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Reviews for our shows and workshops: (Please select) 

‘The Three Penny Opera 2009 - 2010 (Bertolt Brecht) 


The Threepenny Opera 2009 - 2010 (Bertolt Brecht)
 
 'The performance was simply outstanding! The best touring theatre performance I have ever seen. The actors were truly engaging and their energy captured my student’s attention and sparked their imagination. The performance left both students and staff buzzing. It has been the talk of the school’
(Chaucer Business and Enterprise College)
 
'6 weeks worth of lessons served up in 2 hours!’
(Aldenham School)
 
'Amazing. The Q&A was very helpful. I have had this company for 5 years and they never fail to impress. The show was funny, entertaining and understandable. My students were very impressed and enthused about Brecht. Thankyou.’
(Bullers Wood School)
 
 'Exceptionally good. All students were engaged and were buzzing from the experience. Lots of ideas to pinch!'
(St Annes Academy)
 
'Excellent company. Very professional and co-operative.’
(Stantonbury Campus Theatre)
 
'My students loved the performance and workshop and want to do it as their next school production. Thankyou!’
(Aylesbury High School)
 
'The company were charming and the performance amazing. The Q&A session at the end was extremely helpful. We loved it, thankyou.’
(Woodroffe School)
 
'The show and workshop were an excellent, comprehensive introduction for my AS students to Brecht. The loved the gestic acting which was made so clear to them. Same time next year?'
(Scarborough Sixth Form College)
 
'A fantastic performance and very energetic piece of work that not only demonstrated the great characteristics of Brecht but also showed students how to perform with verve and pace.'
(Gosforth High School)
 
'Once again a fabulous experience for the students, many thanks.'
(Winstanley College)

Dr Faustus - Performance Workshop (Christopher Marlow)

'I thought the Total Theatre experience of the Artaud section taught them more about his style of theatre in 10 minutes than you can convey in several lessons. As ever, a thoroughly professional, engaging and useful approach.’
(King Edward VI School)

'This was an excellent learning experience that challenged the pupils and moved their work forward. It is very hard to get pupils to grasp how differently a text can be interpreted. They now fully understand this and refer to the performance and workshop in their work.’
(Kennet School)

 
'It was an excellent and unique experience that the students will certainly not forget.’
(Gateacre Community College)
 
‘The whole experience was excellent for our students. The Faustus performance/workshop inspired A2 students who were employing ideas straightaway into their devised pieces. It made Artaud really clear for me, like an inset.’
(Scarborough Sixth Form College)
 
'All three performers were excellent, showing the extremes of the three styles that students need to take on board. It was a really good idea to begin with the extremes of Artaud in order to take the students away from their daily routine and the Berkoff section in particular was incredibly inventive. The workshop was well placed and Richard's style excellent - clear instructions, strong demonstration and absolute certainty that students would follow. The feedback from the day was incredibly positive. Thanks!'
(Yarm School)
 
'Thankyou so much. This was a brilliant introduction to Edexcell's Unit 4 exam where students have to imagine they are a director of Dr Faustus and design a concept etc. It exceeded my expectations as the performances were of a very high quality, clear, succinct and concise. I was amazed at how many teaching points you made in one hour in such an effective, dynamic and exciting way. I was really impressed by the focus and commitment of the actors and their friendly, professional manner. They were really adaptable to the space provided. Thankyou very much and let me know what you do next.'
(Heathfield Community College)

 The Exception and the Rule (Bertolt Brecht)
 
'A superb performance which demonstrated Brechtian techniques brilliantly.'
(Urmston Grammar School)
 
'We were really impressed. Perfect length for performance - entertaining,
interesting and educational.'
(Clacton County High School)

‘Having a professional theatre group perform in our drama studio felt very special indeed. As teachers, we wanted our students to have a good introduction to Brecht to help with their AS Drama and Theatre Studies course. The quality of the performance surpassed expectations, with the talented actors demonstrating how entertaining, energetic and visual Brecht’s very wordy and instructive play could be.

