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Bringing Live Theatre, Workshops & Games to Children Aged 4 to 11 years for

Schools

Holiday Play Schemes

Educational Events

Children's Parties

Seasonal Functions

and much more...

Surrey, London &  South East

 

Updates from Don Brown

Dear All - With hopefully a glorious Summer spread out in front of us we look back upon another busy first half of the year and look forward to performances in unchartered territories in the summer months. After another series of successful tours at Christmas 2008 - about which I spoke in my last letter from the frontline - we said a sad farewell to Nicola Dawson (to whom we offer congratulations on her recent engagement) and welcomed back Rose Turner and Gemma Reid, fresh from their Christmas Shows, as they took over the bulk of our Spring and Summer school appearances.

As ever Spring Term was jam packed with Book Day bookings.  This is one of my favourite periods because invariably the school pupils we visit are dressed in special costumes depicting their favourite book characters.  As suspected "Around The World in Eighty Days" was a Big Hit followed closely by "Four Fairy Tales", "Greek Myths" and "Tales from Shakespeare".  We are now preparing for our annual week at Painshill Park, where this year we are presenting "The Adventures of Pinocchio".  For this production we welcome the exciting work of our new Designer, Jessica Kay.

In the meantime we look forward to our public presentations of "The Wind in The Willows" at Denbies Vineyard, near Dorking, on 27th May 2009 and at The Teddy Bears' Picnic, Chatley Semaphore Tower, Ockham, on 21st June 2009.

We are delighted to have been invited to present our version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Polesden Lacey, The National Trust property in Great Bookham, Surrey.  Our performance will be at 2.15pm just prior to the main production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Polesden's open air theatre on Saturday 18th July 2009.

Following the success of our production of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" at Lewis Carroll Library we were thrilled to be asked by Islington Library Services to present a series of productions at their local libraries between 29th July 2009 and 12th August 2009.

As you will see from our Special Events Page we are once again taking part in Richmond Arts Services "Larks in the Parks" with performances of "Four Fairy Tales" and "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" during August.

Lots to look forward to and I do hope that you can join us for one of these events.  Meanwhile bookings are coming in for Christmas and we are excited about a possible format change for Cat's Grin in the New Year - more about this next time !

 

Best Wishes

Don 

 

About the Actors for Schools

Don Brown

Name Don Brown
Position Artistic Director - Writer - Performer - Founder Member
About Performer Drama Diploma, Richmond Drama School; Degree in Drama with Education, University of Surrey. Has written for Television, Stage and Radio and performed with companies throughout the South-east in roles that include Antonio (The Merchant of Venice), Rawdon Crawley (Vanity Fair), Michael Bentine (Spike - also co-wrote), Alfred (Batman & Robin, the Last Re-run), The Cowardly Lion (The Wizard of Oz).  Don was very proud to play the title role in The Nomad Theatre's award winning production of Henry V, and Macbeth, the latter touring universities and theatres in Palestine.  In September 2007 Don played Oberon in The Rough Mechanicals' production of A Midsummer Nights' Dream at The Charles Cryer Studio, Carshalton, Surrey.  In August 2008 Don appeared at The Edinburgh Festival playing Saturninus in Titus Andronicus.  In February 2009 Don will be portrayed Astrov in Chekov's Uncle Vanya  at The Charles Cryer Studio.  Between 27th and 30th May 2009 Don will appear in Ben Elton's Popcorn  at Epsom Playhouse an Between 11th and 19th July he will be playing Oberon at Polesden Lacey Open Air Theatre.
Favourite Cat's Grin Character Ratty in The Wind in The Willows
Least liked Cat's Grin Character Hera, Queen of the Gods in Greek Myths & Legends

Rose Turner

Name Rose Turner
Position Performer - Workshop Leader
About Performer We are delighted to welcome Rose to The Cat's Grin Theatre Company.  Rose studied a BA in Theatre at Lancaster University, then moving to London to complete an MA in Performance Practices at Research at Central School of Speech and Drama. Since completing her MA Rose has worked with M&M Productions playing Susan and the White Queen in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and took on a producer role for Half-Wit's October production at the Blue Elephant Theatre. Rose's own work is somewhere between theatre, installation and live-art and she continues to work with various companies on a project basis.
Favourite Cat's Grin Character  

