directors note
4th February 2025
Not much to report this week. We spent the session looking through the dates and times for the workshops coming up for UH and Queen Mary. Looking at the sheet it’s incredible to see how much in demand the company is. Going back, only a few years, we were doing maybe 1-2 workshops a year for UH and Roehamptom, now we’re up to at least 23 workshops each year! This is an incredible achievement for the company who have put a lot of hard work and energy in to building a strong working relationship with the universities. Thanks definitely has to go to Laura, Kinga and Karen for coming back to us each year and Maria from Queen Mary University. Let’s not forget the psychology course that brings us in each year too for a whole day of training with the doctorate students. As I mentioned before, we do thoroughly enjoy the work and always look forward to the laughter, challenges, discussion and insight that the workshops bring to the fore of the learning experience.
This year we are also happy to add the paramedics in to our programme. We met with a lovely chap called James this week who is keen for our involvement in a couple of months time. We’re at the design stage, putting together ideas for 3-4 scenarios to help with the paramedic’s training. All very exciting stuff.
GM
Not much to report this week. We spent the session looking through the dates and times for the workshops coming up for UH and Queen Mary. Looking at the sheet it’s incredible to see how much in demand the company is. Going back, only a few years, we were doing maybe 1-2 workshops a year for UH and Roehamptom, now we’re up to at least 23 workshops each year! This is an incredible achievement for the company who have put a lot of hard work and energy in to building a strong working relationship with the universities. Thanks definitely has to go to Laura, Kinga and Karen for coming back to us each year and Maria from Queen Mary University. Let’s not forget the psychology course that brings us in each year too for a whole day of training with the doctorate students. As I mentioned before, we do thoroughly enjoy the work and always look forward to the laughter, challenges, discussion and insight that the workshops bring to the fore of the learning experience.
This year we are also happy to add the paramedics in to our programme. We met with a lovely chap called James this week who is keen for our involvement in a couple of months time. We’re at the design stage, putting together ideas for 3-4 scenarios to help with the paramedic’s training. All very exciting stuff.
GM
directors note
|
28th January 2025
This week we continued to focus on the new show. As seems the case with this particular one, it has changed again. I can appreciate this process gets frustrating for the cast because of its ever-changing nature; that said, what emerged this week was a very powerful, silent, piece of theatre where you can sense the visceral nature of depression and anxiety. Chapeau for the cast for going there with it! We are rapidly approaching workshop season, so for the next two weeks we will be concentrating on rehearsing the workshops for UH and Queen Mary University. As mentioned before, these are hard work but also tremendous fun. We start on the 24/2/25 with our final one being the 4/7/25. Of course, there are breaks in between, but still…it’s always full gas ahead!! GM |
directors note - and a belated happy new year!!

14th-21st January 2025
A Belated Happy New Year to one and all! We hope you all manged to have a decent break over the festive period; it’s good to be back. Inevitably the first couple of rehearsals focused on getting ourselves up to speed with workshop requests and refreshing our memories of the new piece we are working on. Already we are booked up from February to June with workshops for UH. Each year we are invited in for the Adult Nursing and Mental Health nursing courses, something we thoroughly enjoy doing. We also have Queen Mary University booked in for March and a meeting planned with the paramedics at UH to see if we can be of help there too. It’s a very busy start to the year and I am thankful, as always, that the company wants to dig-in and offer their services in the name of education.
The new show is moving slowly in the right direction. It’s hard to convey how different the style of this new piece is, and how much more technical it is in terms of movement and symbolism than we have tried before. Fragments comes close in its episodic nature and cameo natured scenes but is still some way of the physicality of the new show. I think it will also be the shortest in length (30 minutes), tailored for educational settings as opposed to more open venues. It’s a big challenge for us and we have tentatively set September ’25 as a completion date for performance. Let’s see though. There is no rush, and we all agree it has to meet the standard of all our previous work before it sees the light of day!
Happy New Year, Gerald.
A Belated Happy New Year to one and all! We hope you all manged to have a decent break over the festive period; it’s good to be back. Inevitably the first couple of rehearsals focused on getting ourselves up to speed with workshop requests and refreshing our memories of the new piece we are working on. Already we are booked up from February to June with workshops for UH. Each year we are invited in for the Adult Nursing and Mental Health nursing courses, something we thoroughly enjoy doing. We also have Queen Mary University booked in for March and a meeting planned with the paramedics at UH to see if we can be of help there too. It’s a very busy start to the year and I am thankful, as always, that the company wants to dig-in and offer their services in the name of education.
The new show is moving slowly in the right direction. It’s hard to convey how different the style of this new piece is, and how much more technical it is in terms of movement and symbolism than we have tried before. Fragments comes close in its episodic nature and cameo natured scenes but is still some way of the physicality of the new show. I think it will also be the shortest in length (30 minutes), tailored for educational settings as opposed to more open venues. It’s a big challenge for us and we have tentatively set September ’25 as a completion date for performance. Let’s see though. There is no rush, and we all agree it has to meet the standard of all our previous work before it sees the light of day!
Happy New Year, Gerald.
DIRECTORS NOTE

26th November-3rd December 2024
The last couple of weeks have been focusing on the new show. It does now feel as though we have a footing into the piece which has enabled us to see a way forward with it. It continues to be quite abstract and a little absurd which feels good as it is a bit of a departure from our usual style, as I have mentioned before. This week group members picked out their chain weight….I’ll say no more, for fear of ruining the surprise! What I do appreciate from the company is the acceptance of the new piece’s physicality. I think it will enable the audience to understand the more visceral nature of mental illness, that it’s not just something occupying us psychologically but something which is also felt, comprehensively, through the body.
It was also nice of Kerry to bring in a prop used by Rob: the Sombrero, which Kerry had painstakingly cleaned and shaped so that it looked vibrant and colourful; a lovely reminder of Rob’s personality in the rehearsal space and in performance. And, as a fitting tribute to Rob, it would be great to feature this in the forthcoming plays and workshops as a ‘knowing-nod’ to him and all that he contributed over the years.
GM
The last couple of weeks have been focusing on the new show. It does now feel as though we have a footing into the piece which has enabled us to see a way forward with it. It continues to be quite abstract and a little absurd which feels good as it is a bit of a departure from our usual style, as I have mentioned before. This week group members picked out their chain weight….I’ll say no more, for fear of ruining the surprise! What I do appreciate from the company is the acceptance of the new piece’s physicality. I think it will enable the audience to understand the more visceral nature of mental illness, that it’s not just something occupying us psychologically but something which is also felt, comprehensively, through the body.
It was also nice of Kerry to bring in a prop used by Rob: the Sombrero, which Kerry had painstakingly cleaned and shaped so that it looked vibrant and colourful; a lovely reminder of Rob’s personality in the rehearsal space and in performance. And, as a fitting tribute to Rob, it would be great to feature this in the forthcoming plays and workshops as a ‘knowing-nod’ to him and all that he contributed over the years.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
19th November 2024
This week we concentrated on the opening of the new piece. We took time to hotseat the main character Dane and grill him about various narratives that he seemed to be less than truthful about! As always, these exercises are a real test for the actor, who has to think on the spot not only what to say, but also to be consistent with the narrative as well as exploit the few threads we have in terms of the existing story. We then spent a little time with the opening sequence. What seemed very apt is the initial action takes place on the floor which feels fitting, as depression and anxiety et al often ‘floor’ an individual who experiences them.
This week I also had a brief meeting with Asma from the Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences at Herts Uni, to see whether we would be interested in undertaking some work with their students next year. It’s very early days but they are keen to work with the company and it will be a good challenge for us too. Another meeting is due to be arranged where a bit more detail can be explored.
GM
This week we concentrated on the opening of the new piece. We took time to hotseat the main character Dane and grill him about various narratives that he seemed to be less than truthful about! As always, these exercises are a real test for the actor, who has to think on the spot not only what to say, but also to be consistent with the narrative as well as exploit the few threads we have in terms of the existing story. We then spent a little time with the opening sequence. What seemed very apt is the initial action takes place on the floor which feels fitting, as depression and anxiety et al often ‘floor’ an individual who experiences them.
This week I also had a brief meeting with Asma from the Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences at Herts Uni, to see whether we would be interested in undertaking some work with their students next year. It’s very early days but they are keen to work with the company and it will be a good challenge for us too. Another meeting is due to be arranged where a bit more detail can be explored.
GM
A CELEBRATORY SEND OFF
On Saturday (16th November), Lyanne and I had the honour of attending a Life Celebration for Rob, who you will know passed away recently. It was emotional, obviously - the room filled with photo albums, the tables laid with things that represented Rob like Wagon Wheels (he could never get over how small they are now!), Jammie Dodgers, various sweets, and Rosemary for remembrance. Rob's son Sean made a very touching speech about his dad, recounting stories of Rob as a father and the impact he had on his life, the advice he cherishes and the legacy he has left. Our hearts went out to him as we all stood and sang 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' like no one was listening (as per Sean's request) and I'm pretty sure Rob heard us!
2 Much 2 Young, a live 2 Tone/Ska duo played some of Rob's favourites from back in the day (Madness, The Specials, UB40, Desmond Decker etc), with Rob's guitar taking pride of place on the stage behind them, we all had a good sing along and there was dancing and laughter. Pie and mash and liquor was served. It really was a celebration of a man who really had no idea of the impact he had on those who knew him. The room was filled with warmth and the shared connection of a massive loss.
As we left, Sean gave me Rob's purple sombrero saying it needed 'performance'. I will cherish it, and in time Nuts will, I'm sure, use it in a performance. In the meantime, I will take it to rehearsal next week so that the rest of the Company who were unable to attend on Saturday can reminisce and we can toast Rob with a nice cuppa. And maybe a Wagon Wheel or two.
Rest peacefully Rob, the Nut they couldn't crack.
Kerry
2 Much 2 Young, a live 2 Tone/Ska duo played some of Rob's favourites from back in the day (Madness, The Specials, UB40, Desmond Decker etc), with Rob's guitar taking pride of place on the stage behind them, we all had a good sing along and there was dancing and laughter. Pie and mash and liquor was served. It really was a celebration of a man who really had no idea of the impact he had on those who knew him. The room was filled with warmth and the shared connection of a massive loss.
As we left, Sean gave me Rob's purple sombrero saying it needed 'performance'. I will cherish it, and in time Nuts will, I'm sure, use it in a performance. In the meantime, I will take it to rehearsal next week so that the rest of the Company who were unable to attend on Saturday can reminisce and we can toast Rob with a nice cuppa. And maybe a Wagon Wheel or two.
Rest peacefully Rob, the Nut they couldn't crack.
Kerry
DIRECTORS NOTE
12th November 2024
This week we continued to develop the new piece. For us it remains an intriguing change of style to a much more physical way of working, reminiscent – in some ways – to Fragments which we devised and performed a fair few years ago. The piece centres around a young man’s realisation that he needs support and help with his mental health due to a change in his life circumstances. The short piece then follows him on his way to see his GP, whilst at the same time outlining what has brought him to this point. The rest I cannot possibly disclose…!
Hopefully over the coming weeks I can reveal a bit more detail. In other news, we have been contacted by the, Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, in order to discuss the possibility of workshops for them in 2025. Really nice to be thought of by them, hopefully we can put our heads together and come up with something useful for the students next year.
GM
This week we continued to develop the new piece. For us it remains an intriguing change of style to a much more physical way of working, reminiscent – in some ways – to Fragments which we devised and performed a fair few years ago. The piece centres around a young man’s realisation that he needs support and help with his mental health due to a change in his life circumstances. The short piece then follows him on his way to see his GP, whilst at the same time outlining what has brought him to this point. The rest I cannot possibly disclose…!
Hopefully over the coming weeks I can reveal a bit more detail. In other news, we have been contacted by the, Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, in order to discuss the possibility of workshops for them in 2025. Really nice to be thought of by them, hopefully we can put our heads together and come up with something useful for the students next year.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
5th November 2024
Back in to the rehearsal space. First, though, I would like to welcome Emma to the company. Emma attended her first rehearsal this week chipping in and offering suggestions for the new piece. We spent some time this week gathering our thoughts and reflecting a little on the last of our workshops with Herts Uni. I think I may have mentioned last week that this now marks the end of our performances and workshops for 2024. We have a visit to Arcola Theatre in London in December which we are very much looking forward to. Other than that, we now have a clear run of creative sessions up to the end of the year.
This week we picked apart what we have constructed so far for the new piece. We went back to the fundamentals: 30 mins long, 6th form students, classroom setting and examined whether we were heading in the right creative direction. In a nutshell, we’ve kept the narrative and the characters but simplified its physicality, taking away the chairs and creating a physical tension between the chorus and the main character. It feels cleaner and more focused and just goes to show, what a creative and purposeful bunch we are.
GM
Back in to the rehearsal space. First, though, I would like to welcome Emma to the company. Emma attended her first rehearsal this week chipping in and offering suggestions for the new piece. We spent some time this week gathering our thoughts and reflecting a little on the last of our workshops with Herts Uni. I think I may have mentioned last week that this now marks the end of our performances and workshops for 2024. We have a visit to Arcola Theatre in London in December which we are very much looking forward to. Other than that, we now have a clear run of creative sessions up to the end of the year.
This week we picked apart what we have constructed so far for the new piece. We went back to the fundamentals: 30 mins long, 6th form students, classroom setting and examined whether we were heading in the right creative direction. In a nutshell, we’ve kept the narrative and the characters but simplified its physicality, taking away the chairs and creating a physical tension between the chorus and the main character. It feels cleaner and more focused and just goes to show, what a creative and purposeful bunch we are.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
15th-22nd October 2024
A busy couple of weeks for the company as we paced out Sleeping Dogs for the BADth conference on the 19th October. After a long, long journey to Manchester I can confidently reflect that the performance was smashing. Our relationship to the piece has developed over the years and we now wear it like a familiar coat which as soon as you put it on, you realise why you’ve kept it for so long; and all the memories that go with the pulled threads and patches come flooding back. BADth were a very receptive and encouraging audience sharing some wonderful thoughts and feedback about the production. We followed the performance with a short workshop to get folk back into their bodies. Thankfully the trip back was a lot shorter. It was a really good day, where we were able to show the quality of what we do and receive the applause of a very attentive and responsive audience. This was coupled with our last gig of the year for the Doctorate in psychology students at UH, a workshop we thoroughly enjoyed and a great end to the year.
As always with life, nothing is straightforward, and what feels good can often be replaced by things which are difficult to hear and deal with. It is with tremendous sadness that I mention the passing of Rob, a theatre company member for many years who sadly took his life. Rob hadn’t been with the company the last couple of years, but he provided an immense wealth of creativity and drama those years he was with us. He came to us as a musician underscoring Little Cuts, before moving into acting and writing with the company in productions and monologues. His contribution over the years was outstanding; his sourcing of props and scenery from charity shops, second-to-one; his writing and acting both comedic and serious; a highly valued member of the troupe: creative, funny, supportive and thoughtful. Without question the news, for us, was overwhelming and we hope he is now, at last, at peace; on a stage, somewhere in the universe, sharing his creativity once more.
GM
A busy couple of weeks for the company as we paced out Sleeping Dogs for the BADth conference on the 19th October. After a long, long journey to Manchester I can confidently reflect that the performance was smashing. Our relationship to the piece has developed over the years and we now wear it like a familiar coat which as soon as you put it on, you realise why you’ve kept it for so long; and all the memories that go with the pulled threads and patches come flooding back. BADth were a very receptive and encouraging audience sharing some wonderful thoughts and feedback about the production. We followed the performance with a short workshop to get folk back into their bodies. Thankfully the trip back was a lot shorter. It was a really good day, where we were able to show the quality of what we do and receive the applause of a very attentive and responsive audience. This was coupled with our last gig of the year for the Doctorate in psychology students at UH, a workshop we thoroughly enjoyed and a great end to the year.
As always with life, nothing is straightforward, and what feels good can often be replaced by things which are difficult to hear and deal with. It is with tremendous sadness that I mention the passing of Rob, a theatre company member for many years who sadly took his life. Rob hadn’t been with the company the last couple of years, but he provided an immense wealth of creativity and drama those years he was with us. He came to us as a musician underscoring Little Cuts, before moving into acting and writing with the company in productions and monologues. His contribution over the years was outstanding; his sourcing of props and scenery from charity shops, second-to-one; his writing and acting both comedic and serious; a highly valued member of the troupe: creative, funny, supportive and thoughtful. Without question the news, for us, was overwhelming and we hope he is now, at last, at peace; on a stage, somewhere in the universe, sharing his creativity once more.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
1-8th September 2024
My apologies for the late Director’s notes for the last couple of weeks. It has really been, ‘noses to the grindstone’ as we build towards the Manchester show at the national conference for the British Association of Dramatherapists. It was surprising to all of us how quickly Sleeping Dogs started to take shape, especially since we haven’t performed it since February this year! With Autumn in full swing it does feel as though our season is coming to an end. This week we’re running a small workshop for the Junior Dr.’s, Saturday we have the Manchester show and the following Thursday we have the workshop we hold each year for the Doctorate in Psychology students. We were due to start our improv workshops the week after, but there has been a timetable change so maybe we won’t get to them until early next year, which means…
…We have time to come together as a group, learn about each other once more, learn about the new members to the company and build our first new show for a number of years. It has been a very eventful year, a very busy year, and without doubt one that has brought the most change, security and purpose to our work. Roll on 2025, I get the feeling we’re going to be busy.
GM
My apologies for the late Director’s notes for the last couple of weeks. It has really been, ‘noses to the grindstone’ as we build towards the Manchester show at the national conference for the British Association of Dramatherapists. It was surprising to all of us how quickly Sleeping Dogs started to take shape, especially since we haven’t performed it since February this year! With Autumn in full swing it does feel as though our season is coming to an end. This week we’re running a small workshop for the Junior Dr.’s, Saturday we have the Manchester show and the following Thursday we have the workshop we hold each year for the Doctorate in Psychology students. We were due to start our improv workshops the week after, but there has been a timetable change so maybe we won’t get to them until early next year, which means…
…We have time to come together as a group, learn about each other once more, learn about the new members to the company and build our first new show for a number of years. It has been a very eventful year, a very busy year, and without doubt one that has brought the most change, security and purpose to our work. Roll on 2025, I get the feeling we’re going to be busy.