The minimalist set, versatile props, extensive use of placards and the entertaining involvement of the audience with songs and a chase scene, effectively clarified for the audience Brecht’s approach whilst being really funny. The day proved to be a truly memorable and valuable experience for everyone. We hope to invite the company back next year to repeat the event with their next touring production.’
(Scarborough 6th Form College)

‘Engaging, entertaining and thought provoking.’
(Yateley School)

'The year 13’s said it was the best production they have seen. Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration for our students.’
(John of Gaunt School)

'Slick and appealing to students. Clear indication of Brechtian techniques.’
(Lancaster Girls Grammar School)
 
'We thought it was great. it clearly demonstrated 'gestus' and political theatre.'
(Kingswood School)
 
'Outstanding performance and workshop which enthused the students and took their understanding of Brecht to a higher level.'
(Julie Bannister - Aldenham School)
 
'Yet another exciting, highly physical and dynamic performance.'
(Wycombe High School)
 
'The production has clarified students understanding of Brecht. I feel confident it will help greatly with their exams.'
(Woodhouse Grove School)
 
'The performers really gave their all. It was alive, dynamic and full of Brechtian techniques and concepts.'
(Forest Hill School)
 
'Thankyou so much. As always, a very high standard.'
(JFS)
 
'Thoroughly engaging, excellent demonstration of Brechtian techniques and a very valuable and informative Q&A Session.'
(King Edward VI School)
 
'Fantastic again ! The four classes learnt so much and thoroughly enjoyed the performance.'
(Dame Alice Owens School)
 
'Fabulous! Really enjoyable and so beneficial to the students - Thankyou !
(Runshaw College)
 
'Very informative, brought 'Brecht alive!' Very professional and actors had fantastic rapport with all students. Thankyou.'
(St Joseph's College)
 
'It was perfect, totally outstanding. Highly skilled performers !'
(Chesham Park)
 
'A very clear and energetic example of the Brechtian style - truly inspired my students.'
(South Wilts Grammar School)
 
'The pupils all really enjoyed it and the booklets are fantastic. They couldn't thank you enough for them.' 
(Edgbarrow School)
 
'Students said it was the best Brechtian performance they had seen and thoroughly enjoyed it.'
(Highdown School)
 
'Excellent use of performance skills. Excellent, excellent !'
(Bournemouth School for Girls)
 
'This was a thoroughly entertaining performance which maintained the interest of our students entirely and made Brecht's conventions very easy to spot.'
(Sudbury Upper School)
 

Fear and Misery of the Third Reich (Bertolt Brecht)

‘Great to see Brecht being really brought to life in a vivid and entertaining way. All the elements of epic theatre are there - Gestus, V-effekt, Montage, placards etc – but involved organically, not signposted. Clear enough for the students to pick it up and identify, but not overtly signalled to detract from the production as a whole. Delivering quality small scale theatre as Brecht would have it – thought-provoking, demanding, stripped bare and confrontational, yes, but also celebrating the medium of theatre in a lively, bright and witty performance. Terrific. Well done.
(S.M. Marlowe - Eastbourne College)

'It was extremely Brechtian which was great ! Excellent teacher's pack too.'
(Royal Latin School)

'The students thoroughly enjoyed the performance and were instantly able to see all the Brechtian techniques come alive.'
(Havant College)

'Excellent. You engaged the students with both a difficult text and techniques which are often hard for them to grasp. Well done and thank you.'
(Helenswood School - Hastings)

'A fantastic, high energy performance.'
(Moprpeth School - Bethnal Green)

'A very exciting, energetic and effective performance, followed by an enjoyable and valuable workshop.'
(Chris Gill - Wycombe High School)

'The pupils will benefit enormously from watching very talented professionals at work'
(Bishopshalt School)

'Really excellent experience for all the students and also worked as a good INSET for us teachers on Brecht'
(Queen Mary's College)

The performance clearly countered the criticism sometimes made of Epic Theatre that it lacks the intensity and emotional energy of naturalism. I was exhausted just watching your energy levels !'
(St Swithuns School)

'Very professional, slick and polished.'
(Scarborough College)

'Fantastically useful for the year 13's. Actors very willing to chat to them also. A friendly and professional cast.'
(Bulmershe School)

'The themes of war and class in Brechtian theatre were highlighted brilliantly.'
(Wycombe High School)

‘An excellent example of Brecht’s theories in practise’
(Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School)

‘Brecht is no longer feared by my students.'
(Carol Ralfe, ‘The Royal School)

‘It was good to have such a great teaching resource. An exemplary performance’
(Millfield School, Somerset)

‘I liked the bit when we all got dusted. The way she came into the audience to clean up and when they made Charlotte be the pig was really funny but also brought us into the whole thing and made us concentrate’
(Student, Eastbourne College)

