director who has definitely crafted his own instantly identifiable look and feel and his films are well known to be incredibly beautiful, highly stylised, and very precise. Judging from previous
interviews it seems he also approaches designing his films in a way very similar to a theatre set
designer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the recent release of his new
film <i>The Grand Budapest Hotel</i> there has been a lot of interest in the director in the media recently with people wanting to take a much closer look into how he constructs each scene and designs the 'look' of all his movies.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/89302848" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/89302848">Wes Anderson // Centered</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/kogonada">kogonada</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This video highlights how he centres a lot of his scenes, helping to put together that
feeling that each scene is visually perfect.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a great interview with Wes Anderson in this months </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vanity Fair</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Magazine if anyone is
interested in reading a bit more about the director – something that he mentioned which made me smile was that he hated
travelling by planes and will go by train if he can – there’s definitely a love
there that you can see cross over as trains often feature very strongly in his films. S</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">omething I’ve noticed before also is his fondness for straight lines <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2014/03/wes-anderson-characters-cant-move-diagonally.html" target="_blank">(its even been discussed whether his characters have an inability to move any way other than in a straight line)</a> and having things, such as trains, running across the scene. <i>Fantastic Mr Fox</i> is a great example of this as in the ending scene as the camera pulls away from the supermarket and shows the landscape you see both a train and a plane cross over in perfect straight lines.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhht0mjAk9iDeK7Vs35Rgy1044tZ7947OTcHumXOgbHKbZS2hQtu0IAKHDUmvqz-1-fQQUv5ZVbuKlGLL6oCQevExTSWzG7bYVm_nBmpgc_G157mGYcBS5h492ivOgJO0vSD7o5EQGY8T8/s1600/B&BP1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhht0mjAk9iDeK7Vs35Rgy1044tZ7947OTcHumXOgbHKbZS2hQtu0IAKHDUmvqz-1-fQQUv5ZVbuKlGLL6oCQevExTSWzG7bYVm_nBmpgc_G157mGYcBS5h492ivOgJO0vSD7o5EQGY8T8/s1600/B&BP1.jpg" height="168" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, looking at the different palettes th</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">at are used in each
scene made me consider how close this was to the way we design a show.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxzJP8vkBV0zelqygzs5aTpu7G4dr-5u1khmx3a9fb8jbG8XB1u-TIMriWbSzbRUA9k1W-FeAAG5OHh62U4a2i4K3h_DdbwGpee5BAVUFBywI3uByIvsDL52jrWiBoHBY980bua3xByU/s1600/tumblr_n2g89qX3WQ1stxg67o1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxzJP8vkBV0zelqygzs5aTpu7G4dr-5u1khmx3a9fb8jbG8XB1u-TIMriWbSzbRUA9k1W-FeAAG5OHh62U4a2i4K3h_DdbwGpee5BAVUFBywI3uByIvsDL52jrWiBoHBY980bua3xByU/s1600/tumblr_n2g89qX3WQ1stxg67o1_500.png" height="180" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscOwZSwbJgT4tVuhaqyNQdZW_kjwX6lxd6r8MTs62hHZ0fRf8ArF1T5ANnQR2TCZsH10DTpTn2ADc3ho0to0iLN7kKVTuqbL-0dckbGNJDhR0m0nOIZcPBkAvRxThJhhgFAPaT_St6eI/s1600/tumblr_n2g89qX3WQ1stxg67o2_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscOwZSwbJgT4tVuhaqyNQdZW_kjwX6lxd6r8MTs62hHZ0fRf8ArF1T5ANnQR2TCZsH10DTpTn2ADc3ho0to0iLN7kKVTuqbL-0dckbGNJDhR0m0nOIZcPBkAvRxThJhhgFAPaT_St6eI/s1600/tumblr_n2g89qX3WQ1stxg67o2_500.png" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As one of the last remaining companies that still design and
build all of our scenery, I think we are definitely in a position where we can
comfortably talk about the design process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feeling inspired by looking at the Wes Anderson colour
palettes I thought it’d be an interesting idea to look at our own designs and
put together some colour and inspiration boards from a few shows to show how we
put our designs together and where we draw our ideas from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of our most successful show designs has been our set for
<i>Disney’s Beauty and the Beast</i>, which was chosen for the UK Premiere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The ‘main set’ – Beast’s Castle Interior usually
remains on stage as static scenery with different areas being used for
different ‘rooms’ through use of lighting and extra set pieces, such as the bookcases. We also make use of backcloths and flats etc to recreate other locations such as the village and Gaston's Tavern. Looking at the set pictures you
can clearly see that we worked around a theme of purple (the colour of
royalty!) to create a palette that, depending on whatever lighting, could make
the castle feel cold and daunting as well as warm and inviting when wanted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiN9Aki0Aup-lckEfODETtlsDDqq6SfJ_Th9YEP0x1bhhcbMO72tDAJV05r2prz5i3ZuYUg2G8izRhAd-VvaVdK3seLbNFu7z156Q72gFx8scrAZLLhrNYXvqoDdl0P4bFcVE3b18oRY/s1600/45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiN9Aki0Aup-lckEfODETtlsDDqq6SfJ_Th9YEP0x1bhhcbMO72tDAJV05r2prz5i3ZuYUg2G8izRhAd-VvaVdK3seLbNFu7z156Q72gFx8scrAZLLhrNYXvqoDdl0P4bFcVE3b18oRY/s1600/45.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was important to create a castle that’s impressive and
opulent – reflecting Beast’s early wealth and status before he was cursed, but
also be slightly off putting – this is a prison not just to Belle but to Beast
and all his servants who have been transformed into household objects. We also
combined lots of different styles of architecture and artefacts to give an old
but ‘timeless’ feel. Who knows how long they’ve been like that? Clearly long
enough for the whole town to forget about the massive castle in the woods and
the disappearance of their ruler. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnfyAIJMp1Iou6n5htEuvYpQ5wCtKzvaWnfLn9bAGoi1Z2-9mjWoiUmwbgyBo1rfLcfGEJ8LbbIK1QcDymBubwpGk_1rkGClCBHcR-JuC-OGEtG4c7kVKs8PJzN_DgmSSGJrM9DvBOYU/s1600/46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnfyAIJMp1Iou6n5htEuvYpQ5wCtKzvaWnfLn9bAGoi1Z2-9mjWoiUmwbgyBo1rfLcfGEJ8LbbIK1QcDymBubwpGk_1rkGClCBHcR-JuC-OGEtG4c7kVKs8PJzN_DgmSSGJrM9DvBOYU/s1600/46.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When it’s an enchanted castle you can take a few liberties
when it comes to researching the historical accuracy, and amazingly there are many pieces online where people discuss how as it is an encha<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">nted castle that it would therefore be 'frozen in time' and a bit outdated. Out of
interest I took a look at how historically accurate the original Disney film
was. Clearly, none of the films are particularly historically correct - especially the Princess ones- and the fashions are usually inspired by what
was popular at the time of release rather than time of the actual story. Sleeping Beauty’s off shoulder gown is directly out of the 1950s even though its directly mentioned
by Prince Philip that ‘this is the fourteenth century’.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hDPqLMVWo1VpqsS0_wSY5M83xaWaYsEQaIbUIQrjA7t4H3YzDbEDsA92FB8E_7LsC36BuRzZIF05w2hHKqnYdFB227HKOkJCO8k6a427AdJu7JKjBe98nZhvYRHPlubKR3060kMLzRs/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hDPqLMVWo1VpqsS0_wSY5M83xaWaYsEQaIbUIQrjA7t4H3YzDbEDsA92FB8E_7LsC36BuRzZIF05w2hHKqnYdFB227HKOkJCO8k6a427AdJu7JKjBe98nZhvYRHPlubKR3060kMLzRs/s1600/12.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There has been a lot of discussion about the period that
Beauty and the Beast is set in and usually its pinpointed at being <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">around</i> the mid to late 1700’s in France. Of course this is the time of the original publication of the French tale 'La Belle et la Bete' by Gabrielle Suzanne in 1740 (although the best known version was by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont in 1756.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the Disney film Beast’s enchanted castle is a mixture between baroque and gothic