GM
directors note
17th September 20204
This week was a lot of whiteboard work and hot-seating. This is a crucial part of our process as it allows the company to develop both characters and plot lines for any piece that we’re working on. It is an intense process as we grill each character in turn to try and understand their motivations and super-objectives for the play. This week, without revealing too much, we hot-seated: Dane, Anxiety, Support and Memory. From this came some very interesting subtext in terms of the dynamic relationships between the characters of the chorus, However, the biggest revelation was how each character – in their own way – is very, very powerful.
In other news there is no group next week. A well deserved break before we start to warm-up Sleeping Dogs for the Manchester gig…and dates for 2025 workshops are starting to come in for March, June and July next year!
GM
This week was a lot of whiteboard work and hot-seating. This is a crucial part of our process as it allows the company to develop both characters and plot lines for any piece that we’re working on. It is an intense process as we grill each character in turn to try and understand their motivations and super-objectives for the play. This week, without revealing too much, we hot-seated: Dane, Anxiety, Support and Memory. From this came some very interesting subtext in terms of the dynamic relationships between the characters of the chorus, However, the biggest revelation was how each character – in their own way – is very, very powerful.
In other news there is no group next week. A well deserved break before we start to warm-up Sleeping Dogs for the Manchester gig…and dates for 2025 workshops are starting to come in for March, June and July next year!
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
10th September 20204
This week we stayed firmly focused on the new piece, slowly adding to its structure. We hope we can keep it to 30 mins; we’ve more-or-less completed the first blocking which runs at 17 minutes so plenty of time to start layering it up and joining the dots and markers that we have laid down. I foresee a lot of white board work over the coming weeks. Also, it was remis of me, not to welcome Jacqueline and Lisa more formally to the company. Both Lisa and Jacqueline have contributed over the last few weeks to the development of the new piece which has been great to see; so welcome to both of you.
This week is also the official launch of the Baring’s Foundation: Creatively minded at The Theatre which we are featured in as one of a few projects cited as providing a unique service in exploring mental health issues through the use of theatre. It’s a real privilege as we’re rubbing shoulders with some excellent projects around the country, although we still remain unique as the only project that is part of the NHS and offered as part of a support programme.
GM
This week we stayed firmly focused on the new piece, slowly adding to its structure. We hope we can keep it to 30 mins; we’ve more-or-less completed the first blocking which runs at 17 minutes so plenty of time to start layering it up and joining the dots and markers that we have laid down. I foresee a lot of white board work over the coming weeks. Also, it was remis of me, not to welcome Jacqueline and Lisa more formally to the company. Both Lisa and Jacqueline have contributed over the last few weeks to the development of the new piece which has been great to see; so welcome to both of you.
This week is also the official launch of the Baring’s Foundation: Creatively minded at The Theatre which we are featured in as one of a few projects cited as providing a unique service in exploring mental health issues through the use of theatre. It’s a real privilege as we’re rubbing shoulders with some excellent projects around the country, although we still remain unique as the only project that is part of the NHS and offered as part of a support programme.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
3rd September 2024
We continue to work upon the new production which is taking shape slowly. We, more-or-less, have the structure of the piece in place; or rather we know where we’re going with it, and the characters are shaping themselves nicely. In a way there is a little bit of a throwback thing going on. For this particular production we are very much working in the style of Artaud and Boal combing theatre of cruelty with theatre of the oppressed. Last time we incorporated these two practitioners, comprehensively, was with Butterflies and Lambs our second show all the way back in 2013 (or there abouts). It sits in complete contrast to Sleeping Dogs and highlights our versatility once more….
GM
We continue to work upon the new production which is taking shape slowly. We, more-or-less, have the structure of the piece in place; or rather we know where we’re going with it, and the characters are shaping themselves nicely. In a way there is a little bit of a throwback thing going on. For this particular production we are very much working in the style of Artaud and Boal combing theatre of cruelty with theatre of the oppressed. Last time we incorporated these two practitioners, comprehensively, was with Butterflies and Lambs our second show all the way back in 2013 (or there abouts). It sits in complete contrast to Sleeping Dogs and highlights our versatility once more….
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
13/20 August 2024
We’re back! A return to rehearsals the last couple of weeks has been most welcomed. At last we can now spend a good length of time developing our new project before committing to the last workshops and performances of the year. This is a nice phase to be in, as we can entertain all sorts of ideas and suggestions in order to breathe life into the new play. Obviously as we progress we have to narrow our suggestions for the play to fit the direction we have taken in order to build towards a performance, but for now the sky is the limit and any suggestion is welcoming.
Excitingly it is a bit of a departure for us. We’re hoping the piece is more physical, a little surreal with the use of the ‘Greek’ chorus and involves a song-or-two which we haven’t done for some time. It will also be one of the shortest as we try to squeeze the message of the piece in to 30 mins for a classroom setting. Already it is taking shape; but there are a huge amount of loose ends and ideas still to try. It’s a great phase to be in.
GM
We’re back! A return to rehearsals the last couple of weeks has been most welcomed. At last we can now spend a good length of time developing our new project before committing to the last workshops and performances of the year. This is a nice phase to be in, as we can entertain all sorts of ideas and suggestions in order to breathe life into the new play. Obviously as we progress we have to narrow our suggestions for the play to fit the direction we have taken in order to build towards a performance, but for now the sky is the limit and any suggestion is welcoming.
Excitingly it is a bit of a departure for us. We’re hoping the piece is more physical, a little surreal with the use of the ‘Greek’ chorus and involves a song-or-two which we haven’t done for some time. It will also be one of the shortest as we try to squeeze the message of the piece in to 30 mins for a classroom setting. Already it is taking shape; but there are a huge amount of loose ends and ideas still to try. It’s a great phase to be in.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
23rd July 2024
Well, we’ve reached the summer break. It feels it’s the right time for a rest. This year has been busy, but also very rewarding too. And as we come to the midway point of the year we can look forward to some time to create. To step back a little and bring forward some new ideas for a new show. I get the feeling this will be a bit different to our usual fayre. For one thing it is much shorter at 30 mins. It will be more physical, abstract and at times a little absurd. Tightly focused with less time will prove a challenge as we do like to spread our thoughts a bit through reflective as well as direct dialogue; this though is going to be a bit different. Equally we are excited about Sleeping Dogs travelling to Manchester and a few more locally based workshops that we undertake towards the end of the year.
On top of this we have been featured in a new document that focuses on theatre in mental health: Creatively Minded at the Theatre by the Baring Foundation, which puts us amongst very good company in deed; and just confirms our unique position of being the only company in and part of NHS services. Once more, thank you all, ever so much, for your continuing support. Have a great summer, and I look forward to updating you all in a few weeks time.
GM
Well, we’ve reached the summer break. It feels it’s the right time for a rest. This year has been busy, but also very rewarding too. And as we come to the midway point of the year we can look forward to some time to create. To step back a little and bring forward some new ideas for a new show. I get the feeling this will be a bit different to our usual fayre. For one thing it is much shorter at 30 mins. It will be more physical, abstract and at times a little absurd. Tightly focused with less time will prove a challenge as we do like to spread our thoughts a bit through reflective as well as direct dialogue; this though is going to be a bit different. Equally we are excited about Sleeping Dogs travelling to Manchester and a few more locally based workshops that we undertake towards the end of the year.
On top of this we have been featured in a new document that focuses on theatre in mental health: Creatively Minded at the Theatre by the Baring Foundation, which puts us amongst very good company in deed; and just confirms our unique position of being the only company in and part of NHS services. Once more, thank you all, ever so much, for your continuing support. Have a great summer, and I look forward to updating you all in a few weeks time.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
16 July 2024
As we rapidly move towards our summer break it was nice to spend another rehearsal on the new show. These early stages are both engaging and frustrating. Engaging in developing characters and storylines as anything and everything can be put on the table for consideration; frustrating because you just want to get the whole thing on its feet and moving. This show will be a departure from our usual fair of 1 and 2 act pieces as we hope to condense a character’s first encounter with mental health services in to 30 mins. It’s an acutely focused style of working that will give us an excellent counter point to Sleeping Dogs which runs at an 1:45hr. It’s still at the very early stages with work centring on the main character and the chorus. But, like all the shows we do, there will be one moment, where the whole lot suddenly clicks, and it comes alive. Looking forward to that in the coming weeks. Can’t wait.
GM
As we rapidly move towards our summer break it was nice to spend another rehearsal on the new show. These early stages are both engaging and frustrating. Engaging in developing characters and storylines as anything and everything can be put on the table for consideration; frustrating because you just want to get the whole thing on its feet and moving. This show will be a departure from our usual fair of 1 and 2 act pieces as we hope to condense a character’s first encounter with mental health services in to 30 mins. It’s an acutely focused style of working that will give us an excellent counter point to Sleeping Dogs which runs at an 1:45hr. It’s still at the very early stages with work centring on the main character and the chorus. But, like all the shows we do, there will be one moment, where the whole lot suddenly clicks, and it comes alive. Looking forward to that in the coming weeks. Can’t wait.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
9th July 2024
The last two weeks we have been able to kick back a little; get our house in order for the upcoming months. We now have a little bit of time to begin working on something new, before the workshops come around once more in October. For the first time, this week, we were all able to meet and it was good to feel the energy and buzz around creating something new with all of us there. On-and-off over the last few months we have played and toyed with an idea which we hope will prove to be suitable for sixth form students, a 30 minute piece focusing on mental health. This week we stamped on the idea, shook it about, tested it and challenged it, discovering that it is both a robust and exciting suggestion to work around. We have a few weeks ahead of us before we start to warm-up Sleeping Dogs for the British Association of Dramatherapists conference in Manchester (which is another first for us) so we can spend the time moulding and shaping the idea in to a short one act play, ready for next year.
Onwards and Upwards!
GM
The last two weeks we have been able to kick back a little; get our house in order for the upcoming months. We now have a little bit of time to begin working on something new, before the workshops come around once more in October. For the first time, this week, we were all able to meet and it was good to feel the energy and buzz around creating something new with all of us there. On-and-off over the last few months we have played and toyed with an idea which we hope will prove to be suitable for sixth form students, a 30 minute piece focusing on mental health. This week we stamped on the idea, shook it about, tested it and challenged it, discovering that it is both a robust and exciting suggestion to work around. We have a few weeks ahead of us before we start to warm-up Sleeping Dogs for the British Association of Dramatherapists conference in Manchester (which is another first for us) so we can spend the time moulding and shaping the idea in to a short one act play, ready for next year.
Onwards and Upwards!
GM
What a 'showstopper'
18th June 2024
This week we had the excellent Showstopper! Theatre company hold a workshop for us. The wonderful Ali and Duncan took us through a series of exercises and techniques that warmed us up, loosened us up, and engaged us in some improvised singing. It’s fair to say that some of us were outside of our comfort zone, some of us were fully in it! It was a wonderful workshop and something of a learning curve – which is always good – in terms of creating an improvised song and putting the body to it. Fantastic stuff. The Showstopper! Workshop has marked the end of the first half of 2024 for us. Undoubtedly one of our busiest half years, having facilitated at least 25, 2+ hrs, workshops in which we helped educate 200+ students in working with mental illness. We are now focusing on our new show – at long last – so next week will see us return to normal and get creative once more; pretty sure there will now be space for a song-or-two!
GM
This week we had the excellent Showstopper! Theatre company hold a workshop for us. The wonderful Ali and Duncan took us through a series of exercises and techniques that warmed us up, loosened us up, and engaged us in some improvised singing. It’s fair to say that some of us were outside of our comfort zone, some of us were fully in it! It was a wonderful workshop and something of a learning curve – which is always good – in terms of creating an improvised song and putting the body to it. Fantastic stuff. The Showstopper! Workshop has marked the end of the first half of 2024 for us. Undoubtedly one of our busiest half years, having facilitated at least 25, 2+ hrs, workshops in which we helped educate 200+ students in working with mental illness. We are now focusing on our new show – at long last – so next week will see us return to normal and get creative once more; pretty sure there will now be space for a song-or-two!
GM
presentation at UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE
‘ Nuts were at it again, Friday just gone, as they formed part of the Learning and Teaching Conference at Herts Uni with lecturers Laura and Karen from the adult mental health nursing and adult general nursing courses. Lyanne and Daniel re-enacted a tricky scene focusing on control and manipulation before an audience of lecturers from across Herts Uni’s courses garnering applause and a multitude of questions. One attendee stated, ‘it was the best thing he had been to all day!’ We roll on….
DIRECTORS NOTE
6th June 2024
After a week’s break we find ourselves in the middle of our last workshop-week. Four days, 9.00-5.00, of crisis, mania, depression, eating disorders, anger and frustration amongst many other different and more subtle issues. It’s been hard work and immensely fulfilling to see the changes in the nurses that have been coming to the sessions. This week we have had MSC and degree qualified students from mental health nursing, general adult nursing and learning disability nursing. As always hosted by the brilliant: Herts Uni and the mental health nursing, and general adult nursing teams. This is the last of the workshops for us until at least October this year. Albeit we have one conference presentation to support in line with this work. Now we get the chance to head back into the rehearsal room and have some time with just us, developing new work for later this year. However…we also have the excellent Showstopper to look forward to and a session on improvised songs. This has been a remarkable year for us so far, and feels as though, as a company, we have stretched ourselves towards new horizons. Chapeau Nuts!
GM
After a week’s break we find ourselves in the middle of our last workshop-week. Four days, 9.00-5.00, of crisis, mania, depression, eating disorders, anger and frustration amongst many other different and more subtle issues. It’s been hard work and immensely fulfilling to see the changes in the nurses that have been coming to the sessions. This week we have had MSC and degree qualified students from mental health nursing, general adult nursing and learning disability nursing. As always hosted by the brilliant: Herts Uni and the mental health nursing, and general adult nursing teams. This is the last of the workshops for us until at least October this year. Albeit we have one conference presentation to support in line with this work. Now we get the chance to head back into the rehearsal room and have some time with just us, developing new work for later this year. However…we also have the excellent Showstopper to look forward to and a session on improvised songs. This has been a remarkable year for us so far, and feels as though, as a company, we have stretched ourselves towards new horizons. Chapeau Nuts!
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
2nd May 2024
Morning all. This week has been a bit calmer for us as we hit the rehearsal space to warm up Sleeping Dogs for its performance at Roehampton in the coming months. It was really nice to settle into the structure of the piece and enjoy seeing something come to life once more. However, our busy year continues with Roehampton, Herts Uni, the Recovery Conference, the Festival of Ideas and further workshops on the horizon. Company member Jocelyn attended the Student Nursing Times awards last week, where we were nominated with HU for partnership work. Sadly, we weren’t winners this time round, but were very proud to be included alongside, and with, the excellent work of HU and Laura Lowe and Karen Cairnduff. I also had a meeting with Victoria Abbott of Applause for Thought a wonderful company that supports the arts industry in educating, supporting and maintaining people’s mental health. It was great to have chat and we look forward to Victoria being able to visit one of our workshops in the coming months.
GM
Morning all. This week has been a bit calmer for us as we hit the rehearsal space to warm up Sleeping Dogs for its performance at Roehampton in the coming months. It was really nice to settle into the structure of the piece and enjoy seeing something come to life once more. However, our busy year continues with Roehampton, Herts Uni, the Recovery Conference, the Festival of Ideas and further workshops on the horizon. Company member Jocelyn attended the Student Nursing Times awards last week, where we were nominated with HU for partnership work. Sadly, we weren’t winners this time round, but were very proud to be included alongside, and with, the excellent work of HU and Laura Lowe and Karen Cairnduff. I also had a meeting with Victoria Abbott of Applause for Thought a wonderful company that supports the arts industry in educating, supporting and maintaining people’s mental health. It was great to have chat and we look forward to Victoria being able to visit one of our workshops in the coming months.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
23rd April 2024
Evening all, I must apologise for the absence of a Director's note over the last few weeks. We had a break recently and have come back to a full-on schedule with the last of our Herts Uni workshops, prepping for the Roehampton workshop, hosting David and Harriet from the Baring Foundation and trying to organise our future schedule. Rest assured that the usual service will resume from this moment onwards.
As I mentioned, the last couple of weeks have been focused on bringing Sleeping Dogs up to speed for its performance at Roehampton University in a few weeks time. We haven't performed Act 2 for some time so it does need a bit of tidying and buffing in order to make it shine as brightly as it did last year. Alongside that we were very pleased to welcome David and Hariet from the Baring Foundation who spend a lot of time - and money - supporting the arts and unique projects that work alongside mental health services. It was a great chance to talk, once more, about the company's history and hear David's and Hariet's perspectives on our work. Both David and Harriet highlighted the uniqueness of our origins and membership. In their experience, they said, they have not come across a company that has our origins from within psychiatry. They assured us that we remain unique, nationally, in this regard.
We also welcomed Josh Turner back to the company, who is a great supporter of the company and its work. Josh has very kindly offered to run a workshop for the company on improvisation and voice work; on top of this Josh has also managed to persuade members of the Olivier award winning company Showstopper to come and hold a musical improvisation session with us too! Both of these are incredible opportunities for us and will come just as we finish the first half of our programme this year, so both will be very valuable, and timely, rewards for what has been a busy, busy time.
GM
Evening all, I must apologise for the absence of a Director's note over the last few weeks. We had a break recently and have come back to a full-on schedule with the last of our Herts Uni workshops, prepping for the Roehampton workshop, hosting David and Harriet from the Baring Foundation and trying to organise our future schedule. Rest assured that the usual service will resume from this moment onwards.