‘Professional, powerful and polished’
(Alan Lindsay, AST , Head of Drama, Highdown School)

‘Super. My students were gripped, sucked in and they loved it…I’m delighted. Thankyou.’
(Lucy Somners, Trinity School, Kent)


Man Equals Man (Bertolt Brecht)

'An energetic, enjoyable, yet educational performance that utilised Brechtian devices tremendously.’
(Woodhouse Grove School)

'We really loved your production, as did the students and visiting schools. You create a wonderful sense of spass and are a truly unique company.'
(Ridings Art Centre)

'An excellent production that was incredibly beneficial to the students with their exam requirements.’
(Farnborough Hill School)

'A really excellent and accessible piece of Brechtian theatre. Many thanks.’
(Westwood Girls High School)

'Fantastic production and performance skills. We loved the interaction with the projected images. Keep ‘em coming !'
(South Wirral High School)

'It was amazing. Exceptionally technical and supports students understanding of ‘Ensemble’ theatre presentation.’
(Chesham Park Community College)

'Well performed and focused on the needs of the students.’
(Ravenswood School)

'Wonderful! A strong, poignant performance.’
(Royal Latin School)

'Incredibly useful for illustrating Brechtian theory and practice, plus exemplifying commitment to a performance and audience.’
(Tonbridge EM Forster Theatre)


The Good Person of Szechwan (Bertolt Brecht)

‘An excellent company – Professional, well organised, touring a production that has been specifically geared to the requirements of Theatre Studies students’
(Chris Gill – Wycombe High School)

‘Your dedication and total engagement in all aspects of your work is genuinely superb. The sixth formers were hugely impressed by your energy and intense physicality. They found your humour and character ‘demonstrations’ utterly arresting. A tremendous use of Brecthian technique – an object lesson in how to approach him.’
(Jo Murphy – Bedales School)

‘The students found the performance both entertaining and very helpful with reinforcing Brechtian techniques and practise.’
(Stantonbury Campus Theatre)

‘A superb performance which ticked all the exam requirement boxes perfectly! Our students were entertained, educated and made to think! An A-Level theatre studies teacher’s dream!’
(Stonyhurst College)

‘Excellent production, thank you!. It is great to see a company showing ‘real drama.’
(Richard Smith – Friends School)

‘Excellent feedback from the students (the people that matter!) they are asking when you will be back!’
(Graham Hamlyn - Prior Pursglove College)

‘Excellent, truly ‘Brechtian’ and helped staff and students alike.’
(South Wirral High School)

‘We felt so thrilled to have such a fantastic performance.’
(JFS)

‘It was excellent and demonstrated everything needed to help my students create their own Brechtian pieces for coursework.’
(Test Valley School)

‘Excellent. You provide an invaluable resource for students struggling to cope with the idea of Gestic acting. Superior to most attempts at Brecht I have encountered.’
(Kennett School)

‘Engaging performances. The students loved it when the actors were amongst them.’
(Peacehaven Community School)

‘Really well directed – the production flowed and held together brilliantly. Lovely diversity with puppets, costumes and projections.’
(Dominique Neville – Strodes College)

‘The use of gestic acting and highlighting the dialectical alternative was very useful for students.’
(Barton Peveril College)

‘The students were highly impressed by the standard of acting brought to their own theatre.’
(Seevic College)

‘The directing and overall concept was superb. We loved how you used the masks and projector screen. The Gods were hilarious! We also really appreciated how you were so enthusiastic and energetic, despite early mornings, long drives and hectic conditions!.’
(Crookhorn College)

‘Exceptionally slick and professional and taken at a breakneck pace. As clear and entertaining as I’ve ever seen Brecht done. I have ever worked with a theatre company so organised. Smooth as silk and tremendously valuable.’
(Jerry Strachan - St Edwards)

‘Wonderful use of puppets, video and props –not to mention the fantastic versatility and professionalism of the cast- fantastic!.’
(Dr Challoners School)

‘The students found the performance dynamic and inspirational.’
(Royal Grammar School)

‘The company are skilled practitioners with real energy, drive, enthusiasm and commitment. They know their Brecht thoroughly and take real joy in conveying his ideas to their audience. They were inspirational and the audience entranced.’
(Judith Corp - Weald of Kent)


The Threepenny Opera 2005 (Bertolt Brecht)