architecture – with it later becoming much more rococo when it’s transformed. This is something we replicated in our set with the use of high pointed gothic arches and the gold gilt work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The purples are therefore a great colour palette for this - as you can see in the photos the set can completely change colour depending on how it is lit. Purple can also go from being quite cold, dark and mysterious to very appealing and inviting - not to mention the connotations of royalty associated with purple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the Disney film many of the scenes at the Castle are washed with purples, greens and blues to help create an eeriness and emptiness - a direct contrast to the earthy village tones and bright country colours that scream freedom and fresh air. However, like on our set this does change throughout the film with the castle 'warming' as Belle makes friends and it steadily becomes more like a home to her.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Concept artwork for Belle's costumes in the original Disney film</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSWLABG-mzuH4zKsNJSV8Z2VOXCNnmKRQWDSMs33h_Sx4XaMlCn6zjHTLnsHqVCzG9dn0Fh6-OUmiWU57r7Y-5jSCXwGD8iA-DK8n-v2CSMgkPZ2GhzIWhN7yNw1ETbo03Ln-atUDfKQ/s1600/belle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSWLABG-mzuH4zKsNJSV8Z2VOXCNnmKRQWDSMs33h_Sx4XaMlCn6zjHTLnsHqVCzG9dn0Fh6-OUmiWU57r7Y-5jSCXwGD8iA-DK8n-v2CSMgkPZ2GhzIWhN7yNw1ETbo03Ln-atUDfKQ/s1600/belle.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>A 1770's French Court Belle taken from Claire <br />Hummel's project on historically accurate princesses.<br />Have a look at her work <a href="http://shoomlah.deviantart.com/gallery/29648049" target="_blank">here</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When investigating the historical accuracy I also found it interesting to look at the characters costume - often a very important indicator as to where and when the story is based. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beast generally dresses straight out of the Regency period while Belle enjoys dressing in a combination of different ages. Her hooped skirt suggests French Court at the time of Marie Antoinette or even a fairly Georgian style and yet her uncovered shoulders and arms combined with the fairly low cut of her neckline would have been considered quite
indecent. The low off the shoulder neckline and the long evening gloves therefore point towards Christian Dior’s ‘New Look’ during the 1940s.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwfWieAfDqqll7dLRHE9mMnWE_Cfm8vr4oiaeESOyi0rk2Xn4guLjLxSe9T0ZQqvSEbuziCe5DiSnfwbtWlh6f6BV7IJCBBxFMZgvbpQ0m1bjgtZMIluInD13BLe59Ol-Wvasd5wm5Vo/s1600/tumblr_n27434SPm41sxvroqo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwfWieAfDqqll7dLRHE9mMnWE_Cfm8vr4oiaeESOyi0rk2Xn4guLjLxSe9T0ZQqvSEbuziCe5DiSnfwbtWlh6f6BV7IJCBBxFMZgvbpQ0m1bjgtZMIluInD13BLe59Ol-Wvasd5wm5Vo/s1600/tumblr_n27434SPm41sxvroqo1_500.gif" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Beast's Regency Evening look in full swing</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank god they are all under an enchantment because it would be a pain to try and pinpoint exactly what time period they all in if you wanted to do an exactly dead on historically accurate show - while based on the Disney film! This said when there's a much loved film involved the audiences often come in having already 'bonded' with the character and have a prior notion as to what she should be like - is Belle really Belle without her beautiful golden yellow ball gown?</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9CF1n948RKu4gvRhTtyNKOQX0adA7BuN7j-hUt4UODVgkTc0ot6qdrpyp1Ud3jRE9NVGyw-waQDXrnHAX4wxc2WCZBk3aWkTpcQ5KjaB8B4efyxV7Qnfc8DZPt1phyphenhyphenWWu0IvMzbdnGI/s1600/Beasts+Castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9CF1n948RKu4gvRhTtyNKOQX0adA7BuN7j-hUt4UODVgkTc0ot6qdrpyp1Ud3jRE9NVGyw-waQDXrnHAX4wxc2WCZBk3aWkTpcQ5KjaB8B4efyxV7Qnfc8DZPt1phyphenhyphenWWu0IvMzbdnGI/s1600/Beasts+Castle.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As well as creating a visual concept for the show as a
scenery hire company we also have other factors that we need to
consider for our design and the eventual construction and use of the set.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A film has the benefit of being able to cut between hundreds
of different locations – when designing the Beauty and the Beast Broadway show
set designer Stan Meyer said he watched the film and noted about 50 different
locations used. Any theatre – from the West End to a small community hall can of
course never ever replicate this (as much as we’d like to!) simply because who
has the space to store all that scenery?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wJxc8B5X-rJcsOj7m7_ljbsmKhFwha8X6fdJLggnbPP6nIBrmVkHYE075SvLQF-XHjo-QjlNCqWxa5hGbUMhBsszzzUYX1Asse7m9on2Vxzel5BILoUkohbyvhhMDxgjJVC92sKKyyA/s1600/Castle+Details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wJxc8B5X-rJcsOj7m7_ljbsmKhFwha8X6fdJLggnbPP6nIBrmVkHYE075SvLQF-XHjo-QjlNCqWxa5hGbUMhBsszzzUYX1Asse7m9on2Vxzel5BILoUkohbyvhhMDxgjJVC92sKKyyA/s1600/Castle+Details.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Set
designers for professional West End shows are able to design a show with a particular space and theatre in mind, as well as being able to collaborate with the director, cast and crew on what their overall ‘vision’ is
for the show.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a great positive to working in professional theatre as you would know what facilities the theatre has that you can then incorporate with different features in your own set - such as being able to fly set pieces or actors in and out, or having an inbuilt revolve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In our set there are a number of secret, hidden features that we have included that while add significantly to the set and it's design are not relying on the performance space having any special facilities. On our set the bookshelves are in fact hidden behind the panels of stonework which need only be revolved to transform the castle into a library, the rose loses its petals one by one slowly throughout the show, and to construct the magic tea trolley for Chip we even consulted the Magic Circle. It's part of our job to design something that's appropriate for any theatre or space rather than creating something that can only be used by one venue without any significant adaptation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we specialise in producing scenery for amateur shows or touring performances we typically have to design a show that’s going to be appealing and useful to a
wide range of people and is adaptable to a huge variety of different spaces. While we do often try to collaborate with our customers if we are building a show new for their performance, we also have to consider what is going to appeal to other clients. Getting an order is usually down to whether people like your set or not (as well as the transport fee!) so it's always best to design a beautiful set with a broad range of appeal and adaptability. In fact our set for 'Beauty and the Beast' is a great example of this as our set for this show proved so popular with customers that we had to build a second, smaller version of it just to meet demand.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFJXsci7Y9MMnyJTQjw1sxnIxiLwxHViIAnEsC64G8xjYu5Zpkf-TqY2mOMLSotFDNl_uP602x6u23BNbKZmV1oGQC4z74cq3T6ikfcpWVihLsBZrBUnNdTGxd2Pi_yrNtuAWq4H145Q/s1600/tumblr_mvdou6yfUs1s2wio8o1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFJXsci7Y9MMnyJTQjw1sxnIxiLwxHViIAnEsC64G8xjYu5Zpkf-TqY2mOMLSotFDNl_uP602x6u23BNbKZmV1oGQC4z74cq3T6ikfcpWVihLsBZrBUnNdTGxd2Pi_yrNtuAWq4H145Q/s1600/tumblr_mvdou6yfUs1s2wio8o1_400.gif" height="320" width="265" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another huge factor to consider is the ease of mobility
and transport. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A set is absolutely no good to us if it cannot fit into a lorry
and be put up safely and easily. The majority of our sets have to be able to be moved quickly and easily by a stage crew doing the scene changes, or be constructed and put up in such a way that the production doesn't have long, tedious scene changes involving multiple pieces of heavy, hard set.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With our Beauty and the Beast set the Beast's Castle Interior has lots of different clever 'tricks' featured that can be used for lots of different scenes, while all on the same set. With an inbuilt jail for Maurice, bookshelves that revolve for Belle's Library and clever use of lighting, vignettes and trucks, as well as a host of beautiful backcloths, this set can help keep scenery changes to a minimum.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also need to ensure that our sets meet all the
safety standards, and that its well built and durable so that it can withstand
the inevitable knocks it gets during transport and on stage. Of course we
regularly refresh and update all our scenery in stock but it pays to make sure that