As I mentioned, the last couple of weeks have been focused on bringing Sleeping Dogs up to speed for its performance at Roehampton University in a few weeks time. We haven't performed Act 2 for some time so it does need a bit of tidying and buffing in order to make it shine as brightly as it did last year. Alongside that we were very pleased to welcome David and Hariet from the Baring Foundation who spend a lot of time - and money - supporting the arts and unique projects that work alongside mental health services. It was a great chance to talk, once more, about the company's history and hear David's and Hariet's perspectives on our work. Both David and Harriet highlighted the uniqueness of our origins and membership. In their experience, they said, they have not come across a company that has our origins from within psychiatry. They assured us that we remain unique, nationally, in this regard.
We also welcomed Josh Turner back to the company, who is a great supporter of the company and its work. Josh has very kindly offered to run a workshop for the company on improvisation and voice work; on top of this Josh has also managed to persuade members of the Olivier award winning company Showstopper to come and hold a musical improvisation session with us too! Both of these are incredible opportunities for us and will come just as we finish the first half of our programme this year, so both will be very valuable, and timely, rewards for what has been a busy, busy time.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
19th March 2024
Thank goodness for the break. I think we’re all feeling shattered. This week was the last of our pre-Easter workshops and performances. As always on the Monday we had the pleasure of Laura Lowe (Herts Uni) and her mental health students in a challenging environment of improvisation and discussion. Working through scenarios, encouraging students to participate and challenging them, and congratulating them, on their input has become a regular Monday treat for the company. It has yielded a number of thoughtful discussions, concerns that needed ironing out, support where needed and reflections as were necessary. It’s always full-on but leaves us with a sense that things are changing in MH nursing and that the students and Laura are doing more than their bit to help this along.
On the Wednesday we performed Act 1 of Sleeping Dogs To the ever-engaging students from the MSc Creative Arts and Mental Health course, Queen Mary University. We played a number of games, worked through some dramatherapy exercises and then performed. It was a nice counterpoint to all the work we have been doing, as we could settle in to a familiar text that was performed with relish and thoughtfulness. Afterwards the Q&A illustrated how confident as a company we are with our message and how willing the students were to engage and learn.
After Easter it will be heads down for Roehampton Uni and the Recovery Conference, as well as a couple more workshops for Herts Uni and developing a new piece, hopefully, for schools. Phew!
Happy Easter, folks. And on behalf of the company thank you for all your support.
GM
Thank goodness for the break. I think we’re all feeling shattered. This week was the last of our pre-Easter workshops and performances. As always on the Monday we had the pleasure of Laura Lowe (Herts Uni) and her mental health students in a challenging environment of improvisation and discussion. Working through scenarios, encouraging students to participate and challenging them, and congratulating them, on their input has become a regular Monday treat for the company. It has yielded a number of thoughtful discussions, concerns that needed ironing out, support where needed and reflections as were necessary. It’s always full-on but leaves us with a sense that things are changing in MH nursing and that the students and Laura are doing more than their bit to help this along.
On the Wednesday we performed Act 1 of Sleeping Dogs To the ever-engaging students from the MSc Creative Arts and Mental Health course, Queen Mary University. We played a number of games, worked through some dramatherapy exercises and then performed. It was a nice counterpoint to all the work we have been doing, as we could settle in to a familiar text that was performed with relish and thoughtfulness. Afterwards the Q&A illustrated how confident as a company we are with our message and how willing the students were to engage and learn.
After Easter it will be heads down for Roehampton Uni and the Recovery Conference, as well as a couple more workshops for Herts Uni and developing a new piece, hopefully, for schools. Phew!
Happy Easter, folks. And on behalf of the company thank you for all your support.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
12th March 2024
This week we were able to kick back just a little bit as we prepared for our performance for the students of Queen Mary University next week. It was great to see the play unfold and just enjoy the moment of the company running like a well-oiled machine. It has been a busy start to the year and we still have a number of workshops to go, but the oasis of a closed rehearsal this week, was a real tonic. For the second half of the session we spent time catching up and reflecting on the twelve improv sessions we have been part of so far. There have been some really enjoyable moments with the students as well as some challenging and thoughtful times that have tested us and them. Education is the core of our work and we come away after each session feeling that we are helping to move ‘things’ forward. So, we are always grateful for the invitations from Laura, King and Karen to be part of their courses, and Maria from Queen Mary for schlepping all the way up to Watford and engaging us each year for her students.
Next week we’re workshopping and performing, we then get a week to look back and reflect before the Easter break. Slowly, but surely, we are approaching the point where work can begin on our new show. Exciting time, exciting times indeed.
GM
This week we were able to kick back just a little bit as we prepared for our performance for the students of Queen Mary University next week. It was great to see the play unfold and just enjoy the moment of the company running like a well-oiled machine. It has been a busy start to the year and we still have a number of workshops to go, but the oasis of a closed rehearsal this week, was a real tonic. For the second half of the session we spent time catching up and reflecting on the twelve improv sessions we have been part of so far. There have been some really enjoyable moments with the students as well as some challenging and thoughtful times that have tested us and them. Education is the core of our work and we come away after each session feeling that we are helping to move ‘things’ forward. So, we are always grateful for the invitations from Laura, King and Karen to be part of their courses, and Maria from Queen Mary for schlepping all the way up to Watford and engaging us each year for her students.
Next week we’re workshopping and performing, we then get a week to look back and reflect before the Easter break. Slowly, but surely, we are approaching the point where work can begin on our new show. Exciting time, exciting times indeed.
GM
BUSY BUSY BUSY WEEK 2
4th March 2024
Our first workshop for the UH, first year, mental health students this week as well as a one-off session for the third year students that we have worked with previously. The first session with students is always interesting, as it’s the first time we get to work with them properly and get to gauge the amount of difficulty we have to provide in each scenario so that the students are tested but not overwhelmed. It also gives them a chance to see we’re not as frightening as we may appear and sound! As always the discussion post scene is often illuminating and interesting. Spending time chatting, working through the themes and possibilities of each scenario reveals so much about the student’s thinking in relation to mental health and illness.
On Tuesday this week we supported the third year students in a session that worked itself progressively around the room presenting different scenarios of ever increasing complexity. It was great to see some faces that we had worked with before and it was exciting to be part of a session that we weren’t sure which way it was going to go. As a pilot it worked really well and gave us a number of pointers for next year should the company be chosen to be involved. The most important pointer was…Jan needs to bring the same excellent and tasty cake as she did this year! Chapeau to all involved.
GM
Our first workshop for the UH, first year, mental health students this week as well as a one-off session for the third year students that we have worked with previously. The first session with students is always interesting, as it’s the first time we get to work with them properly and get to gauge the amount of difficulty we have to provide in each scenario so that the students are tested but not overwhelmed. It also gives them a chance to see we’re not as frightening as we may appear and sound! As always the discussion post scene is often illuminating and interesting. Spending time chatting, working through the themes and possibilities of each scenario reveals so much about the student’s thinking in relation to mental health and illness.
On Tuesday this week we supported the third year students in a session that worked itself progressively around the room presenting different scenarios of ever increasing complexity. It was great to see some faces that we had worked with before and it was exciting to be part of a session that we weren’t sure which way it was going to go. As a pilot it worked really well and gave us a number of pointers for next year should the company be chosen to be involved. The most important pointer was…Jan needs to bring the same excellent and tasty cake as she did this year! Chapeau to all involved.
GM
BUSY BUSY BUSY
16th February 2024
A busy week for us this week as we started our programme of workshops for UH mental health students, via an introductory session, casting for the final workshop – and first workshop – for UH adult nursing students and first year mental health students and then facilitating a workshop on dramatherapy for the trainee doctor’s at HPFT HQ! Phew. We have certainly hit the floor running this year, and I must say, the company have excelled under such stressful circumstances so a big, big thank you to them; and a big thank you, as well, to all the lecturers, course leaders, and consultants that can see and understand the benefit we can have for their students, and bringing us in to share the good work. Chapeau!
GM
A busy week for us this week as we started our programme of workshops for UH mental health students, via an introductory session, casting for the final workshop – and first workshop – for UH adult nursing students and first year mental health students and then facilitating a workshop on dramatherapy for the trainee doctor’s at HPFT HQ! Phew. We have certainly hit the floor running this year, and I must say, the company have excelled under such stressful circumstances so a big, big thank you to them; and a big thank you, as well, to all the lecturers, course leaders, and consultants that can see and understand the benefit we can have for their students, and bringing us in to share the good work. Chapeau!
GM
University of hertfordshire simulation sessions

16th February 2024
A big week for the company this week as we engaged in a series of workshops with the BSc Yr2 Adult Nursing Students at Herts University. What a fantastic bunch of students and facilitating team (chapeau: Karen, Holly, Becki, Ellie, Robin and Sean). We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in an environment, and with a bunch of people, that felt safe, curious, supportive and creative. Over the course of four sessions the students engaged in a number of scenarios that were designed by the faculty to enable them to work with people with mental illness. The students engaged brilliantly, trying different ideas and approaches that underlined their wish to keep people’s needs at heart. With difficult scenarios both complex and complicated, with a number of potential ways to unravel, the students approached each one with the intent to do their best in resolving the crisis.
As well as they did with the scenarios, they showed equal commitment to talking through what they could have done differently and how they would resolve situations of a similar nature. The group reflection was honest and open with some students sharing very personal narratives alongside that shared by company members. It was truly a rewarding and uplifting experience working with difficult themes and presentations. Congratulations to all involved.
I would also like to say, watching the scenarios unfold, and knowing the company as I do that they very much committed fully to the process of teaching and learning. The degree of honesty and personal sharing was at its highest over the last few days; and as we shared, we could see the students listening; it just made the whole experience fantastic. Chapeau all involved!
GM
A big week for the company this week as we engaged in a series of workshops with the BSc Yr2 Adult Nursing Students at Herts University. What a fantastic bunch of students and facilitating team (chapeau: Karen, Holly, Becki, Ellie, Robin and Sean). We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in an environment, and with a bunch of people, that felt safe, curious, supportive and creative. Over the course of four sessions the students engaged in a number of scenarios that were designed by the faculty to enable them to work with people with mental illness. The students engaged brilliantly, trying different ideas and approaches that underlined their wish to keep people’s needs at heart. With difficult scenarios both complex and complicated, with a number of potential ways to unravel, the students approached each one with the intent to do their best in resolving the crisis.
As well as they did with the scenarios, they showed equal commitment to talking through what they could have done differently and how they would resolve situations of a similar nature. The group reflection was honest and open with some students sharing very personal narratives alongside that shared by company members. It was truly a rewarding and uplifting experience working with difficult themes and presentations. Congratulations to all involved.
I would also like to say, watching the scenarios unfold, and knowing the company as I do that they very much committed fully to the process of teaching and learning. The degree of honesty and personal sharing was at its highest over the last few days; and as we shared, we could see the students listening; it just made the whole experience fantastic. Chapeau all involved!
GM
NURSING TIMES AWARDS SHORTLIST!
Following on from the success of our week at The University of Hertfordshire, during our last session we were informed that we had been shortlisted in this year's Nursing Times Student Nursing Awards!! We are in the Partnership of the Year award category alongside the wonderful team of Lecturers and module leaders from the Student Mental Health Nursing course at UH.
This nomination shows just how far the Company has come over the past couple of years, from previously being nominated for and winning awards for our innovation to already having won an award for our partnership with Mind, and now being shortlisted for our work in developing communication skills in students studying to be the future of Mental Health Nursing.
There is a definite shift in the perception of those with mental ill health and a healthy change in attitude towards those of us who struggle in our daily lives, which can only be a good thing. We are extremely proud to be playing our part in this change and feel that being shortlisted for this Nursing Times award is affirmation that we really are making a difference.
KS
This nomination shows just how far the Company has come over the past couple of years, from previously being nominated for and winning awards for our innovation to already having won an award for our partnership with Mind, and now being shortlisted for our work in developing communication skills in students studying to be the future of Mental Health Nursing.
There is a definite shift in the perception of those with mental ill health and a healthy change in attitude towards those of us who struggle in our daily lives, which can only be a good thing. We are extremely proud to be playing our part in this change and feel that being shortlisted for this Nursing Times award is affirmation that we really are making a difference.
KS
directors note
6th February 2024
Dear all, a slow start for the Director’s Notes this year. In truth it has taken us a few weeks to gather and most of the time we have been together we were organising our spring programme of workshops, performances and meetings. Feb, March and April are looking very busy for the company which feels very healthy for us, and progressive both creatively and business-wise. We are very grateful for the increase in work offered by Herts University, and the nurse training courses as well as the continuing support of Queen Mary University. We’re also excited and optimistic about a return to Roehamptom University and continuing work with Central. All-in-all it’s a busy start but very clearly shows how we have progressed as a unit and how over time our work has come to be respected and deemed of a high value. On top of this we have been contacted by the Barring Foundation to be included in their publication reflecting on the value of theatre in mental health; one of only a dozen organisations, nationally, to be asked to contribute.
GM
Dear all, a slow start for the Director’s Notes this year. In truth it has taken us a few weeks to gather and most of the time we have been together we were organising our spring programme of workshops, performances and meetings. Feb, March and April are looking very busy for the company which feels very healthy for us, and progressive both creatively and business-wise. We are very grateful for the increase in work offered by Herts University, and the nurse training courses as well as the continuing support of Queen Mary University. We’re also excited and optimistic about a return to Roehamptom University and continuing work with Central. All-in-all it’s a busy start but very clearly shows how we have progressed as a unit and how over time our work has come to be respected and deemed of a high value. On top of this we have been contacted by the Barring Foundation to be included in their publication reflecting on the value of theatre in mental health; one of only a dozen organisations, nationally, to be asked to contribute.
GM
WHAT A YEAR!
5th December 2023
Today was our last performance before the end of the year, and what a fantastic, welcoming and supportive audience to perform to. The sense of intimacy and welcome from friends, colleagues, and supporters of the company gave a relaxed atmosphere to the sharing. Amongst the friends and supporters we welcomed Karen Taylor (CEO-HPFT) who came with biscuits and mince pies (very prescient, sensing how close food and creativity sit for the company!) to watch one of our productions for the first time.
We are very appreciative of Karen’s support and acknowledgment of all the work we do during the year highlighting the importance of mental illness and health; and what a fruitful year it has been: Inclusion as visiting lecturers on five mental health post-degree courses, at three universities and winning the HPFT As One award for partnership work with HPFT and MIND, for helping to set up a long term enduring mental health drama support group. It was particularly enjoyable, this year, to perform for students at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in the Judy Dench studio not only because it was where I trained in ’93, and I met with an old friend I had trained with, but it felt good to be in the home of British acting where the likes of Laurence Olivier, Judy Dench, Carrie Fisher, Dawn French, Jeremy Brett and Andrew Garfield trained. It was nice to be home. For next year we have been nominated for the Joint Partnership award for the Nursing Student Times 2024, been included in the Authenticity to Action Conference 2024 organised by the University of Central Lancashire, and we have workshops booked through February ’24 – April ’24, before the possibility of performing at the 2024 BADth conference and… waiting to hear if our script, to assist in presenting a significant change in carer’s involvement in patient’s care, is accepted by NHS England to tour regional hubs (we’re not sure if this is virtual or in person).
Of course, we are the tip of the creative work that takes place across HPFT from arts therapies to arts for health and wellbeing, in Acute, Community, Learning Disabilities, CAMHS, New Leaf Recovery College and within the training of Trust employees as well as helping with their well-being. Through group and individual work arts therapists, arts in health professionals and experts by experience have shown how progressive and adaptable drama, art, music and dance can be.
Thank you all for your support over the years, we truly value and appreciate it. You are the guys that keep us in people’s thoughts. We hope you will continue to support us as we move forward in to next year. Merry Christmas from Nuts; think of us when you’re cracking a few over Christmas!
GM
AWARD!!
30th November 2023
Well, What a night! I am chuffed to say May Contain Nuts are award winners again. Again!
In a new category of award put forward by Hertfordshire Partnership foundation university NHS Trust, amongst a list of heavy hitters, sat the Drama Support Group: a twice-weekly group excellently facilitated by Abi and supported by Nuts, HPFT and MIND as the lone arts based project. All the nominated projects, in their own right, were excellent and made of top stuff, supportive and helpful to those were are using the service. We sat. Hopeful, but not expectant. The lights were bright and colourful lighting the stage, our natural home. Then the announcement…. ‘The Highly Commended award goes to…’ A strong showing for psychology and a well-deserved commendation from the Trust for all the excellent work they do. Maybe that was it, maybe that was our hope, gone, dashed, deflated. Surely not, surely not us amongst such worthwhile and valuable competition could we be winners. ‘And the winner is….The Drama…’ The room erupted, our table sprang to its feet, we cheered, we clapped and we hollered; and we were onstage, under the lights, where we belong with a room full of applause. Very, very proud of all who have been, and are, involved in this project from Nuts to the people that attend the group, to MIND to HPFT. What a great win, from a tough, tough field of competition. What a fantastic way to round off our year. One performance to go and then we can relax and sit back knowing that this has been our busiest and most successful year yet.
GM
Well, What a night! I am chuffed to say May Contain Nuts are award winners again. Again!
In a new category of award put forward by Hertfordshire Partnership foundation university NHS Trust, amongst a list of heavy hitters, sat the Drama Support Group: a twice-weekly group excellently facilitated by Abi and supported by Nuts, HPFT and MIND as the lone arts based project. All the nominated projects, in their own right, were excellent and made of top stuff, supportive and helpful to those were are using the service. We sat. Hopeful, but not expectant. The lights were bright and colourful lighting the stage, our natural home. Then the announcement…. ‘The Highly Commended award goes to…’ A strong showing for psychology and a well-deserved commendation from the Trust for all the excellent work they do. Maybe that was it, maybe that was our hope, gone, dashed, deflated. Surely not, surely not us amongst such worthwhile and valuable competition could we be winners. ‘And the winner is….The Drama…’ The room erupted, our table sprang to its feet, we cheered, we clapped and we hollered; and we were onstage, under the lights, where we belong with a room full of applause. Very, very proud of all who have been, and are, involved in this project from Nuts to the people that attend the group, to MIND to HPFT. What a great win, from a tough, tough field of competition. What a fantastic way to round off our year. One performance to go and then we can relax and sit back knowing that this has been our busiest and most successful year yet.