'Scene Productions visited the college theatre for the third time in a year with a five handed interpretation of Brecht’s Threepenny opera that was at once surprising, imaginative, enthralling and entertaining. That an audience drawn from all age groups and disciplines were so loudly appreciative at the curtain call was a tribute to an extraordinarily hard working company with whom the College is building a strong working relationship.'
(Tim Marriott - Eastbourne College)

‘This company is what every theatre studies teacher has been looking for – dynamic, disciplined, creative – they have really helped the penny drop for our students.’
(Simon Miller – Clifton College)

‘It brought about a thorough appreciation of Brecht’s techniques and production ideas. Great fun ! The students loved the production.’
(John Flanagan – Greenacre School for Girls)

‘The cast were energetic, professional, engaging, dynamic, accessible and the performance was just superb and had our kids rolling in the aisles.’
(Emma O’Prey – Victoria College, Jersey – Quote taken from drama_uk@yahoogroups.com )

‘SUPERB demonstration of Gestus, use of mask and character doubling.’
(Ishil Morrell – Ravensbourne School)

‘What was particularly useful was the fact that the Brechtian approach was very thorough and sustained throughout the performance.’
(Joe Omar – George Abbott School)

‘We loved it – fun, funny, sexy – yet all my students could see the Brechtian elements needed for their exam. They seemed surprised it was so accessible, not dry but entertaining.’
(Rebecca Gunning – Langley park Girls School)

‘Very well done, very energetic, very polished. Incredibly suitable and enthralled our year 10’s, 11’s, 12’s and 13’s.
(Gareth Davis – Bishop Ullathorne School)

‘We really loved the high energy. The students loved the audience interaction, set, costumes, placards. Excellent gestic style.’
(Sandra Pete – Croham Hurst School)

'Excellent, stimulating, fast paced, ideally suited and dynamic with a lively engagement of the audience.'
(Mike Patterson - Royal Grammar School, Guildford)

'Thank you so much for your hard work, enthusiasm and polished professionalism - useful, memorable and thoroughly enjoyable.'
(Zorica Bowie - Dr Challoners High School)

'Thoroughly enjoyable, making some of the difficult concepts very accessible.'
(The Green School)

'Excellent, it was pitched at exactly the right level for the girls and the right length.'
(Westwood High School)

'High energy, clear gestic acting. My students loved it. 'We want to act like that' was a typical comment.'
(Fiona Bandale - Townley Grammar School)

'The show was hilarious! The actors kept my attention throughout. I had so much fun and loved the audience interraction.'
(Student - Townley Grammar)

'The performance of 'Threepenny Opera' was fantastic and really entertaining. It helped me with my work on Brecht as I can now relate his theory to a performance.'
(Student - Townley Grammar)

'As always, a totally committed and energetic cast inspires our girls - Thankyou.'
(Royal School)

'An astonishing and compelling exhibition of gestic acting ! Thanks.'
(Liz Johnson - John of Gaunt School)

'This was very helpful. The style of the performance really brought Brecht's theories to life for the students. Thankyou for the question session at the end. it is extremely important for students to meet actors and to have a more realistic view of the career paths on offer. Thankyou.'
(Southfields Community College)

'It was outstanding - a very intelligent interpretation of 'The Threepenny Opera.' So many techniques delivered.'
(Chesham Park Community College)

'The students found the performance highly enjoyable and the accompanying notes invaluable.'
(Sir William Perkins School)

‘The performance was engaging for all ability students. Our hearing impaired students were engaged more than they have ever been at the theatre as the use of gestic acting and precise skills enabled them to completely engage in the theme and flow of the piece.’
(Darrick Wood School)


‘Our Country’s Good’ (Timberlake Wertenbaker)
Workshop and performed scenes.