its sturdy and of the highest quality from the start so that we often only need to give it a fresh coat of paint before it goes out, rather than having to totally replace it each time.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>As it happens - we also have a rose that does this.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through the years I think its safe to say we've produced some fantastic sets, and while I've managed to touch on the design process it really is only a very short summary on the extensive amount of work that goes into putting a full show in. As seen in Wes Anderson's films it's the detail that counts when putting a show together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If anyone is looking to perform Disney's Beauty and the Beast and would like to receive a brochure with more information on our set then please get in touch by emailing <span style="color: #a64d79;">info@borderstudio.com</span> or enquiring via <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank">our website</a>, or if course if you're passing through the area then you're always welcome to 'Be Our Guest!'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Sorry - couldn't resist!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Written by Tamsin</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3N2Yq_UOWTir7fVgNIyujI5iw4YcR0paIV46tsrJm2AmU258wGRgYstlJqHypenV7EwY8H-I5wxwKgWEU98VO4BdS4ytbs9xHL_vPJfzakWfHdXDIXRWwTXHyxNociLuVMweOIOo4uok/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3N2Yq_UOWTir7fVgNIyujI5iw4YcR0paIV46tsrJm2AmU258wGRgYstlJqHypenV7EwY8H-I5wxwKgWEU98VO4BdS4ytbs9xHL_vPJfzakWfHdXDIXRWwTXHyxNociLuVMweOIOo4uok/s1600/27.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Picture Credits:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tumblr</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Wes Anderson Palettes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Vimeo - kogonada</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Disney's Beauty and the Beast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Claire Hummel at Deviant Art</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
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Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-62216366411982466602014-03-20T16:31:00.000+00:002014-03-21T15:59:59.151+00:00Flash Bang Wallop!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HptmXm956oI" width="459"></iframe><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVBdCNsN-AKcYVxe8SNDq1vN8JbIVVCNy0kvJ5KMXmDh6ITkSlTSfjOOIS3ePFx7RqHFyhnIJEpSDQnJ3ILsNF9B-3qrrs4z8iUl80uODiPEGppDH7DbrVTcO83IBHwbGzsDYrBFKKjA/s1600/o_half-a-sixpence-complete-live-performance-2-cds-5c93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVBdCNsN-AKcYVxe8SNDq1vN8JbIVVCNy0kvJ5KMXmDh6ITkSlTSfjOOIS3ePFx7RqHFyhnIJEpSDQnJ3ILsNF9B-3qrrs4z8iUl80uODiPEGppDH7DbrVTcO83IBHwbGzsDYrBFKKjA/s1600/o_half-a-sixpence-complete-live-performance-2-cds-5c93.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>'Half A Sixpence' starring Tommy Steele</i></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Half a Sixpence' is a show that is not so regularly performed anymore, but is undoubtedly a very funny and enjoyable production to attend anywhere.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With gags throughout the script and jolly musical numbers it’s one of the musicals where you can see a real influence from Music Hall, and heavily relies on the stamina and charisma of an exceptionally talented leading man in order to carry it through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">‘Half a Sixpence’ was originally written as a vehicle for pop star Tommy Steele (Britain’s answer to Elvis Presley) and was based on the original novel ‘Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul’ by H. G. Wells. While the musical was written to showcase many of Steele’s numerous talents an interesting fact is that why many people would assume that Kipps performing ‘Money to Burn’ (where he decides the first thing he’s going to buy with his new found wealth is a banjo) was just a chance to show off Steele’s musical talents and prowess on the instrument, in fact in the original novel a banjo is still mentioned by the character as being the first thing he will purchase.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MV8hFLh4SHIsEbB3HrLSdCL0grZ9PO07_2nm4aUB3z2UsyhRpJ1kp1A4CE94ZrmT9vr1tCTEvb6_5IppDHOjhyphenhyphen8cQXrxqgb-uynIFQ0mgw9EyYcOD4wr5fXNbbTeBDIb4eHuM1gD5g0/s1600/tumblr_m83i12BsdR1qaubc7o1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MV8hFLh4SHIsEbB3HrLSdCL0grZ9PO07_2nm4aUB3z2UsyhRpJ1kp1A4CE94ZrmT9vr1tCTEvb6_5IppDHOjhyphenhyphen8cQXrxqgb-uynIFQ0mgw9EyYcOD4wr5fXNbbTeBDIb4eHuM1gD5g0/s1600/tumblr_m83i12BsdR1qaubc7o1_400.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Tommy Steele as Arthur Kipps</i></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">‘Half a Sixpence’ tells the tale of the life of Arthur (or Artie) Kipps, where he experiences an unexpected change of luck and inherits a large fortune, falls in love and becomes engaged to a rich lady from the upper classes, Helen Walsingham – to his rather abrupt downfall. Along the way he learns the important lesson that love is far more important than money and being a part of High Society - and also reunites with his childhood sweetheart, Ann.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.galaopera.co.uk/" target="_blank">Galashiels Amateur Operatic Society</a> have a reputation for really setting the standards with their shows, and as expected delivered a lively, polished performance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L1RYzxWnThnb9XJ36pVxIHZNciF-ekppkK0eR3-KVrTl0ton3SL8N36hNbXnO-1uRE1PLCiUHMzZwWxBzh6YX16GA6O6kCrzWOaE8ApMpyNgdeiGe_t4PgfN8OdG77B7CwkeDf-M_gQ/s1600/tumblr_ma1hawhGve1qfqx4io1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L1RYzxWnThnb9XJ36pVxIHZNciF-ekppkK0eR3-KVrTl0ton3SL8N36hNbXnO-1uRE1PLCiUHMzZwWxBzh6YX16GA6O6kCrzWOaE8ApMpyNgdeiGe_t4PgfN8OdG77B7CwkeDf-M_gQ/s1600/tumblr_ma1hawhGve1qfqx4io1_500.jpg" height="259" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>George Sidney directs Tommy Steele & Julia Foster<br />in 'Half a Sixpence' in 1967</i></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With limited space on stage they always do a great job of utilising their performance area and the scenery that they had chosen (from us!) looked spectacular and really enhanced the show. Despite the number of different scenes and quick scene changes required there was something new to look at in every scene, but as everything had been chosen carefully to co-operate with what was happening on stage not only were they able to effectively ‘set the scene’ but at no point did the stage look at all cluttered- even though at there were some dominating pieces of hard set being used that are better adapted towards a larger space.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFFFSDxe2aVWTP9ib3CU-Rh7ibmfUctU0kgxtYGXzdUWOZBgFTx6I5VkcQ2VaYkhVEjG02OSQDSp0wttBSgebTR2aOvnP-gV55LRkPjTwOfe0u4VWfRFSfTy21B4URPzwOSiklo841gM/s1600/HalfASixpence_SheilaScott173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFFFSDxe2aVWTP9ib3CU-Rh7ibmfUctU0kgxtYGXzdUWOZBgFTx6I5VkcQ2VaYkhVEjG02OSQDSp0wttBSgebTR2aOvnP-gV55LRkPjTwOfe0u4VWfRFSfTy21B4URPzwOSiklo841gM/s1600/HalfASixpence_SheilaScott173.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gala also utilised a number of backcloths well for different scenes – I thought the Municipal Park scene in particular really stood out with the inclusion of Cloth No. 850 Park Landscape and two conservatory flats – providing the perfect background for a game of cricket and really showcasing Kipp’s emergence into high society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cast delivered a superb performance, with each member not only pulling off a ‘down south’ accent but also having the stamina to not be (visibly) tired by the end of the show, even after all the extensive song-and-dance numbers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The main standouts from this show for me were Ivor Lumsden, who played the camp Chitterlow to great effect with a very physical and dedicated performance, as well as Ruth Johnston as a statuesque Helen Walsingham, Carla McColgan who gave a very spirited performance, and finally Alaistar</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Waddell as Shalford. With his growls and movements he had the whole audience in absolute hysterics.