GM
directors note
14th November 2023
Another quiet rehearsal this week as a few folk weren’t able to make the rehearsal. Nice to welcome Bentley back! This week we finalised the 2nd draft of the NHS England project which has now been sent off to Lesly who commissioned the company to develop a short piece supporting the proposed changes around carer’s involvement. We also spent some time looking through our new piece and clarifying some aspects of the idea before committing to work on it early next year. This feels a kind of ‘treading water’ time of our year. We have been busier than usual and look to be even busier next year with our inclusion to further training and with two projects on the go, but it has been nice to spend time on new ideas and not worry about performances, and look to next year and a creative phase before the workshops start in March. We do have one performance left and then we can sit back and enjoy the fact that this year has been a fine year indeed!
GM
Another quiet rehearsal this week as a few folk weren’t able to make the rehearsal. Nice to welcome Bentley back! This week we finalised the 2nd draft of the NHS England project which has now been sent off to Lesly who commissioned the company to develop a short piece supporting the proposed changes around carer’s involvement. We also spent some time looking through our new piece and clarifying some aspects of the idea before committing to work on it early next year. This feels a kind of ‘treading water’ time of our year. We have been busier than usual and look to be even busier next year with our inclusion to further training and with two projects on the go, but it has been nice to spend time on new ideas and not worry about performances, and look to next year and a creative phase before the workshops start in March. We do have one performance left and then we can sit back and enjoy the fact that this year has been a fine year indeed!
GM
directors note
7th November 2023
Back to the grindstone this week as we thrashed out our two upcoming projects. We have a basic structure to the script for the NHS England project which we will forward to them in the coming weeks, and we have also manged to loosely structure our 30 mins show (as we’re calling it) which is proving to be very exciting as it’s a departure from our usual style. Busy weeks ahead.
We have also been nominated (short-listed in once case) for two awards: HPFT, Joint Partnership award 2023 and the Partnership Working Award 2023 for the Student Nursing Times publication, for all the work we do in partnership with the nurses training at Herts Uni which we thoroughly enjoy doing. I like the fact that we have gone from innovation awards to partnership awards as I think it indicates how we have developed and how we are now an organisation that is sought out for our work. Chapeau.
GM
Back to the grindstone this week as we thrashed out our two upcoming projects. We have a basic structure to the script for the NHS England project which we will forward to them in the coming weeks, and we have also manged to loosely structure our 30 mins show (as we’re calling it) which is proving to be very exciting as it’s a departure from our usual style. Busy weeks ahead.
We have also been nominated (short-listed in once case) for two awards: HPFT, Joint Partnership award 2023 and the Partnership Working Award 2023 for the Student Nursing Times publication, for all the work we do in partnership with the nurses training at Herts Uni which we thoroughly enjoy doing. I like the fact that we have gone from innovation awards to partnership awards as I think it indicates how we have developed and how we are now an organisation that is sought out for our work. Chapeau.
GM
directors note
31st October 2023
This week we were full on creative once more developing two short pieces: one for NHS England, one for ourselves. The energy was vibrant, the ideas creative and the prospect of both pieces…very good. For once, for one of the shows, we will be working from a script! This is the first time we have done so since our very first show Insidious Baggage…it’s going to be interesting. That said, the script is merely the jumping off point; from that we will undoubtedly improvise our way to performance. Can’t wait. This is a proper purple patch for us!
GM
This week we were full on creative once more developing two short pieces: one for NHS England, one for ourselves. The energy was vibrant, the ideas creative and the prospect of both pieces…very good. For once, for one of the shows, we will be working from a script! This is the first time we have done so since our very first show Insidious Baggage…it’s going to be interesting. That said, the script is merely the jumping off point; from that we will undoubtedly improvise our way to performance. Can’t wait. This is a proper purple patch for us!
GM
directors note
17th October 2023
This week is post Herts Uni week. As much as we are always keen to get back to the creative drawing board we do often find ourselves quite tired. Some company members were not able to make the rehearsal, some were unwell. The few of us that managed it spent our time going back over the workshop to debrief ourselves of the experience. We felt the workshop was well received. The students were responsive and keen to learn and understand from our experiences. We were reminded, though, that the honesty of Sleeping Dogs and the starkness of the production can be quite challenging; and we were questioned once more about not giving a trigger warning. We have long held that theatre should be, as much as possible, an uncensored experience where you are overwhelmed emotionally in order to engage in a direct and honest dialogue with culture. We feel, to give a trigger warning, ‘prepares’ you and in that sense takes some of the immediacy away. We do always question our approach, but have found – in terms of the works impact – it is best served with no warning. For now.
GM
This week is post Herts Uni week. As much as we are always keen to get back to the creative drawing board we do often find ourselves quite tired. Some company members were not able to make the rehearsal, some were unwell. The few of us that managed it spent our time going back over the workshop to debrief ourselves of the experience. We felt the workshop was well received. The students were responsive and keen to learn and understand from our experiences. We were reminded, though, that the honesty of Sleeping Dogs and the starkness of the production can be quite challenging; and we were questioned once more about not giving a trigger warning. We have long held that theatre should be, as much as possible, an uncensored experience where you are overwhelmed emotionally in order to engage in a direct and honest dialogue with culture. We feel, to give a trigger warning, ‘prepares’ you and in that sense takes some of the immediacy away. We do always question our approach, but have found – in terms of the works impact – it is best served with no warning. For now.
GM
FEEDBACK FROM OUR PERFORMANCE AND WORKSHOP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS
We performed both Acts of Sleeping Dogs to the students on 13th October 2023 followed by our usual workshop session which we always enjoy immensely! The students were engaged in the whole day and we would like to thank them for their comments to us privately after the session and for the written feedback below which speaks volumes to us, and makes us even prouder of what we do and gives us encouragement that our work is having an impact and making a real difference. Our voices are being heard and valued!
We look forward to seeing a new cohort of students next year!
KS
We look forward to seeing a new cohort of students next year!
KS
"Theatre performance…I am talking specifically about the may contain nuts theatre group which I think was the best day we have had. The value of those with lived experience is invaluable to me, the engagement did not stop all day, the play was outstanding and the opportunity to speak to the group after was amazing"
"May contain nuts: speaking with people who actually use services. We can sit and debate and intellectualised concepts all day, but at the end of the day it is the service-users opinions that matter most to me."
"may contain nuts was an excellent experience- we need for them to return and do more interactive teaching. I have no complaints, but wish to do more teaching on this and interactive sessions with those who have lived experience."
"May contain nuts: speaking with people who actually use services. We can sit and debate and intellectualised concepts all day, but at the end of the day it is the service-users opinions that matter most to me."
"may contain nuts was an excellent experience- we need for them to return and do more interactive teaching. I have no complaints, but wish to do more teaching on this and interactive sessions with those who have lived experience."
directors note
10th October 2023
A final rehearsal before the workshop on Friday. I’ve mentioned before how this piece, Sleeping Dogs, changes; and it changed again yesterday. I think this is the longest that we have performed one piece for and what’s interesting is how the characters have become so embedded that each incremental change, which comes from knowing the characters so well, adds to the depth and the layering of the piece. It doesn’t even need to be a profound declaration in the dialogue, just a change of sentence, a reorganising of the words and something else is revealed. This happened yesterday as we walked through both Acts. All the characters seemed to have some sense of fluidity and option in the scene that made me, as the audience, not sure which direction they would take; what decisions they would make. I know this piece as well as anyone and I know how the play ends, obviously, but yesterday, along the way, things did not seem so set, and the characters seemed to stretch in to more than one possibility. Fascinating.
GM
A final rehearsal before the workshop on Friday. I’ve mentioned before how this piece, Sleeping Dogs, changes; and it changed again yesterday. I think this is the longest that we have performed one piece for and what’s interesting is how the characters have become so embedded that each incremental change, which comes from knowing the characters so well, adds to the depth and the layering of the piece. It doesn’t even need to be a profound declaration in the dialogue, just a change of sentence, a reorganising of the words and something else is revealed. This happened yesterday as we walked through both Acts. All the characters seemed to have some sense of fluidity and option in the scene that made me, as the audience, not sure which direction they would take; what decisions they would make. I know this piece as well as anyone and I know how the play ends, obviously, but yesterday, along the way, things did not seem so set, and the characters seemed to stretch in to more than one possibility. Fascinating.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
3rd October 2023
Back to the grind stone this week as we focus on the upcoming workshop at Herts Uni. For the first time in a long while we have been given the day to be with the students. This is always something we look forward to as it gives us time to expand upon the points that we wish to raise in support of the student’s training.
The run through of Sleeping Dogs went well. I must admit it is one of my favourite pieces we have done, simply because of the confidence the cast have in putting the play on. Lines appear and disappear in such a way as the whole thing feels very natural and real. Time vanishes when I watch it. But we’re not resting on laurels as the week after we are back to devising our own short piece and a piece focusing on caring. A busy, busy year.
GM
Back to the grind stone this week as we focus on the upcoming workshop at Herts Uni. For the first time in a long while we have been given the day to be with the students. This is always something we look forward to as it gives us time to expand upon the points that we wish to raise in support of the student’s training.
The run through of Sleeping Dogs went well. I must admit it is one of my favourite pieces we have done, simply because of the confidence the cast have in putting the play on. Lines appear and disappear in such a way as the whole thing feels very natural and real. Time vanishes when I watch it. But we’re not resting on laurels as the week after we are back to devising our own short piece and a piece focusing on caring. A busy, busy year.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
13th September 2023
Unfortunately this week we were missing a number of company members for various reasons. As happens on these occasions we do what we can and then kick back a little bit. We spent some time looking at a rough structure for a 20 minute piece for NHS England. Next week we meet with Leslie and are hoping for a bit more detail to work around. It was a fruitful, creative hour, getting a foothold in to the project. Then… well… we spoke about Strictly and the line-up, as to whether it is a classic line-up or not, and which was the best year? And how many contestants we can remember from series 1? And will Angela Rippon win this year? So a useful afternoon :-)
GM
Unfortunately this week we were missing a number of company members for various reasons. As happens on these occasions we do what we can and then kick back a little bit. We spent some time looking at a rough structure for a 20 minute piece for NHS England. Next week we meet with Leslie and are hoping for a bit more detail to work around. It was a fruitful, creative hour, getting a foothold in to the project. Then… well… we spoke about Strictly and the line-up, as to whether it is a classic line-up or not, and which was the best year? And how many contestants we can remember from series 1? And will Angela Rippon win this year? So a useful afternoon :-)
GM
directors note
5th September 2023
This week’s session was in two parts. For a little while now we have tried to connect with HPFT’s Simulation Hub, which is a purpose designed training zone and course for staff who wish to engage with further professional development around understanding and improving their face-to-face engagement with Service Users. Myself and another member of the theatre company have been to a couple of the sessions and felt that it was not too dissimilar to the work we undertake at Herts Uni. A meeting was set-up (thank you Jocelyn) for Dr. Magon (Rakesh) and Nicky Young to discuss the prospect of whether there would be any mutual benefit in working together. Really pleased to say that both parties felt there could be something of real value for both Nuts and the Simulation Hub in working together, so a good first – solid – step was made in this direction. Ears pinned back for future news.
The second half of the session once more focused on the development of a short 30 mins piece to compliment Sleeping Dogs. The idea is moving slowly and thoughtfully forward, although for the next few weeks, as we prep for Herts Uni and catch up with Leslie about the carers project, and wait to hear from Central, and prep for a performance on the 12/12 we’ll have to put it on the back burner. The run in for this year looks as though it’s going to be busy!
GM
This week’s session was in two parts. For a little while now we have tried to connect with HPFT’s Simulation Hub, which is a purpose designed training zone and course for staff who wish to engage with further professional development around understanding and improving their face-to-face engagement with Service Users. Myself and another member of the theatre company have been to a couple of the sessions and felt that it was not too dissimilar to the work we undertake at Herts Uni. A meeting was set-up (thank you Jocelyn) for Dr. Magon (Rakesh) and Nicky Young to discuss the prospect of whether there would be any mutual benefit in working together. Really pleased to say that both parties felt there could be something of real value for both Nuts and the Simulation Hub in working together, so a good first – solid – step was made in this direction. Ears pinned back for future news.
The second half of the session once more focused on the development of a short 30 mins piece to compliment Sleeping Dogs. The idea is moving slowly and thoughtfully forward, although for the next few weeks, as we prep for Herts Uni and catch up with Leslie about the carers project, and wait to hear from Central, and prep for a performance on the 12/12 we’ll have to put it on the back burner. The run in for this year looks as though it’s going to be busy!
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
29th August 2023
This week we took our time to walk through Sleeping Dogs. When I say walk through….we got through it in a fashion. The lines were there, the blocking was there, the structure of the piece was all there but it was a version I have never seen before. I must admit it was a laugh and felt good to just mark it rather than run through it at performance pace. The second half of the rehearsal was a run through of our new idea to see if it ‘has legs.’ Very slowly it’s coming together but there’s a huge amount of work to go before we can really say whether it’s going to work or not.
This coming Tuesday, thanks to a company member, we have a meeting with the Simulation Hub which we hope will be the start of something good. We have also had dates through for Karen Taylor (Chief Executive Officer of the Trust) to come and visit the company in December and a workshop at Herts Uni in October. I am particularly pleased with both, as both recognise our work as valid: this is the first time a CEO will be visiting, and Herts Uni have asked if we wish to facilitate a full day workshop. We must be doing something right!
GM
This week we took our time to walk through Sleeping Dogs. When I say walk through….we got through it in a fashion. The lines were there, the blocking was there, the structure of the piece was all there but it was a version I have never seen before. I must admit it was a laugh and felt good to just mark it rather than run through it at performance pace. The second half of the rehearsal was a run through of our new idea to see if it ‘has legs.’ Very slowly it’s coming together but there’s a huge amount of work to go before we can really say whether it’s going to work or not.
This coming Tuesday, thanks to a company member, we have a meeting with the Simulation Hub which we hope will be the start of something good. We have also had dates through for Karen Taylor (Chief Executive Officer of the Trust) to come and visit the company in December and a workshop at Herts Uni in October. I am particularly pleased with both, as both recognise our work as valid: this is the first time a CEO will be visiting, and Herts Uni have asked if we wish to facilitate a full day workshop. We must be doing something right!
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
22nd August 2023
First session back after the summer break. We took a little time to look at all the pies we have our fingers in at the moment, and concluded it’s a lot! Some of which we hope will unfold soon others we hope for a little delay with in order to finish what’s already on our plate. We also took another look at a new project and managed to find a ‘way in’ to something which has the potential to be quite exciting and a little novel. We have set ourselves the target of making it no more than 30 mins in length as a complimentary piece to our existing show which can run to 1 hour 35 mins. We are also excited to begin our support of the MIND Drama Support group in Ware in the coming month, and inviting the CEO of Herts Partnership Trust to a rehearsal. As always we will keep you all posted.
GM
First session back after the summer break. We took a little time to look at all the pies we have our fingers in at the moment, and concluded it’s a lot! Some of which we hope will unfold soon others we hope for a little delay with in order to finish what’s already on our plate. We also took another look at a new project and managed to find a ‘way in’ to something which has the potential to be quite exciting and a little novel. We have set ourselves the target of making it no more than 30 mins in length as a complimentary piece to our existing show which can run to 1 hour 35 mins. We are also excited to begin our support of the MIND Drama Support group in Ware in the coming month, and inviting the CEO of Herts Partnership Trust to a rehearsal. As always we will keep you all posted.
GM
What a legend!
As promised - a nice pic of our esteemed leader, Mr Gerald Maiello receiving his certificate and badge from Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust for 25 years service. He has in fact 'served' 29 years but he was freelance for the first 4 years. He did confess that shortly after this photo was taken he raised his fist to shout "Come on Luton"! You can take the boy out of Luton..........
KS
KS
Quiet and reserved as ever :-))
directors note
18th July 2023
This was a thoughtful and engaging session as we spoke openly and honestly to each other about the theme for the next show. There was, naturally, some hesitancy and caution in deciding on the subject and once we had we then stood back and looked at it within a wider context. We have given ourselves two more sessions, before the summer, break to see whether it is viable for the company to tackle, or whether we have to tweak the original theme in order to remain open and honest in our explanation. We always tackle difficult subjects, and we have never shied away from that, but in doing so we have learned that each production has to be approached carefully and considerately as it often touches on very private and difficult emotions. The bulk of the session was given over to this, but at the end we played several games of Fuzzy-Duck (which we’re very good at) (I would like to clarify this fact - I am NOT very good at it! KS) and employee/employer just to shift the energy a little bit in the room.
In other news I attended the Long Service Awards for HPFT and met with the CEO (Karen Taylor). She spent some time listening and asking questions about May Contain Nuts being both interested and thoughtful about our work; the upshot being she wished to come in and meet the company. Hopefully we’ll hear back soon as to when this can happen.
GM
ALSO.........
Gerald attended the Long Service Awards in recognition of his own long service this week. So a big 'well done and thank you' to Gerald for all his hard work and the support that he has given to what must be thousands of service users over the years. I know I speak for the Company when I say that mental health services are all the better for his input and involvement. Thank you doesn't really cover it! He got a badge and a certificate so if I can persuade him to show off a bit, I will get a photo and post it here next week.
KS
This was a thoughtful and engaging session as we spoke openly and honestly to each other about the theme for the next show. There was, naturally, some hesitancy and caution in deciding on the subject and once we had we then stood back and looked at it within a wider context. We have given ourselves two more sessions, before the summer, break to see whether it is viable for the company to tackle, or whether we have to tweak the original theme in order to remain open and honest in our explanation. We always tackle difficult subjects, and we have never shied away from that, but in doing so we have learned that each production has to be approached carefully and considerately as it often touches on very private and difficult emotions. The bulk of the session was given over to this, but at the end we played several games of Fuzzy-Duck (which we’re very good at) (I would like to clarify this fact - I am NOT very good at it! KS) and employee/employer just to shift the energy a little bit in the room.
