It was way back in the summer when Tinderbox's director was busy making props for our show. So much creative work has gone into producing this successful tour which will soon be running into it's third month.

We are very proud to be able to incorporate school children into our production, involving them in a beautiful candlelit introduction.

We have also taken our tour to various Primary schools, where we can introduce many to the joy of a live theatre production. 

Last Friday evening we were performing in our hometown of Weymouth at the Pavilion Theatre. 

This is a larger venue than many we have performed at, and we were delighted with the large attendance including some distinguished guests. 

 The Homestart Charity has been with us on our tour, spreading the message of their important work. Thank you to all our audiences who have supported them

We are next in Bournemouth on 4th 5th December. We have three performances at the Shelley Theatre. Some of the feedback from members of the audience makes our work very worthwhile: "It was mesmerising, the songs brought vibrance and energy to the plot, and the involvement of young children brought something very special to the play"

Tinderbox and education.

One of the pleasures of our Tinderbox tour is that we have been able to involve many children from local theatre schools in the opening scene of our musical production. This video clip recorded at The Groundlings Theatre Portsmouth by Stagecoach Theatre Arts Havant, shows how our theatre company has education at the heart of it's purpose.

It is well known that children who are exposed to the arts gain many self confidence benefits, and introducing them by involving them in part of the production is as engaging for us as it is for them.

We have had a very busy week with performances in Portsmouth, Minehead, Burnham-On-Sea and we are in Swanage today.

Next week we will be touring to Taunton, Sidmouth and Warminster, so there is still lots of opportunity to see the show.

AsCend is an arm of As-One Theatre Company that offers new theatre graduates the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals. To maintain our paid internship programmes we are always looking for investment, which can provide lots of benefits, ranging from corporate entertainment to staff rewards and in-house workshops. Please have a look at our website for more information.

Your investment will help us to continue and develop our educational work with children and students of all ages.

Tinderbox Premiere

Well I was there, were you? The Corn Exchange Dorchester, is no longer used for exchange of corn seed, as it was originally built for, but is now a central part of Dorchester's active theatre and music culture.

Thomas Hardy refers to the Corn Exchange in his novel 'The Mayor of Casterbridge'  explaining the purpose it was originally built for, but to see it used as it was last night, for contemporary, creative, live theatre, was a reminder of how historic venues such as these, are as much an important a part of society as they ever were, for bringing communities together. 

"I won't be a slave to the past. I'll love where I choose." 

— Thomas Hardy (The Mayor of Casterbridge)

The premiere of As-One theatre's Tinderbox was attended by Dorchester Town's Mayor and Mayoress, and by many other local residents and families. I was excited to see a large number of teenagers in the audience, as many theatre events I have attended recently have been largely attended by only the more senior members of the community. 

Involved in the opening of the show were members of of Stagecoach Dorchester and Dorset Youth Theatre, who then were able to watch the show from specially reserved seats at the front. I could see their faces whilst watching, and that for me was quite special. They were captivated and obviously truly inspired and entertained. 

Using carefully planned props, the cast were able to create a visual spectacle, that carried the audience through a contemporary version of the original Hans Christian Anderson tale. 

The use of clever puppetry, masks and inventive shadow theatre,  the talented performers under the guidance of the show's writer and director,  were able to create illusions that enabled the audience to be transported through the lifetime of the Tinderbox Princess, who was initially represented by a beautiful puppet, evolving into a living character.

Original music was written for the for the play, and was gently introduced as a re-occuring memorable theme through the production. Harmonised voice  in the main, with the accompaniment of two guitars and some cleverly timed rhythmic drumming. 

The show will now be on tour, the venues and dates that you can see a performance are listed on the As-One Theatre website. 

Did you see the show last night? What did you enjoy most? 

Here comes Tinderbox!

It has been a pleasure to support and work with As-One Theatre this autumn, advertising their forthcoming show, Tinderbox, and it's tour of many exciting venues in the South of England.

From early production ideas, costume and set design I have seen the enormous amount of commitment given to the show, that ensures that a high standard of live theatre is produced. 

Juggling family commitments, such as looking after young children while you are director of a show, is a challenge, as are many other aspects of busy life.  Jacqueline Avery, the shows writer and director is supported by a fabulous team, who,  under the enthusiastic and highly skilled producers eye,  Jane Mckell's wide experience blends  combined talent that is a recipe for an imaginative and exciting new production. 

Tinderbox premieres on Friday evening at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester. As-One Theatre has a history of powerful educational productions, and as in the past, involving education as part of the programme, the show will be performing at a number of local schools.

So many young children dream of taking to the stage, and young people in the area are inspired by seeing quality local theatre productions,  such as this one.
I would like to wish all the cast, musicians and other helpers, the very best wishes for a successful and happy tour.
I will be bringing you pictures and news from the show here on this blog. Please look at As-One Theatre's web site page for ticket information and like their Facebook page to get regular updates to your newsfeed.

If you are using other social media they can be contacted via Twitter @AsOneTheatre and Instagram AsOneTheatre