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, without question the lead himself Clark Eaton Turner as Kipps was the absolute star of the show. Despite the huge amount of lines, monologues, scenes and songs (Kipps sings in 21 out of 26 numbers) I was very impressed that Kipps did not falter once – neither missing a line or a cue. He also managed to give a very energetic, lively performance that wasn’t lagging by the finish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was a very charismatic performer that managed to make the character very likeable, and was smooth and confident whilst he was on stage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/9LeQlna_pBs/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/9LeQlna_pBs&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/9LeQlna_pBs&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was also a great contrast between the two female leads – Helen Walsingham and Ann, the childhood sweetheart played by Carla McColgan. You often find yourself rooting for one women in these set-ups but I found both characters to be very likeable, yet with a clear contrast between Helen’s high society lady who was very controlled and polite, and Ann who was very sweet, sensible, and totally down to earth throughout.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBVrDLuqIsHH2CvaY5EeUbuW56XyXbzLxx4Hbqk8MSZ3vj1jcq3VzIwl53EibeMPSiD_8DlvnCbkAgclz30Ip7jgtWOh34GjCzb6NKbHerIOuF9aLpdeOtfApQ7GpX51LL3SlJxYoyME/s1600/HalfASixpence_SheilaScott245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBVrDLuqIsHH2CvaY5EeUbuW56XyXbzLxx4Hbqk8MSZ3vj1jcq3VzIwl53EibeMPSiD_8DlvnCbkAgclz30Ip7jgtWOh34GjCzb6NKbHerIOuF9aLpdeOtfApQ7GpX51LL3SlJxYoyME/s1600/HalfASixpence_SheilaScott245.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a way you see both Ann and Kipps ‘grow up’ through the show and the actors were able to effectively show the characters changing natures. You are first introduced to the characters as children but there was a noticeable difference between the cheerful and naïve Ann who first travels to Folkestone in search of ‘her Artie’, however by the second half she has mellowed and gone from spending much of her time pining for Artie to being a down to earth and fairly strong character, who despite Arthur’s pleadings for her to become more of a lady still insists on doing much of her housework and following what makes her happy. By the end of the show she is calm, happy and satisfied and the pair have very much made their own success through their bookshop. (Before receiving another unexpected landfall) And it is down to Ann that Kipps finally learns that money is not everything and that some things are more important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall this was a fantastic show, we had a great time watching it and were truly entertained.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">‘Half a Sixpence’ is incredibly funny and the whole audience were kept laughing throughout the performance and credit goes to its hardworking cast who helped the time fly by keeping up a quick pace, and delivering a polished performance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Congratulations to Jeff Thomson and everyone at Gala Amateur Operatic Society on yet another successful show!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pictures from Gala's performance are courtesy of Sheila Scott, who can be found at <a href="http://www.sheilascottphotography.com/">www.sheilascottphotography.com</a> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCmMwSHlYj7nLzl-NfdNzL8II8l2S4RuDLfjaRe8bBxcLbzbUQ7JJHbG-RuysoJBl0XOMwQbKA2HUKAs47_RpMQ3sdRP-RWpRMY5qTPARLrjhVBkrx0fy1HEHcLqriik_VOphYcdCVLM/s1600/HalfASixpence_SheilaScott277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCmMwSHlYj7nLzl-NfdNzL8II8l2S4RuDLfjaRe8bBxcLbzbUQ7JJHbG-RuysoJBl0XOMwQbKA2HUKAs47_RpMQ3sdRP-RWpRMY5qTPARLrjhVBkrx0fy1HEHcLqriik_VOphYcdCVLM/s1600/HalfASixpence_SheilaScott277.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you would like to purchase a disc of pictures from this show, or would like to hire her services please get in touch with Sheila via her website.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Written by Tamsin</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Picture Credits:</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tumblr</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Grovesey69 on Youtube</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.sheilascottphotography.com/" target="_blank">Sheila Scott @ Sheila Scott Photography</a></i></span></span></div>
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Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-14967561311123404962014-03-05T15:07:00.002+00:002014-03-05T15:07:26.439+00:00'Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera' <!--StartFragment-->
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafw_92UkQVH_P_6HiPw6UPmuWoSplktLBKmN2z-CArCnp6QZyhRsYIFdc_txNJCS8tdUdx6oh55XD_JZyDSLiW1MRE61X6t9dI_ggGwJBjqAXVnDQ7XBq2-lYYEmmu7kZ_FQTR2-3qO4/s1600/tumblr_m7345m4Tii1r3idioo2_r1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafw_92UkQVH_P_6HiPw6UPmuWoSplktLBKmN2z-CArCnp6QZyhRsYIFdc_txNJCS8tdUdx6oh55XD_JZyDSLiW1MRE61X6t9dI_ggGwJBjqAXVnDQ7XBq2-lYYEmmu7kZ_FQTR2-3qO4/s1600/tumblr_m7345m4Tii1r3idioo2_r1_500.gif" height="248" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week, we went to see Selkirk Opera's production of 'The King and I', here's our review</span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'<i>The King and I</i>' is a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical that was
adapted from the original story of ‘<i>Anna and the King of Siam</i>’.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was hugely successful and quickly became one of the
world’s best-loved musicals due to the opulence of the setting, the comedic moments
intertwined with romance and drama, and of course the great love between Anna
and the King that neither can ever admit to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZw4JIBHisE89623Tj0eGnIRqwhHAQwRWj6knId113iknFL-y1EEaSwG5qeDqSQxLzIF9Yx6qiXqgKC6rPFQJtOqNqGt91vy6Dx8JTDJRv0ghBJ5tnsiwKBFWgFW208n6Dbx9CPUQYuJI/s1600/king-and-i-dance-o.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZw4JIBHisE89623Tj0eGnIRqwhHAQwRWj6knId113iknFL-y1EEaSwG5qeDqSQxLzIF9Yx6qiXqgKC6rPFQJtOqNqGt91vy6Dx8JTDJRv0ghBJ5tnsiwKBFWgFW208n6Dbx9CPUQYuJI/s1600/king-and-i-dance-o.gif" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Deborah Kerr & Yul Brynner in the 1956 film</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The final scene between Anna and the King as he lays dying
surrounded by his courtiers and family is so poignant that often there isn’t a
dry eye left in the house, and the ballet ‘The House of Uncle Thomas’ is a
beautifully composed and choreographed piece of theatre.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When first released the musical won several Tony Awards and
the 1956 film adaptation featuring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner even went on to
win an Academy Award, with Brynner receiving the award for Best Actor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">‘<i>The King and I</i>’ is one of my favourite musicals and
therefore I had been especially looking forward to seeing <a href="http://www.selkirkopera.com/" target="_blank">Selkirk Opera</a>’s
production last week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My first impression was that this was a well organised and
well rehearsed cast. Every line was spoken very clearly and could be easily heard from
where we were sat near the back of the Victoria Hall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were also no problems with people missing cues or
forgetting lines, with every actor from the adult leads to
the young children confidently knowing what they were meant to be doing and
remaining in character throughout the whole performance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zaL_a4kzoR-n82QYCzeDCa3RxSVEvdCt2uvzodBiNGkpGkHaCsvB2ZhyfCUCd5wmAIYJdj9X5FV0Yqd2nd4cbz-KwDWxZYQimNi6lJC-YhVB3Q2qObDH0Gtu2stVjXPsz6JVK3bS_XA/s1600/tumblr_inline_mzt8kcBbRc1rbrja2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zaL_a4kzoR-n82QYCzeDCa3RxSVEvdCt2uvzodBiNGkpGkHaCsvB2ZhyfCUCd5wmAIYJdj9X5FV0Yqd2nd4cbz-KwDWxZYQimNi6lJC-YhVB3Q2qObDH0Gtu2stVjXPsz6JVK3bS_XA/s1600/tumblr_inline_mzt8kcBbRc1rbrja2.gif" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">A King does not forget lines</span></span></i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I often worry when I see shows about the children that are
involved – ‘The King and I’ is an incredibly long show and it is easy for a
young child to get bored whilst on stage and start fidgeting but all the
children who were involved in Selkirk Opera must be commended on their
commitment to their roles, and also for not being visibly self aware or getting embarrassed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was very impressed by the singing ability of the actresses
playing Anna and Tuptim. All the leads did a good job of confidently