Name Amy Rhodes
Position Performer - Workshop Leader
About Performer

Amy Rhodes trained at Drama Centre London graduating with Distinction in 2008. Her training comprised of residencies at Shakespeare’s Globe and the Vakhtangov Institute, Moscow. Since graduating Amy has worked with Theatre Exchange, Head-2-Head, Funsense and Theatre Train performing Children’s Theatre and running workshops.  Amy’s professional theatre credits include: The Jam Tester (Hillcroft Gala at the Rose Theatre, Kingston), Philip (Tin Horse Theatre Company), The Valley (Tin Horse Theatre Company), Bardathon ’09As You Like It, Measure for Measure and Twelfth Night (Word of Mouth Media Productions) and Lady Julia (In the Lamplight)

Favourite Cat's Grin Character  
To be updated Name Sarah Jones
Position Performer - Workshop Leader
About Performer To be updated
Favourite Cat's Grin Character  

Gemma Reid

Name Gemma Reid
Position Performer - Workshop Leader
About Performer

We are delighted to welcome Gemma to The Cat's Grin Theatre Company.  Gemma completed a degree in Drama, Theatre and performance studies at Roehampton University, and then went on to take The Advanced Acting Diploma at the City Lit in Covent Garden. Highlights included playing Hermione in The Winters Tale and Antigone in Antigone. Since graduating this year Gemma has performed as a dancer and vocalist at Jon lee Bird’s Before Encore Exhibition at the Twentieth Century Theatre in Notting Hill, and has directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Wizard of Oz for varying Youth Arts groups in Epsom. Gemma is very excited about the Christmas tours and can’t wait to get into the schools!

Favourite Cat's Grin Character  

Nicole Thrower

Name Nicole Thrower
Position Performer - Workshop Leader
About Performer

Nicole has been working with Cats Grin since February 2008 and has a great passion for both performing and teaching drama within schools.  She trained at Exeter University and graduated with a BA (Hons) in drama in 2007.  Since finishing her degree, she has completed a months run of a Shakespeare production at the Edinburgh Festival and worked in Television.  She also has a great passion for playing the piano and modern dance.  She is very much looking forward to touring The Wizard of Oz and A Christmas Carol this Christmas!

Favourite Cat's Grin Character Toad in The Wind in The Willows
Least liked Cat's Grin Character  

Sally Jones

Name Sally Jones
Position Performer - Workshop Leader
About Performer Has appeared at Polesden Lacy Open Air Theatre, Leatherhead and Epsom Playhouse to name but a few.  Sally played Glinda The Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz  at Epsom Playhouse in October 2008.  Sally is directing Sweet Charity in June 2009 at The Leatherhead Theatre.
Favourite Cat's Grin Character Echo in Greek Myths & Legends and Munchkin Girl in The Wizard of Oz
Least liked Cat's Grin Character Queen Elizabeth I in Those Tudor Days & Knights!

Kelly Philpott

Name Kelly Philpott
Position Performer - Workshop Leader - Design.
About Performer  
Favourite Cat's Grin Character  
Least liked Cat's Grin Character  

About the Actors for Parties & Events

Name Don Brown
Position Artistic Director - Writer - Performer - Founder Member
About Performer See Above
Favourite Cat's Grin Character Ratty in The Wind in The Willows
Least liked Cat's Grin Character Hera, Queen of the Gods in Greek Myths & Legends

Kate Raye

Name Kate Raye
Position Performer - Workshop Leader - Birthday Party Co-ordinator
About Performer Kate has performed with The Nomad Theatre, The Epsom Players, The Rough Mechanicals Theatre Company and is currently studying drama at The Guilford School of Acting
Favourite Cat's Grin Character The Cow in  The Wizard of Oz
Least liked Cat's Grin Character Aladdin in The Amazing Adventures of Aladdin

Melanie-Anne Bellamy

Name Melanie-Anne Bellamy - Mel
Position Performer - Workshop Leader - Birthday Party Co-ordinator
About Performer National Diploma in Performing Arts; National Award in Technical Theatre; Guildhall Exam Grade 7 & 8: Also a member of Witley Pantomime Company.
Favourite Cat's Grin Character Camel in Aesop's Fables
Least liked Cat's Grin Character Goldilocks in Three Favourite Tales
 