In other news I attended the Long Service Awards for HPFT and met with the CEO (Karen Taylor). She spent some time listening and asking questions about May Contain Nuts being both interested and thoughtful about our work; the upshot being she wished to come in and meet the company. Hopefully we’ll hear back soon as to when this can happen.
GM
ALSO.........
Gerald attended the Long Service Awards in recognition of his own long service this week. So a big 'well done and thank you' to Gerald for all his hard work and the support that he has given to what must be thousands of service users over the years. I know I speak for the Company when I say that mental health services are all the better for his input and involvement. Thank you doesn't really cover it! He got a badge and a certificate so if I can persuade him to show off a bit, I will get a photo and post it here next week.
KS
directors note
11th July 2023
This week we finished of the script reading and began to discuss, tentatively, whether it was something that we wish to do as our next project. No decision was made, as we wish to give it a bit more time. We took a stroll through Act 2 to keep it fresh in preparation for a return – fingers-crossed – to Central in the last quarter of this year. Next week we decide on the new project!
GM
This week we finished of the script reading and began to discuss, tentatively, whether it was something that we wish to do as our next project. No decision was made, as we wish to give it a bit more time. We took a stroll through Act 2 to keep it fresh in preparation for a return – fingers-crossed – to Central in the last quarter of this year. Next week we decide on the new project!
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
4th July 2023
It was a dark room this week due to no power being available, which made script reading a tad tricky. But following a coffee run by James and Lyanne we soon perked up and got on with the task of script reading. It’s an unusual process for us as a group, even though we did something similar during lockdown. In a strange way it feels more tiring to sit down and read through a script than it does to be up-and-doing. Undoubtedly the darkness didn’t help either…if only they would turn their amps down! We’re already talking about how we can change the script and make it work for us if, as a project, we move forward with it; I think that is always the most enjoyable side of the company: our creativity and willingness to build. Equally I am appreciative of the way the company promote the work that we do and lift the profile of the company to where it should be; I look forward to hearing the Trust’s Board’s response!
I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to Daniel who started with us this week. Hopefully in the coming sessions he will get the chance to work with us creatively as we move forward with our next projects.
GM
It was a dark room this week due to no power being available, which made script reading a tad tricky. But following a coffee run by James and Lyanne we soon perked up and got on with the task of script reading. It’s an unusual process for us as a group, even though we did something similar during lockdown. In a strange way it feels more tiring to sit down and read through a script than it does to be up-and-doing. Undoubtedly the darkness didn’t help either…if only they would turn their amps down! We’re already talking about how we can change the script and make it work for us if, as a project, we move forward with it; I think that is always the most enjoyable side of the company: our creativity and willingness to build. Equally I am appreciative of the way the company promote the work that we do and lift the profile of the company to where it should be; I look forward to hearing the Trust’s Board’s response!
I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to Daniel who started with us this week. Hopefully in the coming sessions he will get the chance to work with us creatively as we move forward with our next projects.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
27th June 2023
This week we engaged in something we have not done since Lockdown: script reading. We now have a play all fit and ready for performance, that is ticking over, which means we are in between projects, having finished one and looking to start another. Rather than rest on our laurels, or rather rest at all, we have decided to plough ahead with something new whilst we wait to hear more about the NHS England project. This week we read through two old scripts to see if there is one that we could potentially bring to life. If we do, then it will be the first time in company history that we have worked from a script as opposed to improvisation. With both scripts, there will need to be considerable re-writing, but this in itself will be a nice challenge as we look to slot characters in to a tightly woven narrative. It is a delicate operation. To attempt it with anything other than patience will, potentially, muddle the existing text and make the task harder than what it is. But I don’t think that will happen. Already we are discussing good ideas about the extra characters and how involved they really need to be. Think first, has always been our motto when it comes to creating something new.
GM
This week we engaged in something we have not done since Lockdown: script reading. We now have a play all fit and ready for performance, that is ticking over, which means we are in between projects, having finished one and looking to start another. Rather than rest on our laurels, or rather rest at all, we have decided to plough ahead with something new whilst we wait to hear more about the NHS England project. This week we read through two old scripts to see if there is one that we could potentially bring to life. If we do, then it will be the first time in company history that we have worked from a script as opposed to improvisation. With both scripts, there will need to be considerable re-writing, but this in itself will be a nice challenge as we look to slot characters in to a tightly woven narrative. It is a delicate operation. To attempt it with anything other than patience will, potentially, muddle the existing text and make the task harder than what it is. But I don’t think that will happen. Already we are discussing good ideas about the extra characters and how involved they really need to be. Think first, has always been our motto when it comes to creating something new.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
20th June 2023
There was no group last week, so we spent this week going through the performance last Monday and catching up a little about the thoughts and feelings we had about it. I think as mentioned before there was more to be had, in such a wonderful environment, and with such a good bunch of people. We are hopeful of going back towards the end of the year to perform once more and maybe include a little workshopping too! This afternoon we also walked through Act 2, just topping-and-tailing and keeping it ticking over. There was also some discussion of the next project, with a few ideas being put forwards. It’s true to say we don’t stop. We keep going, just proves to me what a creative and motivated bunch the theatre company are!
GM
There was no group last week, so we spent this week going through the performance last Monday and catching up a little about the thoughts and feelings we had about it. I think as mentioned before there was more to be had, in such a wonderful environment, and with such a good bunch of people. We are hopeful of going back towards the end of the year to perform once more and maybe include a little workshopping too! This afternoon we also walked through Act 2, just topping-and-tailing and keeping it ticking over. There was also some discussion of the next project, with a few ideas being put forwards. It’s true to say we don’t stop. We keep going, just proves to me what a creative and motivated bunch the theatre company are!
GM
ROYAL CENTRAL SCHOOL OF SPEECH AND DRAMA PERFORMANCE

12th June 2023
This week we performed in the Dench studio at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in Swiss Cottage. We were invited in by Richard, Course Convenor, to perform and share our thoughts on dramatherapy. What a fantastic opportunity it was to perform at the home of British Acting and share drinks and conversation with some of the students and tutors afterwards. The performance had a new edge to it that is hard to explain, other than to say it filled the space and seemed to engage the audience fully; there were new lines and new depths of emotion expressed by the company as the characters negotiated the intricate dynamics of family relationships. We were hopeful of being able to perform Act 1&2 but it was decided – given other things – that Act 1 would suffice; my thanks go to the cast member for their patience in being part of the day but not performing. Afterwards we invited questions about the piece, the process and our own relationship to drama/dramatherapy. I must admit, I didn’t think we would fill the hour allotted to the Q&A, but then I underestimated the audience’s engagement and the cast’s willingness to speak openly and honestly about their work, mental health and drama (I will interject here and say that we are always willing to speak openly and honestly so why Mr Director was surprised must have been due to the heat ! We could all talk for hours as we never short of things to say! KS). If we hadn’t been interrupted by the fire alarm I think we could have gone on for longer.
I’d like to extend a heart felt thank you to Richard, Alyson, and the students for making us feel very welcomed and supported. We look forward to coming back – at some point – and performing Act 2. What a cracking day, topped by the fact that we managed to find parking right outside the Embassy Theatre. In the daytime. For a minibus. In London!
GM
This week we performed in the Dench studio at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in Swiss Cottage. We were invited in by Richard, Course Convenor, to perform and share our thoughts on dramatherapy. What a fantastic opportunity it was to perform at the home of British Acting and share drinks and conversation with some of the students and tutors afterwards. The performance had a new edge to it that is hard to explain, other than to say it filled the space and seemed to engage the audience fully; there were new lines and new depths of emotion expressed by the company as the characters negotiated the intricate dynamics of family relationships. We were hopeful of being able to perform Act 1&2 but it was decided – given other things – that Act 1 would suffice; my thanks go to the cast member for their patience in being part of the day but not performing. Afterwards we invited questions about the piece, the process and our own relationship to drama/dramatherapy. I must admit, I didn’t think we would fill the hour allotted to the Q&A, but then I underestimated the audience’s engagement and the cast’s willingness to speak openly and honestly about their work, mental health and drama (I will interject here and say that we are always willing to speak openly and honestly so why Mr Director was surprised must have been due to the heat ! We could all talk for hours as we never short of things to say! KS). If we hadn’t been interrupted by the fire alarm I think we could have gone on for longer.
I’d like to extend a heart felt thank you to Richard, Alyson, and the students for making us feel very welcomed and supported. We look forward to coming back – at some point – and performing Act 2. What a cracking day, topped by the fact that we managed to find parking right outside the Embassy Theatre. In the daytime. For a minibus. In London!
GM
directors note
6th June 2023
This week we were joined by Kevin (One Stop Carers, Carer by Experience and part of HPFT’s Simulation Hub), who expressed an interest in attending one of our rehearsals in order to see the company in action. We are always supportive of folk who wish to know more about what we do so we were please to see Kevin on the day. Hopefully seeing the company move through Act 2 of Sleeping Dogs and talking with us about the way that we worked gave a good understanding of our company.
GM
This week we were joined by Kevin (One Stop Carers, Carer by Experience and part of HPFT’s Simulation Hub), who expressed an interest in attending one of our rehearsals in order to see the company in action. We are always supportive of folk who wish to know more about what we do so we were please to see Kevin on the day. Hopefully seeing the company move through Act 2 of Sleeping Dogs and talking with us about the way that we worked gave a good understanding of our company.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
23rd May 2023
This week we walked through both Act 1 and 2. Unfortunately we were a couple of cast members down, so there were scenes that we couldn’t do, but the rest we walked through and spoke about to see if they needed tightening up. For us, this has been a nice time of rest. We have a very good show in the bag which we have performed recently and will do very soon, in a couple of weeks, and at the same time we’re waiting for a little more guidance on the carers project and possibly some input in to the Simulation Hub. It’s nice to have the time to walk rather than run. In other news we had some really lovely and kind feedback from the nursing students at Herts Uni (see below), whom we worked with earlier this year, and we’ve been contacted by a theatre practitioner in the North who wishes to know more about the company and it’s work. We’re always appreciative of any interest in our work, but I think it feels especially good knowing that people are beginning to hear of us far and wide.
GM
This week we walked through both Act 1 and 2. Unfortunately we were a couple of cast members down, so there were scenes that we couldn’t do, but the rest we walked through and spoke about to see if they needed tightening up. For us, this has been a nice time of rest. We have a very good show in the bag which we have performed recently and will do very soon, in a couple of weeks, and at the same time we’re waiting for a little more guidance on the carers project and possibly some input in to the Simulation Hub. It’s nice to have the time to walk rather than run. In other news we had some really lovely and kind feedback from the nursing students at Herts Uni (see below), whom we worked with earlier this year, and we’ve been contacted by a theatre practitioner in the North who wishes to know more about the company and it’s work. We’re always appreciative of any interest in our work, but I think it feels especially good knowing that people are beginning to hear of us far and wide.
GM
FEEDBACK FROM THE MENTAL HEALTH NURSING STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE
Back in March and April we held role play sessions with the Mental Health Nursing Students. Over a period of 5 weeks we held a total of 10 sessions of 2 hours each role playing set scenarios covering strengths learnt as per the University's curriculum including psychosis, crisis and communication. The scenarios were set in a variety of locations such as the service users home, a psychiatric ward and a crisis team office. The students are given a brief outline of the service user and their current situation and are then tasked with finding out what is happening for that service user and how to help them. It really does test their skills as we never give them an easy ride. After all, we are 'Experts by Experience' so we give them as real an experience as we can, which although can be quite challenging for them initially is ultimately beneficial.
"Super beneficial to practice what we were learning and see areas for improvement in our skills, one of the best experiences of my degree so far."
"At first I was sceptical of how this could improve practice, I found that the more attendance I gave the more I understood the reasoning and justification around the acting sessions. I found the discussions after the improvising was beneficial and allowed open discussions to understand and discuss practice. Although not everyone was confident to partake, there was still a benefit to observing the sessions."
"To some extent it is a bold step and confidence building session, especially if you have worked with people experiencing mental health in the community before now, and it might create some concern if you're new in the mental health sector. but Laura’s support and encouragement do go a long way."
"Was a great experience and really helpful"
"It has been very helpful in understanding how to use various effective communication skills to build a therapeutic relationship with service users."
"It gave me an idea of how to act in similar situations, boosting my confidence in dealing with service users. I really enjoyed them"
"It was very helpful and I hope it continues."
"It really boosted my confidence"
"This idea was excellent as we got to have experience working while making mistakes and the opportunity to improve on their expectations and live feedbacks. Thank yo for this opportunity."
"It has really helped particularly with understanding that people have their stories and background that have contributed to their present situations and also understanding the need for communicating with the service users and hearing their voices. I also learnt not to make assumptions, but to allow the service user to communicate their individual needs and expectations. The sessions were very useful and practical and I would recommend them for all students in the future."
"The sessions were very educative and enlightening. It has definitely changed my view of communication with service users."
"The improvisation has increased my active listening knowledge."
"It has given me more confidence to communicate"
"It has given me more confident to communicate with service users"
"WAS GREAT WAY TO BUILD UP CONFIDENCE."
"It helped to familiarise me with the different challenges that I may encounter with Service Users and demonstrated how best I can deal with these situations. I am now feeling more confident in my approach to achieve a therapeutic outcome."
We would like to thank the students for their hard work, and for taking on board our constructive advice. It really is very rewarding for us to see their confidence grow week on week and their skills improve so much. Well done to you all !
We can't wait to do it all again next year!
KS
"Super beneficial to practice what we were learning and see areas for improvement in our skills, one of the best experiences of my degree so far."
"At first I was sceptical of how this could improve practice, I found that the more attendance I gave the more I understood the reasoning and justification around the acting sessions. I found the discussions after the improvising was beneficial and allowed open discussions to understand and discuss practice. Although not everyone was confident to partake, there was still a benefit to observing the sessions."
"To some extent it is a bold step and confidence building session, especially if you have worked with people experiencing mental health in the community before now, and it might create some concern if you're new in the mental health sector. but Laura’s support and encouragement do go a long way."
"Was a great experience and really helpful"
"It has been very helpful in understanding how to use various effective communication skills to build a therapeutic relationship with service users."
"It gave me an idea of how to act in similar situations, boosting my confidence in dealing with service users. I really enjoyed them"
"It was very helpful and I hope it continues."
"It really boosted my confidence"
"This idea was excellent as we got to have experience working while making mistakes and the opportunity to improve on their expectations and live feedbacks. Thank yo for this opportunity."
"It has really helped particularly with understanding that people have their stories and background that have contributed to their present situations and also understanding the need for communicating with the service users and hearing their voices. I also learnt not to make assumptions, but to allow the service user to communicate their individual needs and expectations. The sessions were very useful and practical and I would recommend them for all students in the future."
"The sessions were very educative and enlightening. It has definitely changed my view of communication with service users."
"The improvisation has increased my active listening knowledge."
"It has given me more confidence to communicate"
"It has given me more confident to communicate with service users"
"WAS GREAT WAY TO BUILD UP CONFIDENCE."
"It helped to familiarise me with the different challenges that I may encounter with Service Users and demonstrated how best I can deal with these situations. I am now feeling more confident in my approach to achieve a therapeutic outcome."
We would like to thank the students for their hard work, and for taking on board our constructive advice. It really is very rewarding for us to see their confidence grow week on week and their skills improve so much. Well done to you all !
We can't wait to do it all again next year!
KS
directors note
15th May 2023
Amidst a lot of jocularity and hilarity a good piece of work was achieved this week by tidying up a couple of scenes that needed a bit more focus and direction. We’re steadily working our way towards the 12th June and the Central performance. It’s been a busy first half of the year with two projects still very much in their infancy (simulation hub and NHS England) so it’s been nice having a couple of weeks to kick back a little and revel in the joy of drama and theatre. These kinds of rehearsal, I feel, are essential to our well being when the company has worked so hard to put this show together over the last couple of years.
GM
Amidst a lot of jocularity and hilarity a good piece of work was achieved this week by tidying up a couple of scenes that needed a bit more focus and direction. We’re steadily working our way towards the 12th June and the Central performance. It’s been a busy first half of the year with two projects still very much in their infancy (simulation hub and NHS England) so it’s been nice having a couple of weeks to kick back a little and revel in the joy of drama and theatre. These kinds of rehearsal, I feel, are essential to our well being when the company has worked so hard to put this show together over the last couple of years.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
9th May 2023
This week was another reflective week as we tidied up a few loose ends in the piece. The audience, a couple of weeks ago, asked some very interesting questions of us in terms of the character’s backgrounds and what may have occurred ‘off-stage’ between the characters. As always the Q&A session was both engaging and rewarding. What was asked by the audience led directly to this week’s work in clarifying one aspect of the show and adding to one-or-two of the show’s vignettes. I do think this is the best form of drama, where the nature of the relationship between the audience and performers always encourages development in us and, hopefully, awareness in the audience.
We’re now gearing up for our workshop at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama – a bastion of British theatre and applied drama, in a number of different modalities – which we will facilitate on the 12th June, very much looking forward to this.
GM
This week was another reflective week as we tidied up a few loose ends in the piece. The audience, a couple of weeks ago, asked some very interesting questions of us in terms of the character’s backgrounds and what may have occurred ‘off-stage’ between the characters. As always the Q&A session was both engaging and rewarding. What was asked by the audience led directly to this week’s work in clarifying one aspect of the show and adding to one-or-two of the show’s vignettes. I do think this is the best form of drama, where the nature of the relationship between the audience and performers always encourages development in us and, hopefully, awareness in the audience.
We’re now gearing up for our workshop at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama – a bastion of British theatre and applied drama, in a number of different modalities – which we will facilitate on the 12th June, very much looking forward to this.