leading the show and keeping the pace going. The King commanded the stage with
an authoritative presence whilst Anna was the sympathetic schoolteacher with a
clear influence over her charges, but uncompromising when needed. Tuptim was
played very convincingly and both she and Lun Tha had the audience rooting for
them to make their escape. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCc-Qc5D2MdCf-8pYJlAO387DYEiH1ppw7-AWhhYtGagsF5RYx0TMQS10c4noJX0xCAVEs6addgH2Vt4HVKUZQGy9nhjAMiP6iIIYz__L_RdJ1rgrr3te34U5R1w4XVR1WnjknLnR93w/s1600/2hqfo0z.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCc-Qc5D2MdCf-8pYJlAO387DYEiH1ppw7-AWhhYtGagsF5RYx0TMQS10c4noJX0xCAVEs6addgH2Vt4HVKUZQGy9nhjAMiP6iIIYz__L_RdJ1rgrr3te34U5R1w4XVR1WnjknLnR93w/s1600/2hqfo0z.gif" height="143" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">It's good to be King</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, a real standout performance was the ensemble of
Royal Wives and their Head Wife Lady Thiang. Occasionally Lady Thiang can be
played as quite a cold, calculating figure however with this performance I
still felt like there was a real warmth to her character, alongside her commitment to doing her duty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really saw her as being a smart and powerful influence
behind the King, but of course being clever enough to advise subtly, while the
Royal Wives provided a light, comedic foil to some of the more intense scenes. They worked well together with the children and were a real asset to the overall show performing a rousing rendition of 'Western People Funny'.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were also very pleased to see Lewis Wilde give a very convincing performance as Prince Chulalongkom. Lewis has previously done work experience with us here at The Border Studio so it was fantastic to get to see him in the spotlight. He worked very hard and left a great impression on us all during his week and after seeing him paint scenery in overalls we almost didn't recognise him up on stage in his costume!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaRbf3Qheb58T3lzxWAW9RwtaClr89ozhS4_jkj6kYErhcJ9HKjTur998wyK9nrvnwpJXLldCgsCYFWi2ORGLH3uWHte8bW8_S82TYEz1w1uF9YwBrLycZmPredvlKPLR68iK0u8lhz0/s1600/0115_King_And_I_Rooftops(18x30).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaRbf3Qheb58T3lzxWAW9RwtaClr89ozhS4_jkj6kYErhcJ9HKjTur998wyK9nrvnwpJXLldCgsCYFWi2ORGLH3uWHte8bW8_S82TYEz1w1uF9YwBrLycZmPredvlKPLR68iK0u8lhz0/s1600/0115_King_And_I_Rooftops(18x30).JPG" height="216" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The lighting and the costumes complimented our scenery very
well and visually I thought the show looked magnificent. The use of <a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/search-results.asp?kw=115&Submit=Search" target="_blank">Backcloth No.115 King and I Rooftops</a> behind our red and gold King and I flats really created an opulent vision
of Siam, and there was a good use of staging. The
inclusion of our pair of beautiful Foo Dogs on plinths, book shelves and a decorative throne on a dais, or the Gold Buddha centrepiece and
even the small sets on either side of the extended stage sides were used wisely to cleverly
create all different rooms in the palace while still using the same core
set.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0-ewTqzKNJwncyjzhkFuZH3jevg4RNDJQo4SZINxDsjFyg6YtxXrgIhVGc2ohWRnxu7WLep36UbG320FJ5XYvsMwd0AKdFIo5-HoFfFAGodzsxKZHU0COCKZ7mZMQvQfCg9QnF9qNJo/s1600/buddha+no+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0-ewTqzKNJwncyjzhkFuZH3jevg4RNDJQo4SZINxDsjFyg6YtxXrgIhVGc2ohWRnxu7WLep36UbG320FJ5XYvsMwd0AKdFIo5-HoFfFAGodzsxKZHU0COCKZ7mZMQvQfCg9QnF9qNJo/s1600/buddha+no+background.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buddha, available to hire. Approx 6 ft</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall, we really enjoyed ourselves whilst watching the
performance. The orchestra played beautifully throughout and we often found
ourselves nodding our heads or tapping our feet along with the music. The
ballet of The House of Uncle Thomas was a particularly engaging sequence that
had been choreographed well. In fact, the only downside to the whole evening
was our lack of success in the raffle!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A huge congratulations go to Selkirk Opera on a successful
show!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Tamsin</span></i></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPZStZvwa6w2KjpW9bFVcbSHYP6EmMTQMzWx5JGws5f9uRbcBw0N6d3pZpJKpJIoMhchSXPYgNENy6uvWdUN2r53OO6PNR7e4wcMsKXWCBePyBtU63keGG_hr5JWQWYFAkL7W0pfEVpM/s1600/foodog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPZStZvwa6w2KjpW9bFVcbSHYP6EmMTQMzWx5JGws5f9uRbcBw0N6d3pZpJKpJIoMhchSXPYgNENy6uvWdUN2r53OO6PNR7e4wcMsKXWCBePyBtU63keGG_hr5JWQWYFAkL7W0pfEVpM/s1600/foodog.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Foo Dogs x 2, can sit & play dead</span></span></i></td></tr>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
If you or your society
is considering putting on The King and I then please get in touch with us and I
can send you a full colour brochure which includes pictures of our set in
action, full stage plans as well as lists of the props and furniture that we
have available to hire for this show.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We offer a completely
flexible service and you only need to hire what you want – whether that is a
full show or just a few small props. Get in touch with us today to see how we
can help you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Call us on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><u>01750 20237</u></span><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Email us at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="mailto:info@borderstudio.com">info@borderstudio.com</a> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or visit our website
<a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank">here</a></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Picture Credits:</i></span></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->
Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-92114457641522551192014-03-04T15:12:00.001+00:002014-03-04T15:12:36.887+00:00Theatrical Pancakes (it's not just a makeup!)<!--StartFragment-->
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU8Rz6mO1wfdjYkUhLKvUyPuUpfl07EO676Uczh6MNSM1XqLathj35qcaTduOzdJJzHVjzD4hWjuFA5MDW6yF26wxlbeFcYE8EnB4heb5uHTAV-oswWxSSFD21CzQ_clU7OlE4LNOg94/s1600/national-pancake-day-gifs-09262013-06.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU8Rz6mO1wfdjYkUhLKvUyPuUpfl07EO676Uczh6MNSM1XqLathj35qcaTduOzdJJzHVjzD4hWjuFA5MDW6yF26wxlbeFcYE8EnB4heb5uHTAV-oswWxSSFD21CzQ_clU7OlE4LNOg94/s1600/national-pancake-day-gifs-09262013-06.gif" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hooray for Shrove Tuesday – the tastiest day of the year!</span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A day where it is considered perfectly acceptable to feast
on pancakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and even have mini ones as snacks.</span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, creating the ‘perfect pancake’ can be an absolute
minefield as, similar to making the perfect cuppa, everybody has their own
unique way of going about it. From crepes, to American style, to protein
pancakes there seems to be a multitude of different ways just to cook them, and
that’s not even counting the millions of different possible toppings that you
can choose from!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoER5mozTV5pWTzKOibKjQm3iZG732hohe93UeuxMIMgjKQV0pPOle593JmmRS3vDS9CJYOpJPVU5dTap3wtjwUVAfjO_JZVO8wZSva4ecg68HWkIzOUnzuBT-WuJRt80jImaKu1fi3QA/s1600/enhanced-buzz-25211-1392391049-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoER5mozTV5pWTzKOibKjQm3iZG732hohe93UeuxMIMgjKQV0pPOle593JmmRS3vDS9CJYOpJPVU5dTap3wtjwUVAfjO_JZVO8wZSva4ecg68HWkIzOUnzuBT-WuJRt80jImaKu1fi3QA/s1600/enhanced-buzz-25211-1392391049-6.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>No doubt many of you will be tucking into these!</i></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can even eat your way around the world by sampling
toppings favoured by each country, from (my personal favourite!) the American buttermilk
pancake, served with lashings of syrup (preferably maple!) and sometimes
accompanied with crisp, streaky bacon, to the delicate sweet or savoury filled
French crepe, or the classic English topping of lemon juice and sugar. At the
German Christmas Markets there are always a handful of pancake stalls selling
crepes smothered in chocolate sauce, fruits and cinnamon, and of course we must never