About the Actors for Christmas Shows Update for Christmas 2009 Performers Soon

Morag Sims

Name Morag Sims
Position Performer in The Wizard of Oz / A Christmas Carol / Goldilocks & The Cat's Grin Christmas Sing-Along.
About Performer Morag has just graduated from A L R A with a First Class Degree in Acting. Whilst at ALRA she played Heidi in The Heidi Chronicles, Dora/Mademoiselle/Mother in Daisy Pulls It Off, Juno in Tales from Ovid, Juliet in Romeo & Juliet and Mrs Wire in The Lady of Larkspur Lotion. She was also nominated for the 2009 Spotlight Prize. She is one of the two founders of the Obsessive Compulsive Theatre Company (O C Theatre).
Favourite Cat's Grin Character  

Katy Federman

Name Katy Federman
Position Performer in Robin Hood & The Quest For Christmas / Goldilocks & The Cat's Grin Christmas Sing-Along.
About Performer Katy is delighted to be doing her first professional tour with 'The Cat's Grin Theatre Company'.  Since graduating from Drama Studio London in the Summer of this year she has been busy filming, working in Forum Theatre, being a Drama Workshop Leader & rehearsing with The Cat's Grin Company.  In the New Year, Katy looks forward to shooting her first feature film & making her London debut in a production of Harold Pinter's 'Betrayal' in the role of Emma.  Katy loves sharing the world of drama with children & hopes that the audiences enjoy 'Robin Hood & The Quest for Christmas' as much as the company have enjoyed creating it.  She would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Favourite Cat's Grin Character  

Helen Foster

Name Helen Foster
Position Performer in Robin Hood & The Quest for Christmas / Goldilocks & The Cat's Grin Christmas Sing-Along.
About Performer Helen graduated from the University of Plymouth in 2006 with a degree in Theatre and Performance and trained as an actor at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. There she played a variety of roles including Nora Helmer in 'A Doll's House', Angeline Sauve in 'Guid Sisters', Isobel Glass in 'The Secret Rapture' and Apemanta in 'Timon of Athens'. Professional work includes feature film 'Blood' and a role as Mopsa in an Open Air production of Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale. Helen is extremely excited to be a part of The Cats-Grin Company this Christmas and looks forward to touring as Maid Marian in Robin Hood and the Quest for Christmas!
Favourite Cat's Grin Character  

Katherine Shirley

Name Katherine Shirley
Position Performer in Robin Hood & The Quest for Christmas / Goldilocks & The Cat's Grin Christmas Sing-Along.
About Performer

Katherine graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with a PGDip in Musical Theatre.  Past roles include: Buttons, Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming in Cinderella (Tickled Pink Productions), Viper in Zephyrus Dreams (dir. Darren Goad), Natella, Corporal and Mother-in-law in Caucasian Chalk Circle (Breaking Even Productions).  TV and film: Chorus in The Magic Flute (dir. Kenneth Branagh), and Priscilla in The Immigrants (ESP Productions for Sky).

Favourite Cat's Grin Character  

Tom Franck

Name Tom Franck
Position Performer in Robin Hood & The Quest for Christmas / Goldilocks & The Cat's Grin Christmas Sing-Along.
About Performer

Tom  has worked in many children’s theatre companies, including:  M&M Theatrical Productions, where he progressed to the position of Tour Manager. His many productions include Alice in Wonderland, Oliver, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe, The Wizard of Oz and CinderellaTom worked for Impact Theatre Company playing Jim in Higher Education 4 All;  for Dream Team Theatre Company playing Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk; for Blackfriars Theatre as Tommy Tickle in Puss in Boots;  and for In The Wings playing The Nutcracker in Clara & The Nutcracker and Prince Roldan in The Little MermaidTom appeared in a short film, Kitty Litter and in an internet advert Fosters Laidback Legends.  Tom is proud to have directed and produced his own play Memories of a Tortured MindTom recently graduated from Arts Educational School with his post graduate MA in Acting. He is really looking forward to joining The Cat’s Grin this Christmas, performing as the Sheriff of Nottingham in this years production of Robin Hood & The Quest for Christmas.

Favourite Cat's Grin Character  

Hannah Birkin

Name Hannah Birkin
Position Performer in The Wizard of Oz / A Christmas Carol / Goldilocks & The Cat's Grin Christmas Sing-Along.
About Performer

Hannah recently toured nationally with Birmingham Stage Company’s Why The Whales Came. Her previous credits include; The Prosecution in School History Scene’s Hitler on Trial, Serena Love in The Doctor’s Show, Magic Carpet in Aladdin at the West Wing, Slough and Granny and Kikanbo in Kensuke’s Kingdom with Birmingham Stage Company. Hannah has also worked extensively with Tight Fit Theatre Company, playing amongst other roles Juliet, Lady Macbeth and Cordelia/Fool in Shakespeare performances, Antigone in Phoenician Women and Raymond in Blue Remembered Hills at The Wycombe Swan and The Broadway Theatre Catford.