GM
directors note
2nd May 2023
Unfortunately this week we had a number of cast members engaged in other commitments that took priority, or company members that needed some time to recover and gain back a bit of energy in life. For those that were able to make it, we spent time looking back at last week’s performance and eating fruit and chocolate in a decadent manner. Afterwards we played a number of games of Hangman where we revealed our taste in both high and low culture. Bentley kept us company.
GM
Unfortunately this week we had a number of cast members engaged in other commitments that took priority, or company members that needed some time to recover and gain back a bit of energy in life. For those that were able to make it, we spent time looking back at last week’s performance and eating fruit and chocolate in a decadent manner. Afterwards we played a number of games of Hangman where we revealed our taste in both high and low culture. Bentley kept us company.
GM
directors note
25th April 2023
It’s show time! This evening we performed our current piece for friends and family at Beechen Grove Baptist church. It was a healthy turnout for an audience that was very supportive, encouraging and thoughtful. It was the first time that we had performed both acts together, and from where I was sitting it was a joy to see the narratives of the characters move and flow for the 1 ½ hours traffic of our stage. It has been, and will continue to be, a very rewarding piece to work on. There are so many other avenues the characters can take in exploring their connection to each other, and so many layers to those narratives that I look forward to seeing the nuances, through performed changes, coming to the fore; as opposed to sitting on the edge of my chair racking my brain to see whether I had heard the spoken lines on stage before, and if not where would these new lines lead to….
We had great feedback after the performance and some great questions. This was a real moment as it was clear from what we were being asked that the audience had connected and identified with the characters and their struggle. To me it was a moment of fusion between drama as performed, and drama as a cathartic life-changing experience. Chapeau to the cast.
GM
PS. We finally decided on a title for the piece about 2 hours before the performance! We had about a dozen options which we'd considered on and off over the creation of the piece and we resorted to a majority vote. And the winner is.........drum roll please..........'Sleeping Dogs'. I think we all liked it because it doesn't give anything away about the plot, but makes sense once you've watched both Acts. Obviously it's a short form of the term 'let sleeping dogs lie' and it's very apt!
KS
It’s show time! This evening we performed our current piece for friends and family at Beechen Grove Baptist church. It was a healthy turnout for an audience that was very supportive, encouraging and thoughtful. It was the first time that we had performed both acts together, and from where I was sitting it was a joy to see the narratives of the characters move and flow for the 1 ½ hours traffic of our stage. It has been, and will continue to be, a very rewarding piece to work on. There are so many other avenues the characters can take in exploring their connection to each other, and so many layers to those narratives that I look forward to seeing the nuances, through performed changes, coming to the fore; as opposed to sitting on the edge of my chair racking my brain to see whether I had heard the spoken lines on stage before, and if not where would these new lines lead to….
We had great feedback after the performance and some great questions. This was a real moment as it was clear from what we were being asked that the audience had connected and identified with the characters and their struggle. To me it was a moment of fusion between drama as performed, and drama as a cathartic life-changing experience. Chapeau to the cast.
GM
PS. We finally decided on a title for the piece about 2 hours before the performance! We had about a dozen options which we'd considered on and off over the creation of the piece and we resorted to a majority vote. And the winner is.........drum roll please..........'Sleeping Dogs'. I think we all liked it because it doesn't give anything away about the plot, but makes sense once you've watched both Acts. Obviously it's a short form of the term 'let sleeping dogs lie' and it's very apt!
KS
DIRECTORS NOTE
18th April 2023
It was good to be back in rehearsal this week with our first performance of both acts coming up. Two straight run throughs, highlighting the hard work that has gone in to this piece of theatre, illustrated how embedded the piece is within our psyche. Its been our longest rehearsal period for one show, but still equates – in time – to that taken by a professional company in which to stage a show. That said, most companies would not have had to devise, create, improvise, rehearse and script within the same time so I think hats off to us!
We were also joined by Josh this week – spiritual lead and professional actor – who came to observe. His feedback was both constructive and useful, observing where it could be tightened and where the performance was enriched by all the background work we had done. Really looking forward to the performance and realising this shows full potential.
GM
It was good to be back in rehearsal this week with our first performance of both acts coming up. Two straight run throughs, highlighting the hard work that has gone in to this piece of theatre, illustrated how embedded the piece is within our psyche. Its been our longest rehearsal period for one show, but still equates – in time – to that taken by a professional company in which to stage a show. That said, most companies would not have had to devise, create, improvise, rehearse and script within the same time so I think hats off to us!
We were also joined by Josh this week – spiritual lead and professional actor – who came to observe. His feedback was both constructive and useful, observing where it could be tightened and where the performance was enriched by all the background work we had done. Really looking forward to the performance and realising this shows full potential.
GM
directors note
4th April 2023
Well, I started yesterday’s rehearsal with some trepidation as I thought – although we had arrived at the ending of the play – we wouldn’t have enough time before its first performance to shape and tighten it. The first run through proved me right as Act 1 and 2 were like chalk and cheese! Act 1 was tight and humorous with new lines being added with confidence and ease. Act 2 was a struggle, there was no flow and only patches of how good it could be. At the end of the run we posed hard questions to ourselves as to whether we would be ready or not, whether we would have to alter the performance date. Before making a decision, we ran Act 2 once more…
… what a difference a few minutes and a cup of tea make! It was a different play! Act 2 flowed. Lines where remembered staging was fluid, scenes blended from one to the other and we arrived at the conclusion confidently and assuredly. Chapeau to the company for pulling all the stops out. Back on course!
GM
Well, I started yesterday’s rehearsal with some trepidation as I thought – although we had arrived at the ending of the play – we wouldn’t have enough time before its first performance to shape and tighten it. The first run through proved me right as Act 1 and 2 were like chalk and cheese! Act 1 was tight and humorous with new lines being added with confidence and ease. Act 2 was a struggle, there was no flow and only patches of how good it could be. At the end of the run we posed hard questions to ourselves as to whether we would be ready or not, whether we would have to alter the performance date. Before making a decision, we ran Act 2 once more…
… what a difference a few minutes and a cup of tea make! It was a different play! Act 2 flowed. Lines where remembered staging was fluid, scenes blended from one to the other and we arrived at the conclusion confidently and assuredly. Chapeau to the company for pulling all the stops out. Back on course!
GM
directors note
23rd March 2023
Last of the nurse’s training sessions this week. As always, with this project, not only are we grateful for the invitation from Laura to participate in facilitating the scenarios but also impressed with the changes that the nurses undertake through the process. Without doubt they become more thoughtful, more aware, of how to listen and engage with people who are experiencing mental distress and ill health. Good work by all. Tuesday’s rehearsal was quite concentrated as we focused on Ted, hot-seating James and grilling him with questions about Ted’s history and motivations. We then added what we had learned in to the cutaway scenes in Alex’s final speech, layering up the scene and character to enrich the dialogue and subtext.
GM
Last of the nurse’s training sessions this week. As always, with this project, not only are we grateful for the invitation from Laura to participate in facilitating the scenarios but also impressed with the changes that the nurses undertake through the process. Without doubt they become more thoughtful, more aware, of how to listen and engage with people who are experiencing mental distress and ill health. Good work by all. Tuesday’s rehearsal was quite concentrated as we focused on Ted, hot-seating James and grilling him with questions about Ted’s history and motivations. We then added what we had learned in to the cutaway scenes in Alex’s final speech, layering up the scene and character to enrich the dialogue and subtext.
GM
directors note
21st March 2023
This week it was a session of two halves. First half was an interesting and encouraging meeting Leslie Goodburn - Experience of Care Lead for Provider Improvement at NHS England, who discussed an upcoming project to construct and put in place a policy for the NHS that supports carer involvement when a loved one has been admitted. Leslie’s idea was to develop a piece of theatre that could be taken around seven regional hubs as part of a pilot project to inform and support the application of the policy. It certainly is something the company are interested in and we await further guidance form Leslie in the summer.
The second half, was all to do with ‘topping-and-tailing’ act 2. We’re close to a performance date with it, which we do need, as I feel there is very little we need to add to act 2 other than tightening it up.
Next week is our last session with the trainee nurses, sessions which we have thoroughly enjoyed and will miss. We build a nice, open, relationship with the students over the sessions and it is always heart warming to see the amount of transformation that does take place.
GM
This week it was a session of two halves. First half was an interesting and encouraging meeting Leslie Goodburn - Experience of Care Lead for Provider Improvement at NHS England, who discussed an upcoming project to construct and put in place a policy for the NHS that supports carer involvement when a loved one has been admitted. Leslie’s idea was to develop a piece of theatre that could be taken around seven regional hubs as part of a pilot project to inform and support the application of the policy. It certainly is something the company are interested in and we await further guidance form Leslie in the summer.
The second half, was all to do with ‘topping-and-tailing’ act 2. We’re close to a performance date with it, which we do need, as I feel there is very little we need to add to act 2 other than tightening it up.
Next week is our last session with the trainee nurses, sessions which we have thoroughly enjoyed and will miss. We build a nice, open, relationship with the students over the sessions and it is always heart warming to see the amount of transformation that does take place.
GM
performance for the 'arts in mental health' students from Queen Mary University
14th March 2023
A busy time for us at the moment. This week not only did we have the role play sessions for the nurses but also a performance of Act 1 for Queen Mary students. They have always given us a good reception, and it was no different this year. We warmed up with a couple of games, performed Act 1 and then held our usual Q&A sessions. I think we sometimes forget how good the show is. The reception was fantastic with more than one comment about how real the performances felt as opposed to ‘acted’. Several of the students have contacted me since asking about the Friends and Family performance at which we will perform the full piece for the first time. There is always something exciting about a premier!
GM
A busy time for us at the moment. This week not only did we have the role play sessions for the nurses but also a performance of Act 1 for Queen Mary students. They have always given us a good reception, and it was no different this year. We warmed up with a couple of games, performed Act 1 and then held our usual Q&A sessions. I think we sometimes forget how good the show is. The reception was fantastic with more than one comment about how real the performances felt as opposed to ‘acted’. Several of the students have contacted me since asking about the Friends and Family performance at which we will perform the full piece for the first time. There is always something exciting about a premier!
GM
FEEDBACK FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE
Earlier this year we performed and ran a workshop for the Psychology students at the University of Hertfordshire (see note dated 10th January 2023) and today we received some amazing feedback from the students which we'd like to share as we are very grateful for their wonderful comments. It really does give us so much encouragement and reinforces our belief that what we do really does make a difference.
'Although I initially thought I was going to hate the first part, I really enjoyed getting up and moving around. The exercise where we were in groups of 8, with one individual sitting on a chair, and the others around them being the oppressors was really, really powerful. Thank you. The performance was great, I was thinking systemically about how all of the characters were interacting with each other.. but in therapy we would miss a large part of this (for example, if we were only seeing Alex and therefore gaining Alex's perspective). I really enjoyed the Q&A session afterwards, and appreciated the vulnerability and openness afforded to us form the actors.'
'It was very different from any other lectures that I have attended. I enjoyed the creativity and drama running free.'
'It was very engaging and thought provoking. I appreciated people’s honesty and open reflections on their experiences with mental health, clinicians, and the theatre company. It was refreshing.'
'FANTASTIC workshop. It was thoughtful, inspiring, fun, playful, thought-provoking. Gabrielle (I think they mean Gerald! :-)) did a fantastic job chairing the whole session. I loved that we played with drama and drama therapy using movement, touch and our bodies. The symbolism of the exercises was what we see in our therapy rooms. I felt today I learned much more through people than other lectures. Amazing performance from everyone. I appreciated the transparency and open dialogue.'
'Interesting to see a more creative side to therapy and understand how this might be used/benefit service users. The performance was very good and enjoyed the Q&A session at the end. Thank you to the theatre group for being so open and honest in your reflections.'
'Loved the performance and the open, vulnerable exploration and discussions afterwards. Thank you for such a unique experience.'
'Very interesting and helpful lecture. I really loved how May Contain Nuts works to educate, raise awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental health. I particularly enjoyed the performance shown and loved the creativity that has been brought up.'
'Come back for the part 2!! Please pass on my feedback above. The theatre company has done an amazing job and they all deserve huge congratulations!'
And just to big up our esteemed Director, Mr Gerald Maiello, I thought it important to include the following comment. The Company have had a chat and decided that he can stay!! In all seriousness, he really does hold us all together and is the sanity in the sea of chaos that is the Nuts rehearsal. And for that we will always be grateful. But we will never give him an easy time !!
'Gerald was outstanding in his approach to teaching, rarely have I come across someone so engaging. Observing his interactions and teaching method was great role modelling in itself. Thank you.'
And lastly, this comment -
'GREAT!!! please bring them back!!'
We will definately be back next year. Looking forward to it already !
KS
'Although I initially thought I was going to hate the first part, I really enjoyed getting up and moving around. The exercise where we were in groups of 8, with one individual sitting on a chair, and the others around them being the oppressors was really, really powerful. Thank you. The performance was great, I was thinking systemically about how all of the characters were interacting with each other.. but in therapy we would miss a large part of this (for example, if we were only seeing Alex and therefore gaining Alex's perspective). I really enjoyed the Q&A session afterwards, and appreciated the vulnerability and openness afforded to us form the actors.'
'It was very different from any other lectures that I have attended. I enjoyed the creativity and drama running free.'
'It was very engaging and thought provoking. I appreciated people’s honesty and open reflections on their experiences with mental health, clinicians, and the theatre company. It was refreshing.'
'FANTASTIC workshop. It was thoughtful, inspiring, fun, playful, thought-provoking. Gabrielle (I think they mean Gerald! :-)) did a fantastic job chairing the whole session. I loved that we played with drama and drama therapy using movement, touch and our bodies. The symbolism of the exercises was what we see in our therapy rooms. I felt today I learned much more through people than other lectures. Amazing performance from everyone. I appreciated the transparency and open dialogue.'
'Interesting to see a more creative side to therapy and understand how this might be used/benefit service users. The performance was very good and enjoyed the Q&A session at the end. Thank you to the theatre group for being so open and honest in your reflections.'
'Loved the performance and the open, vulnerable exploration and discussions afterwards. Thank you for such a unique experience.'
'Very interesting and helpful lecture. I really loved how May Contain Nuts works to educate, raise awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental health. I particularly enjoyed the performance shown and loved the creativity that has been brought up.'
'Come back for the part 2!! Please pass on my feedback above. The theatre company has done an amazing job and they all deserve huge congratulations!'
And just to big up our esteemed Director, Mr Gerald Maiello, I thought it important to include the following comment. The Company have had a chat and decided that he can stay!! In all seriousness, he really does hold us all together and is the sanity in the sea of chaos that is the Nuts rehearsal. And for that we will always be grateful. But we will never give him an easy time !!
'Gerald was outstanding in his approach to teaching, rarely have I come across someone so engaging. Observing his interactions and teaching method was great role modelling in itself. Thank you.'
And lastly, this comment -
'GREAT!!! please bring them back!!'
We will definately be back next year. Looking forward to it already !
KS
NEWS
We start our workshops with Herts Uni nurses this coming Monday (27th March) for a period of a couple of months. Always a joy, always heartening to be involved in helping others realise their potential. We’re certainly going to be busy. Fantastic.
Lastly the project that we are running in conjunction with MIND and HPFT started last Friday. The group was led by the excellent Abi, with support from Sarah. Attendance was great and all participated with gusto in the exercises that Abi brought.
GM
Lastly the project that we are running in conjunction with MIND and HPFT started last Friday. The group was led by the excellent Abi, with support from Sarah. Attendance was great and all participated with gusto in the exercises that Abi brought.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
20th February 2023
At last! We did it! We finally managed to reach the end of Act 2! I think our joy and relief were illustrated brilliantly by a spontaneous cheer. After all these weeks of diligent and thoughtful work I do think we have managed to tie up all the loose ends where we needed to, as well as leaving a number of narratives open for interpretation by the audience. It’s a curious sense of relief. Not total relief as there is still a lot of shaping to do, but having a conclusion means that whatever we do now will be pushing up against an ending, that we won’t have to create to ‘lead up’ to something, but ‘within something.’ There are boundaries and lines which mean the work can be more focused around what we have as opposed to a continuing need to add in order to reach a conclusion. Great stuff.
GM
At last! We did it! We finally managed to reach the end of Act 2! I think our joy and relief were illustrated brilliantly by a spontaneous cheer. After all these weeks of diligent and thoughtful work I do think we have managed to tie up all the loose ends where we needed to, as well as leaving a number of narratives open for interpretation by the audience. It’s a curious sense of relief. Not total relief as there is still a lot of shaping to do, but having a conclusion means that whatever we do now will be pushing up against an ending, that we won’t have to create to ‘lead up’ to something, but ‘within something.’ There are boundaries and lines which mean the work can be more focused around what we have as opposed to a continuing need to add in order to reach a conclusion. Great stuff.
GM
directors note
7th February 2023
We are almost there, almost there! This afternoon we went over the final scene. I am so grateful that it all hangs together well. Sometimes I have felt haunted by this scene as we seem to inch closer each week but never manage to finally arrive. Today we managed to get a proper grip hold on the very last moments of the play. We arrived at its conclusion (for now) and the sense of relief, for me, was palpable. I thought we would never see the end, as we had so many good ideas on how the whole thing should conclude. Truth be told, when we come back after the half term, undoubtedly we will still be deciding on the very last gesture….then we have to decide on the title!!!!
GM
We are almost there, almost there! This afternoon we went over the final scene. I am so grateful that it all hangs together well. Sometimes I have felt haunted by this scene as we seem to inch closer each week but never manage to finally arrive. Today we managed to get a proper grip hold on the very last moments of the play. We arrived at its conclusion (for now) and the sense of relief, for me, was palpable. I thought we would never see the end, as we had so many good ideas on how the whole thing should conclude. Truth be told, when we come back after the half term, undoubtedly we will still be deciding on the very last gesture….then we have to decide on the title!!!!