forget the Scottish drop scones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, we are theatre lovers and therefore enjoy things
that are a little more unique, so rather than offering a list of already
well-known mixtures we thought we could present you with inspiration for some
rather more creative recipes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-1j18J-FEeCpWzaFZHz-9VUlj_StbbmksieFMPrTOxxkWW1Uv02Y3llbB959-RgJK6jlZk4OsOhIzQ67Bpt-reNSGVevqgzspNSuSEiTGvf3UT_7cyiFPCrWe5wCLo-jYuvcqmGrtjE/s1600/banana-pancake-with-chocolate-sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-1j18J-FEeCpWzaFZHz-9VUlj_StbbmksieFMPrTOxxkWW1Uv02Y3llbB959-RgJK6jlZk4OsOhIzQ67Bpt-reNSGVevqgzspNSuSEiTGvf3UT_7cyiFPCrWe5wCLo-jYuvcqmGrtjE/s1600/banana-pancake-with-chocolate-sauce.jpg" height="169" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scroll down through this post and see if there’s anything
you might try tonight instead of your traditional go-to recipe – you may even
find a new favourite!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Birthday Cake Pancakes</i></b></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those who love colour and can handle something a little bit more sweet. These are perfect for occasions such as birthdays. The icing and coloured sprinkles help make a stack of pancakes that are not only extra delicious, but also look just that bit more special. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Accompany with extra long lit candles or sparklers for that finishing touch!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are the kind of super sweet pancakes a character like Cinderella would crave (if she ate carbs) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the recipe <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/01/cake-batter-pancakes/" target="_blank">click here</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8zWYhDsaHgs4IYISVsYvMcyMCKvNH0ZiWfGmMFJSxWdd9Oh8x5DJxoQrVatnA8h2Eqj8abuWhLLGvkbtXSEcq_XdmvNVyQmZS9ArEZBrDoGKXn7QtjCry53FN0hi6wR3NmjbWQmVKaQ/s1600/sprinklespancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8zWYhDsaHgs4IYISVsYvMcyMCKvNH0ZiWfGmMFJSxWdd9Oh8x5DJxoQrVatnA8h2Eqj8abuWhLLGvkbtXSEcq_XdmvNVyQmZS9ArEZBrDoGKXn7QtjCry53FN0hi6wR3NmjbWQmVKaQ/s1600/sprinklespancakes.jpg" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Strawberry Funfetti Pancakes</i></b></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Again with the sprinkles- but you could choose to not include them and just have strawberry heart pancakes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you like having strawberries (or any fruit) on your pancakes then this is a pretty cool way to incorporate them into the design. Plus if you took some care with cutting them these could be some pretty show stopper Valentines pancakes! (or just show stopper anniversary pancakes)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sprinkles and the strawberries make these pancakes look like something Truly Scrumptious from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang would whip up!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the recipe <a href="http://betterbakingbible.com/breakfast/strawberry-sprinkle-funfetti-pancakes/" target="_blank">click here</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4PgXIkyWTvDrKDLt8PbtAPvyCcvmg8aVVy86v5y9ucHHIvz6xw0aMOvIBZNMX61baaJMlVBFUW6UsSZ3MM0lzUUmFYNv47WTPmFpXmWL5UpFdMPdEQo4uYDlFDv_1iTp98RDy6Q9zIM/s1600/rainbowpancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4PgXIkyWTvDrKDLt8PbtAPvyCcvmg8aVVy86v5y9ucHHIvz6xw0aMOvIBZNMX61baaJMlVBFUW6UsSZ3MM0lzUUmFYNv47WTPmFpXmWL5UpFdMPdEQo4uYDlFDv_1iTp98RDy6Q9zIM/s1600/rainbowpancakes.jpg" height="200" width="189" /></a></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Somewhere Over the Rainbow Pancakes</i></b></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Officially Dorothy's favourite. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is definitely one for the children as they seem to get a real kick out of 'normal' food that's a wacky colour (does anyone else remember Heinz green ketchup?) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To make these just make sure you have easily washable surfaces, yards of wipe clean tablecloth, gallons of food colouring - and that you don't mind your hands looking tie dyed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the recipe just use any buttermilk pancake recipe and add food colouring!</span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Bunny Bobtail Pancakes</i></b></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For any picky eaters or animal lovers these require very little effort but look adorable. Also, with just cream and some strawberries they are very simple and won't overpower anyones taste buds.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These would work well at Easter - not just because of the rabbit theme, but also their simplicity may also work well with all the chocolate eggs that were no doubt consumed pre-breakfast! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What we would call a 'deceptive treat.'</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alice would snack on these as she dreamt about Wonderland and her old friend, the White Rabbit.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvws4SJO3JcvvpWzi614oA-YO0Qn0c48zEbPRilAyHgY1eZPjRaA0qXRI75pmV93CQ3TzAA3lrBCm_uo_3qz3FrKBjzoG8UK4BDEhdhtk7I1kFewgSIZjXD2dxORApjeKsWWeAuiX4p8/s1600/Bear-Pancake-for-Nailed-It-Pancakes-Flapjacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvws4SJO3JcvvpWzi614oA-YO0Qn0c48zEbPRilAyHgY1eZPjRaA0qXRI75pmV93CQ3TzAA3lrBCm_uo_3qz3FrKBjzoG8UK4BDEhdhtk7I1kFewgSIZjXD2dxORApjeKsWWeAuiX4p8/s1600/Bear-Pancake-for-Nailed-It-Pancakes-Flapjacks.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>When Pinterest Strikes...</i></span></td></tr>
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Pinterest is a great resource for anyone looking for unique recipes and if you liked the 'bunny bobtail pancakes' recipe there are a whole host of different animals you can recreate. Be careful though as some of the recipes can be very tricky and your cute teddybear can quickly become the stuff of nightmares. If you're recreating lots for a children's party or brunch event then we'd recommend testing the recipe first, so that you can make sure you're serving 'Mr Fox' rather than Toad of Toad Hall!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Strawberries & Champagne - a perfect combination!</i></span></span></td></tr>
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<li><b><i>Champagne Pancakes</i></b></li>
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The perfect pancakes for those who celebrated well into the early hours after a wonderful closing night. How else could you finish off that finale champagne as well as enjoy a good breakfast? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the recipe <a href="http://veggieandthebeastfeast.com/2013/12/28/fluffy-strawberry-and-champagne-pancakes" target="_blank">click here</a></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Baked Apple Pancakes</i></b></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This decadent and intricate dessert is rather more Evil Queen than Snow White.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Featuring plenty of cinnamon and a spicy apple cider syrup this is the perfect pancake to warm you up on a cold day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the recipe <a href="http://pinchofyum.com/baked-apple-pancake-with-apple-cider-syrup" target="_blank">click here</a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Pancake Heaven when served with a dollop of ice cream</i></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We hope you enjoy your pancakes as much as we've enjoyed putting this post together! Our mouths have certainly been watering at all the pictures!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let us know how you get on, and what you think of our slightly more off the cuff recipe ideas.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNf8W4xL1YnyX84bx3vYCCoozHx3LraG7A-sClA_1AwUV-Mfm05RcGhlzsYGk9romijY-qk2hR0a5TAPjuKHpWr4i5t40xX7M_EcjurvPol08R2Hro8Yv69GJRf-s-tTVXnpQXZmrGlc/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNf8W4xL1YnyX84bx3vYCCoozHx3LraG7A-sClA_1AwUV-Mfm05RcGhlzsYGk9romijY-qk2hR0a5TAPjuKHpWr4i5t40xX7M_EcjurvPol08R2Hro8Yv69GJRf-s-tTVXnpQXZmrGlc/s1600/giphy.gif" height="321" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Tamsin</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Picture sources</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">taste.com.au</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">tumblr</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">health.india.com</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">betterbakingbible.com</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">iambaker.net</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">thechickncoop.blogspot.com</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">veggieandthebeastfeast.com</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">pinchofyum.com</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">howsweeteats.com</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">pinterest.com</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">bettycrocker.com</span></span></div>