‘The cast showed genuine enthusiasm for the text. Their explanations were clear and their performances superb.’
(Waingel’s Copse College)

‘An enthralling and educational workshop, which was made all the more accessible by the humour and high level of energy of the two actors!’
(Maria Robertson – Didcot Girls’ School)

‘It was brilliant, daring – just what they needed to see.’
(Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School)

‘Really superb day. Students got so much out of it and really enjoyed it.’
(Queen Mary’s College)

‘Assured performances – clearly defined outcomes. Well done!’
(Lancaster Girls Grammar School)


Workshops
 
'I just wanted say a massive THANK YOU for the Godber workshop today.  I thought it was absolutely superb.  You gave the kids so many great ideas and I know they really enjoyed it.  I am very excited about their production and am very grateful for all the inspiration you provided.  I would not hesitate in recommending you.'
(Darrick Wood School)

‘The best workshop we have had this year, by a long way ! It went down incredibly well and was great in terms of pitch, pace and animation, thankyou !
(Croydon High School)
 
‘The students and teachers really enjoyed the workshop. The information on Brecht was clear and well explained. The activities were informative and enjoyable.’
(Hilbre High School)

‘The performance was energetic, visually powerful, well structured and thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks so much, I feel we’ve all gained immensely seeing the performance and the workshop was totally engaging and a valuable teaching resource. Actors who can teach so well are very rare indeed.’
(Jane Davenport - Upton Hall School)

‘A fantastic day, My lessons on Stan constantly refer back to the students experiences in your workshops.’
(Graham Hamlyn – Prior Pursglove College)

'I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. The leader was full of energy and really bubbly which made us feel at ease and the experience more enjoyable. I especially enjoyed when we walked around building the gestic character of 'Mack The Knife'. I now feel that I can confidently answer an exam question on Brecht.'
(Student -Townley Grammar)

'This was a fantastic experience for all of the girls. The workshop was positive, focussed and purposeful. Very valuable.'
(St Marys School - Gerrards Cross)

‘Exceptional performance skills. Very valuable educational experience for the students. Very impressed with the workshop - the students gained so much insight into Brecht’s theatrical theory and practise’
(Chesham Park Community College)

‘Workshop ‘Superb,’ ‘Very specific.’ I thought the whole event was terrific. Come back any time.’
(Gordon Scammell King Edward VI Grammar School)

The teacher’s pack is a superb resource that became the focal point of much of our preparation for the Brecht question.’
(Uppingham School)

‘Direct, explicit example of Brechtian techniques that are easily translated into essay writing.’
(Desborough School)  

‘The teaching in the workshops was excellent. Brecht’s ideas and methods were delivered with clarity and made instantly accessible with students quickly producing dynamic work. Student feedback was extremely positive. One student, Callum Topham, remarked, “It was entertaining, inspirational and informative and it enabled me to explore a new type of acting.”
(Scarborough 6th Form College)

 ‘Thanks again for great entertainment and clearly defined and signaled Brechtian features.’
(Farmors School)
 
‘The power and focus of the workshop engaged our students in a way I have never seen before! They produced excellent work which was visually and emotionally gripping. Thank you.’
(Urmston Grammar School)

'Academic and informed workshop which really helped the Year 12&13's understand the true nature of Epic Theatre.
(Dame Alice Owens' School)

The workshops you have on offer are excellent. A very diverse range that incorporates everything a sixth form drama student needs to tackle the practical and exam elements of the syllabus. Thanks for a great day !'
(Haileybury School)


Work experience

'Working with the company was an incredible experience. I got to see the making of a whole production from first rehearsal to finished product. I was involved practically from the start and am now certain that this is the path I want to take. I am so grateful for the warm welcome I received along with constant support, encouragement and cups of tea.'
(Katie Dean - Winstanley College, Wigan)
 
Student Feedback

Dear Scene Productions
 
On Friday 27th November 09 I sat down to watch your production of Threepenny Opera with my drama group. We are currently basing our scripted piece around Brecht so thought it would be much to our advantage if we watched your play. As well as in the long term we will be studying Threepenny Opera next year.
 
Having seen quite a few performances over the last few months I expected yours to be average and like every other performance we see at our school, good but lacking the 'wow' factor. But I can speak for all the audience that were present on Friday when I say your show will stay with us for a very long time. We just can't stop talking about it!
 
As soon as we entered the hall there was a buzz to the atmosphere you had made and when you started the performance, I think we were all taken aback by how much energy and skill you put into it. I could not take my eyes off you all and felt if I did I would miss something, or one of your many amazing facial expressions. After discussing it with the group we agreed we had been utterly inspired by your performance and felt a whole new motivation for what we were doing. We now know and understand more how Brecht wanted it to be, in terms of things like facial expressions, huge actions, the characters and the scenery.
 
Thankyou so much for coming. It was a wonderful experience and I do hope you visit us again.
 
Yours Sincerely Pollyanna Johnson (Friends School)

 
© Scene Productions 2009