GM
directors note
31st January 2023
A rather intense session for Sarah this week as we focused on the last speech of the play written by her and delivered as Alex. The process of chopping and changing continued throughout the whole of the rehearsal with Sarah being asked to repeat lines and actions multiple times in order to shape the last few minutes of the scene. At one point she seemed to hold more pieces of paper than lines written on that paper! I have to say, she was very well supported by the group, who offered suggestions and guidance in order for it all to make sense…once Mr Scissors had been to town!
GM
A rather intense session for Sarah this week as we focused on the last speech of the play written by her and delivered as Alex. The process of chopping and changing continued throughout the whole of the rehearsal with Sarah being asked to repeat lines and actions multiple times in order to shape the last few minutes of the scene. At one point she seemed to hold more pieces of paper than lines written on that paper! I have to say, she was very well supported by the group, who offered suggestions and guidance in order for it all to make sense…once Mr Scissors had been to town!
GM
NEWS - ROYAL SCHOOL OF SPEECH AND DRAMA
This week (23rd January) we also had a meeting with the course convenor for the dramatherapy course at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, asking if we would be interested in sharing some feedback about some of the techniques the course uses. For sure we are flattered by the request and look forward to talking more about it in the coming months to see how we can help an already excellent and well taught course at one of the top drama schools in the world.
directors note
23rd January 2023
With only three pages of Alex’s speech to block we are definitely on the home run to the end of the piece. It’s been a long journey but the reward is a cracking piece that showcases what the company can do and how it works. At times it reminded me of a film project that Al Pacino was working on. He would film some scenes, then take them around Universities for thoughts and feedback, before altering the scenes and developing new scenes. We have performed the first act several times and gathered feedback in a similar way to then develop the play further. It’s been a very fruitful way of working and I think the show has grown and deepened as a consequence.
GM
With only three pages of Alex’s speech to block we are definitely on the home run to the end of the piece. It’s been a long journey but the reward is a cracking piece that showcases what the company can do and how it works. At times it reminded me of a film project that Al Pacino was working on. He would film some scenes, then take them around Universities for thoughts and feedback, before altering the scenes and developing new scenes. We have performed the first act several times and gathered feedback in a similar way to then develop the play further. It’s been a very fruitful way of working and I think the show has grown and deepened as a consequence.
GM
directors note
17th January 2023
Straight back in to working on Act 2 and the final scene. We’re almost there. The mood of the company is very buoyant and creative. The company are working very hard at the minute to get to the end of the piece, eager for it to be completed and performed. A solid rehearsal. We just have to decide how it’s going to end!!
GM
Straight back in to working on Act 2 and the final scene. We’re almost there. The mood of the company is very buoyant and creative. The company are working very hard at the minute to get to the end of the piece, eager for it to be completed and performed. A solid rehearsal. We just have to decide how it’s going to end!!
GM
directors note and UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE PERFORMANCE AND WORKSHOP
10th January 2023
This week’s rehearsal was focused on the performance for Herts Uni on the Thursday. We took ourselves through Act 1 coasting through the dialogue, plotting the moves with ease and familiarity. It was the first chance James had to run through the scene he was covering, and with Lyanne’s support and crib sheet he took the challenge in his stride. I’ve noticed over the years, with Nuts, that the rehearsal before a performance is never fraught, never panicked, nearly always ‘it’ll be fine’, ‘we know what we’re doing’, and of course this is very true. The company are so familiar and at ease with each other that the scenes within the plays that we do unfold naturally, with little tweaks to each one happening during the performance in response to the audience’s response. Each performance is always truly live!
The workshop and performance at Herts Uni went very, very well. It’s possibly the largest space we have worked in, certainly the largest for a long, long time. Student numbers were in the high 30’s with others joining online from home. A few warm-up games, a bit of drama focusing on oppression and liberty, a few mentions of Brecht, Stanislavski, Grotowski and Artaud then in to the main event.
There was no coughing.
I should explain. I always assess an audiences engagement by the degree of coughing and then fidgeting. There was none, of either. The performance was fantastic filling the space with quiet intimacy and explosive anger- and despair. The applause and cheers from a welcoming and supportive group of students was gratefully received; the Q&A afterwards was our longest, stretching to an hour of thoughtful and engaging conversation about drama, psychology and the relationship between clinician and service user. Fantastic. It was a magical afternoon and one the company should be proud of and the student group applauded for.
GM
This week’s rehearsal was focused on the performance for Herts Uni on the Thursday. We took ourselves through Act 1 coasting through the dialogue, plotting the moves with ease and familiarity. It was the first chance James had to run through the scene he was covering, and with Lyanne’s support and crib sheet he took the challenge in his stride. I’ve noticed over the years, with Nuts, that the rehearsal before a performance is never fraught, never panicked, nearly always ‘it’ll be fine’, ‘we know what we’re doing’, and of course this is very true. The company are so familiar and at ease with each other that the scenes within the plays that we do unfold naturally, with little tweaks to each one happening during the performance in response to the audience’s response. Each performance is always truly live!
The workshop and performance at Herts Uni went very, very well. It’s possibly the largest space we have worked in, certainly the largest for a long, long time. Student numbers were in the high 30’s with others joining online from home. A few warm-up games, a bit of drama focusing on oppression and liberty, a few mentions of Brecht, Stanislavski, Grotowski and Artaud then in to the main event.
There was no coughing.
I should explain. I always assess an audiences engagement by the degree of coughing and then fidgeting. There was none, of either. The performance was fantastic filling the space with quiet intimacy and explosive anger- and despair. The applause and cheers from a welcoming and supportive group of students was gratefully received; the Q&A afterwards was our longest, stretching to an hour of thoughtful and engaging conversation about drama, psychology and the relationship between clinician and service user. Fantastic. It was a magical afternoon and one the company should be proud of and the student group applauded for.
GM
directors note
Tuesday 3rd January 2023
Straight in to the prep for Herts Uni this week. A run through of Act one revealed a few things that needed tweaking, but on the whole the integrity and fluidity of the piece remains consistent from the last time we ran the act. This year’s workshop audience is twice the size of previous years, a total of 52 students will attend in person and online (which will provide its own challenge!). When I think back through the years I remember workshops with as few as 14 students, these were often very intimate and reflective affairs with the small group work we undertook literally being in small groups of 3-4 students. I then think back to the days where we have had to adapt on the morning of the workshop, due to illness in the company, not revealing to the students the frantic nature of re-rehearsing, plotting and planning so the day could go ahead. It’s the start of a busy few months for us, and Herts Uni is always a good one to kick the season off with.
GM
Straight in to the prep for Herts Uni this week. A run through of Act one revealed a few things that needed tweaking, but on the whole the integrity and fluidity of the piece remains consistent from the last time we ran the act. This year’s workshop audience is twice the size of previous years, a total of 52 students will attend in person and online (which will provide its own challenge!). When I think back through the years I remember workshops with as few as 14 students, these were often very intimate and reflective affairs with the small group work we undertook literally being in small groups of 3-4 students. I then think back to the days where we have had to adapt on the morning of the workshop, due to illness in the company, not revealing to the students the frantic nature of re-rehearsing, plotting and planning so the day could go ahead. It’s the start of a busy few months for us, and Herts Uni is always a good one to kick the season off with.
GM
DIRECTORS NOTE
Tuesday 20th December 2022
Last rehearsal this week which took the form of a run through in preparation for our first workshop next year. This year the company has worked hard to bring the current piece up to performance standard. The second act has proved more complex than we anticipated not only in terms of character development but also due to making sure there are no loose ends. We are now blocking the last scene…but still haven’t decided on the ending! This week also saw us start our involvement with MIND in anticipation of the project beginning in February next year. There was an excellent turn out from MIND staff and a lot of laughter and engagement as we took them through an number of games and drama exercises.
The start of 2023 looks to be a busy one for us up until April! We have Herts Uni in January, then we’re back there from February through to April. Along the way there is a performance for Queen Mary University, and the support group for MIND which will take us through the whole year. On top of this we are also, hopefully, able to connect with the Royal School of Speech and Drama to perform to their current students on the dramatherapy course. And all of that is without the performances of our current piece. Looking forward to it all.
On behalf of the company I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year, and to thank you all for all the support you have given to us this year.
GM
Last rehearsal this week which took the form of a run through in preparation for our first workshop next year. This year the company has worked hard to bring the current piece up to performance standard. The second act has proved more complex than we anticipated not only in terms of character development but also due to making sure there are no loose ends. We are now blocking the last scene…but still haven’t decided on the ending! This week also saw us start our involvement with MIND in anticipation of the project beginning in February next year. There was an excellent turn out from MIND staff and a lot of laughter and engagement as we took them through an number of games and drama exercises.
The start of 2023 looks to be a busy one for us up until April! We have Herts Uni in January, then we’re back there from February through to April. Along the way there is a performance for Queen Mary University, and the support group for MIND which will take us through the whole year. On top of this we are also, hopefully, able to connect with the Royal School of Speech and Drama to perform to their current students on the dramatherapy course. And all of that is without the performances of our current piece. Looking forward to it all.
On behalf of the company I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year, and to thank you all for all the support you have given to us this year.
GM
directors note
Tuesday 12th December 2022
This week we had a couple of visitors which was nice: an ex-student and a current student. I do like the fact that the company are willing to have open rehearsals where people can come and watch and give feedback on what we have devised, where it works and where it doesn’t. This is an incredibly challenging way to work as the company presents material which isn’t yet ready for performance and still has some way to go. The feedback is always useful and the more difficult the questions asked of us, the more we are able to share the extent of the background work, on each production, that we do. Next week is our last week before Christmas. In the morning we will facilitate a workshop for MIND as we are in partnership with them on a pilot project for long term drama support, before another run through of the play. A busy, creative, day!
GM
This week we had a couple of visitors which was nice: an ex-student and a current student. I do like the fact that the company are willing to have open rehearsals where people can come and watch and give feedback on what we have devised, where it works and where it doesn’t. This is an incredibly challenging way to work as the company presents material which isn’t yet ready for performance and still has some way to go. The feedback is always useful and the more difficult the questions asked of us, the more we are able to share the extent of the background work, on each production, that we do. Next week is our last week before Christmas. In the morning we will facilitate a workshop for MIND as we are in partnership with them on a pilot project for long term drama support, before another run through of the play. A busy, creative, day!
GM
directors note
Tuesday 6th December 2022
Unfortunately this week illness hit a member of the cast, unexpectedly, which meant changing our plans a little. We topped and tailed the scenes with each character marking the progress of dialogue through the scene in to the next and the next and so on. It was encouraging to see that the stories for each of the characters hangs together really well. There is a real sense of progression, of movement, of a …wait for it…journey. Yes, the second appearance of the ’J’ word is fully justified having watched the stagger through and witnessing it coming to life. This piece has taken a lot of time, and a lot of thought and application, and I am so glad that we were as thorough as we have been because this is our best piece to date. We have always tried to improve with each production, but this one has leaped forward and showcases our skill, vibrantly and vividly, as a company of accomplished story tellers.
GM
Unfortunately this week illness hit a member of the cast, unexpectedly, which meant changing our plans a little. We topped and tailed the scenes with each character marking the progress of dialogue through the scene in to the next and the next and so on. It was encouraging to see that the stories for each of the characters hangs together really well. There is a real sense of progression, of movement, of a …wait for it…journey. Yes, the second appearance of the ’J’ word is fully justified having watched the stagger through and witnessing it coming to life. This piece has taken a lot of time, and a lot of thought and application, and I am so glad that we were as thorough as we have been because this is our best piece to date. We have always tried to improve with each production, but this one has leaped forward and showcases our skill, vibrantly and vividly, as a company of accomplished story tellers.
GM
directors note
Tuesday 29th November 2022
Slowly, slowly moving our way through the final scene. There’s a little more tension between the characters as Alex’s letter is read and discussed (or should I say argued about). It is interesting to observe the process as we’ve only had the letter a few weeks and I think we’re still unpicking the significance of it for the characters and the impact that it will/does have on the dynamics of the relationships between them. There are some big, very big, revelations in it and in breaking it down and adapting it to the stage we are becoming more and more aware of the destruction and hurt that the lies, which were designed to protect Alex, have in fact damaged her, perhaps irreparably. I’d also like to mention James, who has bravely stepped up to portray Ted at the last minute. His bringing the character to life has certainly added a nice unexpected touch towards the end of the piece.
GM
Slowly, slowly moving our way through the final scene. There’s a little more tension between the characters as Alex’s letter is read and discussed (or should I say argued about). It is interesting to observe the process as we’ve only had the letter a few weeks and I think we’re still unpicking the significance of it for the characters and the impact that it will/does have on the dynamics of the relationships between them. There are some big, very big, revelations in it and in breaking it down and adapting it to the stage we are becoming more and more aware of the destruction and hurt that the lies, which were designed to protect Alex, have in fact damaged her, perhaps irreparably. I’d also like to mention James, who has bravely stepped up to portray Ted at the last minute. His bringing the character to life has certainly added a nice unexpected touch towards the end of the piece.
GM
directors note
Tuesday 22nd November 2022
At last we are blocking the final scene! I must admit, the staging of it is going more quickly than I thought. I think this is a combination of the company’s willingness to just dig in and get it done, flexible thinking by the cast, a well written speech by Sarah to work from and good ol’ creative energy. We also have a new member to the company who has stepped-up, right into the middle of the scene, providing us with a good sounding board to bounce off and feedback on any loose threads. The final scene shifts nicely between the past and the present and, as well as a little bit of choral speaking with two of the characters there is ensemble and individual work in it too. Revelation and confrontation are both key themes to the scene giving it tension and elements of surprise as well as an over arcing sense of impending doom. At least that’s where it was heading last week…this week it could be completely different, which is why rehearsals are so much fun!
Gerald Maiello
At last we are blocking the final scene! I must admit, the staging of it is going more quickly than I thought. I think this is a combination of the company’s willingness to just dig in and get it done, flexible thinking by the cast, a well written speech by Sarah to work from and good ol’ creative energy. We also have a new member to the company who has stepped-up, right into the middle of the scene, providing us with a good sounding board to bounce off and feedback on any loose threads. The final scene shifts nicely between the past and the present and, as well as a little bit of choral speaking with two of the characters there is ensemble and individual work in it too. Revelation and confrontation are both key themes to the scene giving it tension and elements of surprise as well as an over arcing sense of impending doom. At least that’s where it was heading last week…this week it could be completely different, which is why rehearsals are so much fun!
Gerald Maiello
directors note
Tuesday 15th November 2022
A quick run through of Act 2 placed us firmly at the doorstep of the last scene. Like arriving in camp we now have to settle in to the location. We have journeyed – yes, the ‘J’ word – far, and brought what we need with us to set up camp. We’re clearing the space, assembling the tools we need. Delving in to character history, looking through storylines old and new, thinking about new characters, surprise appearances, and new ideas and… Hot seating; a series of gruelling questions designed to put both actor and character on the spot. We take no prisoners, challenge directly, face our uncertainties and grab at anything which gets the play done. This is now the hustle and bustle of scene building. No idea unreasonable to air, no idea to precious to discard. The rough-stuff of creativity.
Gerald Maiello
A quick run through of Act 2 placed us firmly at the doorstep of the last scene. Like arriving in camp we now have to settle in to the location. We have journeyed – yes, the ‘J’ word – far, and brought what we need with us to set up camp. We’re clearing the space, assembling the tools we need. Delving in to character history, looking through storylines old and new, thinking about new characters, surprise appearances, and new ideas and… Hot seating; a series of gruelling questions designed to put both actor and character on the spot. We take no prisoners, challenge directly, face our uncertainties and grab at anything which gets the play done. This is now the hustle and bustle of scene building. No idea unreasonable to air, no idea to precious to discard. The rough-stuff of creativity.
Gerald Maiello
directors note
Tuesday 8th November 2022
A good rehearsal this week as we approached the ending of the play. It has been a bit like looking down a long straight road at oncoming traffic: You know it’s coming but you can’t quite judge how far away it is and how fast it is coming towards you. At times it seems as if we have been circumnavigating it almost, a little wary to arrive in case we don’t have everything we need to do the scene; too many loose ends or threads that don’t quite match up. We needn’t have worried though because when we did arrive this week to the last scene it was clear to see we are in the right place at the right time. It’s now just a case of piecing it together. Next week…. Hot seating!!!
Gerald Maiello
A good rehearsal this week as we approached the ending of the play. It has been a bit like looking down a long straight road at oncoming traffic: You know it’s coming but you can’t quite judge how far away it is and how fast it is coming towards you. At times it seems as if we have been circumnavigating it almost, a little wary to arrive in case we don’t have everything we need to do the scene; too many loose ends or threads that don’t quite match up. We needn’t have worried though because when we did arrive this week to the last scene it was clear to see we are in the right place at the right time. It’s now just a case of piecing it together. Next week…. Hot seating!!!
Gerald Maiello
directors note
Tuesday 1st November 2022
We creep ever closer to the end of the play. It sometimes feels as though we are in a hamster wheel going around and around. But, truth be told, we are edging closer to the end of the piece. I think what I have come to value over the weeks that we have been putting Act 2 together, is the understanding that the actors have of their characters. For example, we can stop halfway through a scene and ask if the line being delivered, or the objective for the character in the scene, rings true or not. Within an instant the actor not only gives an answer but a thorough explanation for the answer, and then we’re under way again. It is a testament to how much character work the company put in last year developing Act 1. This is the longest we have ever rehearsed a piece of theatre, sacrificing performances in order to complete the work. Roll on next year, really looking forward to taking this piece in to venues, for sure.
Gerald Maiello
We creep ever closer to the end of the play. It sometimes feels as though we are in a hamster wheel going around and around. But, truth be told, we are edging closer to the end of the piece. I think what I have come to value over the weeks that we have been putting Act 2 together, is the understanding that the actors have of their characters. For example, we can stop halfway through a scene and ask if the line being delivered, or the objective for the character in the scene, rings true or not. Within an instant the actor not only gives an answer but a thorough explanation for the answer, and then we’re under way again. It is a testament to how much character work the company put in last year developing Act 1. This is the longest we have ever rehearsed a piece of theatre, sacrificing performances in order to complete the work. Roll on next year, really looking forward to taking this piece in to venues, for sure.