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Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-34731967795735243122014-03-04T10:42:00.000+00:002014-03-04T11:30:53.557+00:00Panto Season 2013 'It's Behind Us!' - A Belated Overview<!--StartFragment-->
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigALDJO2GhA-kcgUPIXRXTC7mbdoavvRz2AgIo8u02sat25Gb3ME8ydM3xy2qvVFiuxb27c-uvdlVcH9bq1nQXjLBJokp1hYVwVexHkArF6QscpPZMUcMJgqrAvAKGJwNTOZGR9aBf28I/s1600/967136_10201604558770673_734027796_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigALDJO2GhA-kcgUPIXRXTC7mbdoavvRz2AgIo8u02sat25Gb3ME8ydM3xy2qvVFiuxb27c-uvdlVcH9bq1nQXjLBJokp1hYVwVexHkArF6QscpPZMUcMJgqrAvAKGJwNTOZGR9aBf28I/s1600/967136_10201604558770673_734027796_o.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Cinderella', performed by EROS Musical Society</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">We know, we know- It’s almost Spring! But whilst being
bombarded with storms and snow what better time is there to have a look back
over the past few months with our Winter Round-Up?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many people would call the run up to Christmas and New Year
the festive period, however those of us who are lucky enough to work in theatre
know it simply as ‘panto season’.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whilst we work hard throughout the year, Panto season is
without a doubt the busiest time for us. The phone is never not ringing, our
inboxes fill up with frantic emails and we are all up to our elbows in glitter
and gold paint as we jazz up all the scenery ready to go out to pantomimes
across the nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were incredibly busy this season with many of our most
in-demand cloths being booked for this year as early as last January so if
your society is planning on doing a pantomime and you’ve seen a cloth or a
set you really like please get in touch now so as to ensure you don’t miss
out. We’re not joking when we say our booking book is already filling up fast!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year we supplied to over 148 different pantomimes all across the country, from Redruth Amateur Musical and Pantomime Society in Truro Cornwall who did 'Dick Whittington', to Runway Theatre Company in Glasgow with their production of 'Mother Goose'. We even supplied as far afield as Act One Youth Theatre in Sutton and St Stephen's Players in Guernsey, both of which performed 'Aladdin'.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course what makes the hard work and long hours so
worthwhile is being able to see our scenery in action. We’ve received some
fantastic pictures of our sets this year so thank you to all who sent them in,
and this year we were kindly invited by FMC Technologies to see their dress
rehearsal of ‘Hansel & Gretel’, a funny, fast paced show that had us up on
our feet dancing and clutching our sides with laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexh0udQa_o4dLPt3dv0O3Y_uNphLUSWvKxNYUKdVs03KSr3NAhypm_GHgzm6iXk9aH9eOxI3A-Ub2zwZkNvAiCgHeGPyNH1ICB8dxnOLvpWUOINUA-iHBNdVRdh5cDG1tojEBJpGK8EE/s1600/H+G_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexh0udQa_o4dLPt3dv0O3Y_uNphLUSWvKxNYUKdVs03KSr3NAhypm_GHgzm6iXk9aH9eOxI3A-Ub2zwZkNvAiCgHeGPyNH1ICB8dxnOLvpWUOINUA-iHBNdVRdh5cDG1tojEBJpGK8EE/s1600/H+G_4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good vs Bad</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With a talented and enthusiastic cast that included some
strong, confident singers this was a very polished show with only a few dress
rehearsal hiccups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The two-standout stars of the show were undoubtedly the
Panto Dame Miss Demeanour and the Village Fool Willie. This was a very
successful double act pairing as these two provided the jokes and the
slapstick, and their characters comical moments were only enhanced by an array
of ridiculous costumes. Miss Demeanour has one of the largest wardrobes I’ve
ever seen for a panto dame with over three different brightly coloured and
eccentric ensembles, while Willie seemed to have a range of professional
positions from schoolboy, to truant officer, to girl guide!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbaW0PmE4M4yVueZPFHHTBITBTed_GKLn8q9_c0qtMZDkISs60eSHUUuHP4KHc6ec-nFTCt4MO2P36FE3j1j-AC8peEPVWGpWArIdKr74-MLqNU0UbCm0XMWlUuQjTn67rRMg6cS0Ing/s1600/H+G_44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbaW0PmE4M4yVueZPFHHTBITBTed_GKLn8q9_c0qtMZDkISs60eSHUUuHP4KHc6ec-nFTCt4MO2P36FE3j1j-AC8peEPVWGpWArIdKr74-MLqNU0UbCm0XMWlUuQjTn67rRMg6cS0Ing/s1600/H+G_44.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With a large cast it was good to see both the chorus and
also the children in the production being used in a number of different ways.
For me one of the real highlights was the rendition of ‘What Does The Fox Say?’
which began with a townsperson belting out the opening lines as the rest of the
village searched the forest for the missing Hansel and Gretel, and quickly
turned into an ‘awhh’ moment as the children all came tumbling onto stage
dressed in some very adorable fox costumes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KerA_d82wzni1fbLMy1xp5ti1Rs92VcWwYSRASYFcaav1O_RN4mpRecNN9RrPtbW7lzsEsZi1wsqZCgEvYhmJgHCr3fpn_u3IITFML8MGJz295GZZZ3wnCSGG2GvKLsE91veoBs8RUk/s1600/H+G_71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KerA_d82wzni1fbLMy1xp5ti1Rs92VcWwYSRASYFcaav1O_RN4mpRecNN9RrPtbW7lzsEsZi1wsqZCgEvYhmJgHCr3fpn_u3IITFML8MGJz295GZZZ3wnCSGG2GvKLsE91veoBs8RUk/s1600/H+G_71.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What Does the Fox Say?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was quite an extensive script which involved a lot of
different scene changes but they were all carried out smoothly and efficiently
and the pace remained quick throughout the show with the cast managing to keep
hold of the audiences attention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLo738k-iMNVcx7lJKnS17BsACDHVVPXjiINhhdsRalewgZXfc0ahrV7PfeKTxdw693gEhU15nqTfU-203w-c4MsXxy4VW7TmnPbz96pfaUhFpmGbPGeo5D55WN598AzuM0Tc_n640sHg/s1600/H+G_73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLo738k-iMNVcx7lJKnS17BsACDHVVPXjiINhhdsRalewgZXfc0ahrV7PfeKTxdw693gEhU15nqTfU-203w-c4MsXxy4VW7TmnPbz96pfaUhFpmGbPGeo5D55WN598AzuM0Tc_n640sHg/s1600/H+G_73.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With it being just their dress rehearsal we had expected
that there would only be a few people watching and that, of course, there would
be a few technical hiccups as first night nerves set in - however we didn’t
expect to find ourselves almost falling out of our seats with laughter. I can’t
express how funny this show was and we had a truly great evening out enjoying
some fantastic panto entertainment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNN0aoDruKKq4rxM77My_joBljXt6zaIfO3hnkU0cZ6A2mtU-UD0RCOWNo7qwiRoud39LixKWPOnl70ZltJBU4_XPKIProI23maeAVD9oQhXxXLGaTFzSkWgDdP56POTJEZCRlnPV-EKg/s1600/H+G_79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNN0aoDruKKq4rxM77My_joBljXt6zaIfO3hnkU0cZ6A2mtU-UD0RCOWNo7qwiRoud39LixKWPOnl70ZltJBU4_XPKIProI23maeAVD9oQhXxXLGaTFzSkWgDdP56POTJEZCRlnPV-EKg/s1600/H+G_79.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cloth No 887 Gingerbread House Interior</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was also a treat for us to be able to see our set in
action, especially as the show included one of our brand new cloths the
Gingerbread House Interior, which received glowing compliments from the cast
and crew we spoke to, as well as the newly updated Lichtenburg Tabs which have
now been transformed into Hansel & Gretel show tabs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The scenery looked fantastic and really added to the show
with the vivid colours of the cloths working well with the beautiful costumes
supplied by Utopia Costumes. The dimly lit dark forest cloth was particularly
effective in creating a spooky, claustrophobic atmosphere for when Hansel and
Gretel get lost in the woods, whilst the scenes in the village remained bright