Favourite Cat's Grin Character  

Kimberley Eyles

Name Kim Eyles
Position Performer in The Wizard of Oz / A Christmas Carol / Goldilocks & The Cat's Grin Christmas Sing-Along.
About Performer Kimberley graduated from Guildford School of Acting on the three year Acting course in 2008. Whilst training she played Girl in Harold Pinter’s A Night OutEmmott Sydall in Roses of Eyam, and Brooke in Noises Off. She was also an original member of GSA Dancers. Before attending drama school she was a member of Bath Operatic Drama Society and performed in many musicals including Mary in Jesus Christ SuperstarShe then went on to study Performing Arts at City of Bath College. During this time she had a featured role in the Channel 4 television series Monarchy. Since graduating she has filmed a short film, playing the Ballerina in The Lift and performed as the Dad in The Grinch. Most recently Kimberley performed in Macbeth where she played several different characters. Kimberley is a regular dance, singing and drama teacher for Stagecoach and various theatre companies. Kimberley is really looking forward to touring A Christmas Carol and The Wizard of Oz this Christmas.
Favourite Cat's Grin Character Ooh I think my favourite character is the Cow in The Wizard of Oz, though I love playing Dorothy.

Aideen McCartney

Name Aideen McCartney
Position Performer in The Adventures of Pinocchio / Goldilocks & The Cat's Grin Christmas Sing-Along.
About Performer

Aideen is an actor and singer who has recently moved to London from Australia. She studied Theatre at the Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane, Australia) and in 2006 completed a Physical Theatre Internship with Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre. Aideen was a Company member of Zen Zen Zo from 2006-2007 where she performed in Dracula (2007), Romeo & Juliet (2007), Where The Waves Crash (2007), Sub-Con Warrior 1 (2006) and The Odyssey (2004). Other acting credits include Shadow Thief and The Little Dragon (2004-2005) and Twelve Animals (2007-2008) for LATT Children’s Theatre, South Korea, Toast (2003), The Lesson (2004), Hot Mikado (2003), Jesus Christ Superstar (2002). In 2007 Aideen performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where she appeared in the award winning six women standing in front of a white wall for Little Dove Theatre Art and performed with singer Amanda Palmer at the Spiegeltent.

Favourite Cat's Grin Character  

Laura Summers

Name Laura Summers
Position Performer in The Adventures of Pinocchio / Goldilocks & The Cat's Grin Christmas Sing-Along.
About Performer Laura completed her acting training at Trinity College Carmarthen last year, where she also had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester at CalState Fullerton, Los Angeles. During her training in Los Angeles Laura performed as Gail in ‘The Man Who Couldn’t Dance’ at The Arena Theatre, Los Angeles. Since graduating, Laura has performed with Troubadour productions in ‘A Wonderful Christmas Time’ and ‘Come to the Easter Parade’ and with Tickled Pink Productions in ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘The Good Old Days’. Laura is very much looking forward to touring The Adventures of Pinocchio this Christmas, and has her work cut out playing 10 different characters!
Favourite Cat's Grin Character Laura's favourite being the Fox.

Chloe Van Harding

Name Chloe Van Harding
Position Performer in The Adventures of Pinocchio / Goldilocks & The Cat's Grin Christmas Sing-Along.
About Performer
Chloe went to Queen Mary's College. She gained a L A M D A Gold Medal in Acting also attended RADA Shakespeare Acting Intensive.  Chloe's recent Theatre Credits include Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Darcy Spice in Heathen Harvest and Kate in The Gut Girls. She had appeared in Nowhere Boy: And is currently in post production of Patrol Men.
 
Favourite Cat's Grin Character  
 

The Cat's Grin Theatre Company

1, Woodland Studios

Brook Willow Farm

Woodlands Road

Leatherhead

Surrey KT22 0AN

Tel: 01372 844 144    Mob: 07803 013367

Email: thecatsgrin@btconnect.com

Web: www.cats-grin.co.uk

The Cat's Grin has been very kindly supported by The RC Sherriff Trust at Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.  And we can recommend Magic Motif who embroider all our fleeces and sweatshirts.

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