and cheerful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaXio3LTYBRtz2sEuDmuPZ86zRBQzAvUuKokmdfgC7ElpX0oKfVJKQl69gixRgcObMSbzHPNr1ZYrvzq9gaQducFeZLk1rJ8b-a-_YjjarJssK-qSBxFsWNB-WV1QQ-vPkoeuZnarGrE/s1600/H+G_89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaXio3LTYBRtz2sEuDmuPZ86zRBQzAvUuKokmdfgC7ElpX0oKfVJKQl69gixRgcObMSbzHPNr1ZYrvzq9gaQducFeZLk1rJ8b-a-_YjjarJssK-qSBxFsWNB-WV1QQ-vPkoeuZnarGrE/s1600/H+G_89.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Out with a bang!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all this show was a great success, and the hard work
all the cast and crew had put in had definitely paid off. We thoroughly enjoyed
ourselves and were made to feel very welcome by everyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We can’t wait to see what you put on next year!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Huge thanks and big congratulations go to Malcolm Burnett,
and the rest of the cast and crew.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Tamsin</span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">With thanks to EROS Musical Society & FMC Technologies for use of pictures</span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-29906530314686574922014-02-27T14:11:00.000+00:002014-02-27T14:11:21.687+00:00A Night of a Thousand Stars<!--StartFragment-->
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDa09O4KxsziJZedYO9J-OBbNbZ-akbOPGOEGie6YJDlx2gDGC46g1wNhrQ8IGft4eTmqEnNqDRA6DGaasgesI0r2A7LDLDiCQpEJIIVIpF69PzA8R5EBiWV9uIocztOxvGM3r0XXtAQ/s1600/photo-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDa09O4KxsziJZedYO9J-OBbNbZ-akbOPGOEGie6YJDlx2gDGC46g1wNhrQ8IGft4eTmqEnNqDRA6DGaasgesI0r2A7LDLDiCQpEJIIVIpF69PzA8R5EBiWV9uIocztOxvGM3r0XXtAQ/s1600/photo-42.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing the night away!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year, as well as having our own staff Christmas lunch
we were also kindly invited to the </span><a href="http://www.actuk.org/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ACT</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (Association of Community Theatre)
Christmas Party and Awards Evening.</span></h4>
</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeN-S9EgyhGst4SDOipCAk1ImfGjaHE1mcgli4nrct3Nd5PsLFWlDzMnPHQw2KlA0t4Y1ltpPsXRl-aZALoME5zjmGHBNx-V1ChY4SwJ1pUjaOdyjNqH73k46U-dINhqz3Yr9kul0T71k/s1600/photo-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeN-S9EgyhGst4SDOipCAk1ImfGjaHE1mcgli4nrct3Nd5PsLFWlDzMnPHQw2KlA0t4Y1ltpPsXRl-aZALoME5zjmGHBNx-V1ChY4SwJ1pUjaOdyjNqH73k46U-dINhqz3Yr9kul0T71k/s1600/photo-43.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'All That Swings' in full swing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the hugely successful Members Day we had previously
attended in July we had been really looking forward to seeing everyone again at
the party. We were expecting a night of good food and entertainment and we were
definitely not disappointed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We did arrive (fashionably!) late at the event and we missed
our starter and pre-dinner entertainment by the YSD Dancers, however the rest
of the meal was delicious. We left feeling very stuffed and satisfied and
food-wise it definitely prepared us for the festive season overindulgence!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbTQn-MkHl6YlVEtTiq1yLO3oNO79GuJ_VHlbv7Dzj3w_O1a5SeLQIOE8jwEM8fQx6xC88V5m10-uDIxusFtXtKenQ5bzeXKpqU4UscGPOvGTB8M5LuJAIT0ACMQJHEI9UWQaUjPGMsA/s1600/photo-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbTQn-MkHl6YlVEtTiq1yLO3oNO79GuJ_VHlbv7Dzj3w_O1a5SeLQIOE8jwEM8fQx6xC88V5m10-uDIxusFtXtKenQ5bzeXKpqU4UscGPOvGTB8M5LuJAIT0ACMQJHEI9UWQaUjPGMsA/s1600/photo-44.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Flay presents the Awards</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The room at the Great Western hotel had been beautifully
decorated, with a lot of thought clearly being put into the evening with the
inclusion of party favours for each guest of an ACT keyring and box of
jellybeans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the meal the Awards were handed out, and it gave us
all a chance to let out our meals settle before the dancing began – as well as
a chance to recognise the achievements and successes of the nominated societies
and shows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were then treated to a performance by ‘All That Swings’
who soon had everyone up and dancing – including at one point on the tables and
chairs, and finally a disco until the early hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a fantastic evening, and it was so lovely to see so
many different societies and companies in attendance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was also nice for the ‘Traders’ to receive a large round
of applause at the end of the night in recognition for our hard work throughout
the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0L1Ck6byLojU9GRcpYIi830qecWJK1vbT6Q3vKOkd8_Nz48f9u_suIrMvLebRLOrDoPBlG4Y7j6wpkusIPYJE5GpRxQl6S8Xi3NiBIiUkaa-UCY53TrLv3EjNpRZlSkzjXK9dpYL1sZA/s1600/photo-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0L1Ck6byLojU9GRcpYIi830qecWJK1vbT6Q3vKOkd8_Nz48f9u_suIrMvLebRLOrDoPBlG4Y7j6wpkusIPYJE5GpRxQl6S8Xi3NiBIiUkaa-UCY53TrLv3EjNpRZlSkzjXK9dpYL1sZA/s1600/photo-41.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Border Studio team - Kate, Tamsin & James</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our thanks go to John Flay and everyone at ACT for the
invitation, and for organising such a superb evening. It really was enjoyed by
all and we’re already looking forward to the next Members Day!</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Written by Tamsin</i></span></span></div>
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Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7207172782340051885.post-85101452099281259172014-01-16T16:04:00.000+00:002014-01-16T16:04:38.507+00:00Curtains Up!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ETnw3ZvBr-EVaQaQRPH_MP1jKGiOCjAzTDdJ6VCXABGqRj5ZF_ra830dcB5UTpzodTw2UnB-B_ddw12exwGnFMwZ5QMlCK3Q_EmQC1QZJ3KIx_CfY1Yi7PkuElwhijmkfVKiMnMcgWQ/s1600/2014-fireworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ETnw3ZvBr-EVaQaQRPH_MP1jKGiOCjAzTDdJ6VCXABGqRj5ZF_ra830dcB5UTpzodTw2UnB-B_ddw12exwGnFMwZ5QMlCK3Q_EmQC1QZJ3KIx_CfY1Yi7PkuElwhijmkfVKiMnMcgWQ/s1600/2014-fireworks.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Picture credit - Mooshworld.com</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The New Year often signals the approach of a 'New Year, New Me' attitude for many people and it's no different to what is happening here at The Border Studio right now.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2014 is going to bring some pretty big changes for us - with one of them being the introduction of this -our new blog!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along with our </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/theborderstudio1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">facebook</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/theborderstudio" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">twitter</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> pages that were established earlier in 2013, we wanted to be able to communicate further with our customers, and with the theatre world!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6VCHvzqlP9dDWt2vnHNoazQd_SP96jhlqpgAof8hwxS80Kx2PA0zm4MUdYCsqLjilJ6O0gLKrJ9FDY2_5s2oHiKNDwqGrB2xgQPVw8h7sOiQQlIQCkb0cCscgyl7w3CKQ4yx5s_hWxo/s1600/photo-39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6VCHvzqlP9dDWt2vnHNoazQd_SP96jhlqpgAof8hwxS80Kx2PA0zm4MUdYCsqLjilJ6O0gLKrJ9FDY2_5s2oHiKNDwqGrB2xgQPVw8h7sOiQQlIQCkb0cCscgyl7w3CKQ4yx5s_hWxo/s1600/photo-39.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dick Whittington at The Sands Centre, Carlisle.<br />It may be 2014 but Panto Season is almost over! *sob*</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This blog is a voice for us to express our love for all things theatre with posts planned on topics such as daily life here in the Studio, show reviews, latest news and discussions from the industry and much much more so please keep checking back and let us know your thoughts on each post - or what you'd like to see us blogging about!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find out more about our company and view our show catalogue and the services we can provide, or just get in touch with us by visiting our website </span><a href="http://www.borderstudio.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bowing out,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tamsin</span><br />
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<br />Border Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815821680118202945noreply@blogger.com0