Gerald Maiello
directors note
Tuesday 18th October 2022
This week we had a couple of guests come and join us with an eye to becoming part of the company. It was interesting to have unfamiliar people in the rehearsal room as without doubt it adds something to the energy: we always step-up a bit and the new people always provide a little more energy to the space. In terms of what we were actually doing…well, as per the last few weeks we are slowly moving towards the end. We can see the end of the piece in sight. But, when we are about to leap forward, one of us will say, ‘hang on…’ and then highlight something which needs tidying up, or a direction that will be more useful to the piece. We will get there. Can’t wait!
Gerald Maiello
This week we had a couple of guests come and join us with an eye to becoming part of the company. It was interesting to have unfamiliar people in the rehearsal room as without doubt it adds something to the energy: we always step-up a bit and the new people always provide a little more energy to the space. In terms of what we were actually doing…well, as per the last few weeks we are slowly moving towards the end. We can see the end of the piece in sight. But, when we are about to leap forward, one of us will say, ‘hang on…’ and then highlight something which needs tidying up, or a direction that will be more useful to the piece. We will get there. Can’t wait!
Gerald Maiello
directors note
Tuesday 11th October 2022
We are getting there! This afternoon’s rehearsal saw us iron out some of the more complicated threads to the plotline. The thing I have thoroughly enjoyed about this current piece of theatre is the complexity of the dynamics between the characters. We have spent sooooo much time with back-story, subtext and history that without us realising it a number of alternative storylines are playing out. Through the process of improvisation we often create scenes that we have no idea why certain lines are delivered. Then, when we sit down to discuss the lines, we realise that it was a plotline developed months ago that we had forgotten about but had been bubbling underneath without us noticing. Theatre is brilliant!
Gerald Maiello
We are getting there! This afternoon’s rehearsal saw us iron out some of the more complicated threads to the plotline. The thing I have thoroughly enjoyed about this current piece of theatre is the complexity of the dynamics between the characters. We have spent sooooo much time with back-story, subtext and history that without us realising it a number of alternative storylines are playing out. Through the process of improvisation we often create scenes that we have no idea why certain lines are delivered. Then, when we sit down to discuss the lines, we realise that it was a plotline developed months ago that we had forgotten about but had been bubbling underneath without us noticing. Theatre is brilliant!
Gerald Maiello
directors note
Tuesday 4th October 2022
This week we finally managed to run (more-or-less) the whole piece. Heartening to see that there aren’t many holes in the plot, storyline or characters. That said our diligence and thoroughness saw the filling of a complete white board, and some of another one, with notes, suggestions and ideas. We have a lot of work to do with Act 2. But, we are almost there in terms of its conclusion structurally and with the plot. Lines will change, and we may end up shuffling a couple of scenes, or extending a couple of scenes, but we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel…. Or is it a train coming towards us!
Gerald Maiello
This week we finally managed to run (more-or-less) the whole piece. Heartening to see that there aren’t many holes in the plot, storyline or characters. That said our diligence and thoroughness saw the filling of a complete white board, and some of another one, with notes, suggestions and ideas. We have a lot of work to do with Act 2. But, we are almost there in terms of its conclusion structurally and with the plot. Lines will change, and we may end up shuffling a couple of scenes, or extending a couple of scenes, but we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel…. Or is it a train coming towards us!
Gerald Maiello
directors note and community, creativity and wellbeing workshop
Tuesday 27th September 2022
This week saw us tackle some of act two which was getting a bit sticky. I think I might have mentioned in my last note that we are at the point now were we do need to run the whole piece in order to see where the plot-holes are, where the story gets muddled, where the characters are inconsistent and, on the whole, what works and what doesn’t. It is slow incremental work that requires each line being picked over in order to see whether it works for the piece or not.
Separate to this myself and Jocelyn attended the Community, Creativity and Wellbeing workshop held at Watford Palace Thetare. This was a gathering of artistic folk from a variety of backgrounds in the Arts to see whether the Arts could be organised and offered as something to be ‘socially prescribed’ to. The evening was well organised with a number of speakers and opportunities to network with other organisations and projects in the Watford area. I am hopeful that some of the contacts we made will come to fruition in terms of supporting Nuts to expand our message and work.
Gerald Maiello
This week saw us tackle some of act two which was getting a bit sticky. I think I might have mentioned in my last note that we are at the point now were we do need to run the whole piece in order to see where the plot-holes are, where the story gets muddled, where the characters are inconsistent and, on the whole, what works and what doesn’t. It is slow incremental work that requires each line being picked over in order to see whether it works for the piece or not.
Separate to this myself and Jocelyn attended the Community, Creativity and Wellbeing workshop held at Watford Palace Thetare. This was a gathering of artistic folk from a variety of backgrounds in the Arts to see whether the Arts could be organised and offered as something to be ‘socially prescribed’ to. The evening was well organised with a number of speakers and opportunities to network with other organisations and projects in the Watford area. I am hopeful that some of the contacts we made will come to fruition in terms of supporting Nuts to expand our message and work.
Gerald Maiello
DIRECTORS NOTE
Tuesday 20th September 2022
Back to the cut and thrust of rehearsal this week. We had a few company members off ill, or abroad on holiday so we spent most of our time developing ideas for two scenes. A lot of humour this afternoon which was fun to engage with and which led to some surprising ideas we hadn’t yet thought of. The play is at a tricky stage with only a few scenes to develop, but we are very aware that approaching the end of the piece all threads have to tie up. This means that progress has slowed as we make sure to leave no loose ends that could undermine the integrity of the piece. I wish, in a way, that we could include all the background work of this piece as it has been, by far, the most in depth and researched piece for us to date and unfortunately some of the fascinating back story will have to be left out!
Gerald Maiello
Back to the cut and thrust of rehearsal this week. We had a few company members off ill, or abroad on holiday so we spent most of our time developing ideas for two scenes. A lot of humour this afternoon which was fun to engage with and which led to some surprising ideas we hadn’t yet thought of. The play is at a tricky stage with only a few scenes to develop, but we are very aware that approaching the end of the piece all threads have to tie up. This means that progress has slowed as we make sure to leave no loose ends that could undermine the integrity of the piece. I wish, in a way, that we could include all the background work of this piece as it has been, by far, the most in depth and researched piece for us to date and unfortunately some of the fascinating back story will have to be left out!
Gerald Maiello
People Palace and Partners, and pieces
Tuesday 13th September 2022
This week was an exception for us. We had been contacted by Queen Mary University’s People Palace and Partners (research project) and PIECEs who are globally funded to look into health care projects, in order for some members of the respective organisations to come and see how we function and work as a company. They had been put in touch with us via an audience member who felt we could help. The long-and-the-short of it is that PIECEs wish to set up a theatre company similar to ours in Pakistan and India as part of a research project that looks at the arts in health care, and how the arts can be used to broaden and deepen peoples awareness of mental illness. We were visited by Mehek and Alexandra, and It was wonderful to share some of our practices and ways of working as they both seemed to have a very similar motivation to us in how to use theatre and what to use it for. Both expressed interest in coming back and watching the current production when it is ready. I guess we can now say people, globally, are aware of the work we are undertaking.
Gerald Maiello
This week was an exception for us. We had been contacted by Queen Mary University’s People Palace and Partners (research project) and PIECEs who are globally funded to look into health care projects, in order for some members of the respective organisations to come and see how we function and work as a company. They had been put in touch with us via an audience member who felt we could help. The long-and-the-short of it is that PIECEs wish to set up a theatre company similar to ours in Pakistan and India as part of a research project that looks at the arts in health care, and how the arts can be used to broaden and deepen peoples awareness of mental illness. We were visited by Mehek and Alexandra, and It was wonderful to share some of our practices and ways of working as they both seemed to have a very similar motivation to us in how to use theatre and what to use it for. Both expressed interest in coming back and watching the current production when it is ready. I guess we can now say people, globally, are aware of the work we are undertaking.
Gerald Maiello
directors note
Tuesday 30th August 2022
The session was a lot clearer this week due to the work we had undertaken last week. We hit the road running and managed to create the foundation for the rest of Act 2. Once more, through the rehearsal process, you could see how well we understood our own and each other’s characters. The dialogue flowed and the ease in which we discovered the way to the end of the piece is very reassuring. At the end of the session we took stock of our overall direction agreeing on some key issues: We would like more patronage and consequently a higher profile, that becoming a charity will benefit us in terms of our profile and our direction, future festivals should be considered as places we can build our audience base, applying for funding is now essential if we wish to progress and developing a wider programme of what we offer will enable us to fulfil our objectives of helping people understand mental illness. It was a busy session, but as always one which illustrates both creatively and administratively our motivation and drive.
Gerald Maiello
The session was a lot clearer this week due to the work we had undertaken last week. We hit the road running and managed to create the foundation for the rest of Act 2. Once more, through the rehearsal process, you could see how well we understood our own and each other’s characters. The dialogue flowed and the ease in which we discovered the way to the end of the piece is very reassuring. At the end of the session we took stock of our overall direction agreeing on some key issues: We would like more patronage and consequently a higher profile, that becoming a charity will benefit us in terms of our profile and our direction, future festivals should be considered as places we can build our audience base, applying for funding is now essential if we wish to progress and developing a wider programme of what we offer will enable us to fulfil our objectives of helping people understand mental illness. It was a busy session, but as always one which illustrates both creatively and administratively our motivation and drive.
Gerald Maiello
directors note
Tuesday 24th August 2022
A continuation of the previous week. We started the session by walking through the beginning of Act 2 and coming to a scene that we are calling the ‘vignette scene.’ Early on in the development of Act 2 we decided that we would need to change the style of the second half in order to present the character’s narratives in a more acutely focused way. A number of threads had to come together in order for the whole piece to make sense to an audience, in respect of character motives and objectives. What we didn’t fully realise, in engaging in this process, is how well we understand the characters we are portraying. Every plot line, motive, objective and super objective were picked apart. Each character’s direction was challenged, analysed, re-written, added to, developed, changed, chucked away, brought back in, shaped and then slotted into the play. It was a confusing session that we had to go through in order to be clear about the direction we were heading. It was a hard, thoughtful session, but something we needed to do in order to make sure no holes where left unfilled in the narrative.
Gerald Maiello
A continuation of the previous week. We started the session by walking through the beginning of Act 2 and coming to a scene that we are calling the ‘vignette scene.’ Early on in the development of Act 2 we decided that we would need to change the style of the second half in order to present the character’s narratives in a more acutely focused way. A number of threads had to come together in order for the whole piece to make sense to an audience, in respect of character motives and objectives. What we didn’t fully realise, in engaging in this process, is how well we understand the characters we are portraying. Every plot line, motive, objective and super objective were picked apart. Each character’s direction was challenged, analysed, re-written, added to, developed, changed, chucked away, brought back in, shaped and then slotted into the play. It was a confusing session that we had to go through in order to be clear about the direction we were heading. It was a hard, thoughtful session, but something we needed to do in order to make sure no holes where left unfilled in the narrative.
Gerald Maiello
DIRECTORS NOTE
Tuesday 17th August 2022
First rehearsal back after the summer break and a good chance to run through Act 1 to refresh ourselves with what we had done. At least that was the plan. As always, on the day, these things change and we decided to plough on with Act 2 ideas after spending some time catching up. The first rehearsal back is always a good chance to consolidate work, but I think for us there is a need to keep developing, particularly as it would be nice to have the show up and running towards the end of the year.
Gerald Maiello
First rehearsal back after the summer break and a good chance to run through Act 1 to refresh ourselves with what we had done. At least that was the plan. As always, on the day, these things change and we decided to plough on with Act 2 ideas after spending some time catching up. The first rehearsal back is always a good chance to consolidate work, but I think for us there is a need to keep developing, particularly as it would be nice to have the show up and running towards the end of the year.
Gerald Maiello
directors note
Tuesday 26th July 2022
This week was the last rehearsal before the summer break, so it was crucial to get a run of Act 1, and what we have of Act 2, in before the break. We also had a couple of visitors to the rehearsal this afternoon which was lovely and great fun. I thought about filming the session but decided against it and as the rehearsal progressed it was clear to see that the need to record it was not necessary. Both Acts were remembered brilliantly. Considering we hadn’t run Act 1 for a few months, that there is no script, 99% of the lines were remembered bringing the running time to exactly what it had been when we had last run it. Even Act two, which we are still shaping and adding to, came in at the same time of the last run. It really is a lovely piece to watch and the fact that after so many weeks of not running the piece we still remember it all, clearly shows how much work has gone into character development and script work because it’s as fresh to watch now as at the start of the year.
Gerald Maiello
This week was the last rehearsal before the summer break, so it was crucial to get a run of Act 1, and what we have of Act 2, in before the break. We also had a couple of visitors to the rehearsal this afternoon which was lovely and great fun. I thought about filming the session but decided against it and as the rehearsal progressed it was clear to see that the need to record it was not necessary. Both Acts were remembered brilliantly. Considering we hadn’t run Act 1 for a few months, that there is no script, 99% of the lines were remembered bringing the running time to exactly what it had been when we had last run it. Even Act two, which we are still shaping and adding to, came in at the same time of the last run. It really is a lovely piece to watch and the fact that after so many weeks of not running the piece we still remember it all, clearly shows how much work has gone into character development and script work because it’s as fresh to watch now as at the start of the year.
Gerald Maiello
directors note
Tuesday 19th July 2022
This week we were booked in to attend Hertfordshire University as part of a presentation highlighting the benefit of service user input and improvisation for nurse training. As everyone is aware it just happened to be the hottest day of the year so the session was quickly re-arranged for an online zoom session. I am always uncertain as to how acting for theatre will transpose on to the small screen as it can sometimes feel less than truthful due to the need in theatre to always project to the back of an auditorium, hence everything needing to be louder and bigger though no less truthful.
As always, no need to worry! Company members, in the short time we had, performed with a professionalism that had other attendees of the session see the importance of the work almost immediately. Of course the students played a big part in this as they reacted to the improv and tried their best to resolve the difficult scenario. It is always nice to hear good feedback which there was plenty of, coupled with feedback from the students we had worked with earlier in the year that we read, as one of the presentation slides, for the first time. All-in-all, despite the heat and brevity, a great session to be involved with.
Gerald Maiello
This week we were booked in to attend Hertfordshire University as part of a presentation highlighting the benefit of service user input and improvisation for nurse training. As everyone is aware it just happened to be the hottest day of the year so the session was quickly re-arranged for an online zoom session. I am always uncertain as to how acting for theatre will transpose on to the small screen as it can sometimes feel less than truthful due to the need in theatre to always project to the back of an auditorium, hence everything needing to be louder and bigger though no less truthful.
As always, no need to worry! Company members, in the short time we had, performed with a professionalism that had other attendees of the session see the importance of the work almost immediately. Of course the students played a big part in this as they reacted to the improv and tried their best to resolve the difficult scenario. It is always nice to hear good feedback which there was plenty of, coupled with feedback from the students we had worked with earlier in the year that we read, as one of the presentation slides, for the first time. All-in-all, despite the heat and brevity, a great session to be involved with.
Gerald Maiello
directors note
Tuesday 12th July 2022
A hot afternoon, in some ways too hot to work. Unfortunately due to COVID we didn’t have a full company and those of us there felt quite languid and tired from the heat. We had intended to work through the piece ‘topping and tailing’ which on the whole we managed to do. But it was relaxed, casual even with a lot of shared humour, new lines and odd positioning. Week-in-week-out we are a hard working bunch of actors. We tend to plough through our rehearsals asking questions, highlighting inconsistencies in plot and character, going over and over and over the lines. Today though I think we needed the chance to relax a little, just walk through things, tax the memory muscle a little bit and enjoy ourselves. Which is what we did! Next week, Herts Uni.
Gerald Maiello
A hot afternoon, in some ways too hot to work. Unfortunately due to COVID we didn’t have a full company and those of us there felt quite languid and tired from the heat. We had intended to work through the piece ‘topping and tailing’ which on the whole we managed to do. But it was relaxed, casual even with a lot of shared humour, new lines and odd positioning. Week-in-week-out we are a hard working bunch of actors. We tend to plough through our rehearsals asking questions, highlighting inconsistencies in plot and character, going over and over and over the lines. Today though I think we needed the chance to relax a little, just walk through things, tax the memory muscle a little bit and enjoy ourselves. Which is what we did! Next week, Herts Uni.
Gerald Maiello
Director’s note: 5/7/22
Unfortunately three of us in the company have caught COVID, so the rehearsal this week has been cancelled. Looking forward to getting back in the room net week. Get well soon folks.
DIRECTORS NOTE
Tuesday 28th June 2022
This week we concentrated on the shape and movement a little further in to act 2. Over the years we have always experimented with different styles of staging that have predominately called upon the work of Brecht, Artaud and Grotowski. I think, looking back, this is the first production where we have mixed the styles. In Act 1 we consider movement to be a key factor in moving the play on. Simple lines of passage and shapes with the chairs that we use for the characters. Act 2 there is more delineation of the stage using the different sides and dimensions in a way that we hope allows us to move through different points of time as much as different locations. Only time will tell if we have successfully achieved this. But I feel confident that we have.
Gerald Maiello
This week we concentrated on the shape and movement a little further in to act 2. Over the years we have always experimented with different styles of staging that have predominately called upon the work of Brecht, Artaud and Grotowski. I think, looking back, this is the first production where we have mixed the styles. In Act 1 we consider movement to be a key factor in moving the play on. Simple lines of passage and shapes with the chairs that we use for the characters. Act 2 there is more delineation of the stage using the different sides and dimensions in a way that we hope allows us to move through different points of time as much as different locations. Only time will tell if we have successfully achieved this. But I feel confident that we have.
Gerald Maiello
directors note
Tuesday 21st June 2022
We plough on with act 2. Progress is steady and the first third of act 2 now has a decent shape and structure to it. There are still a number of holes that need to be looked at in terms of the plot lines and characterisation, but I feel this week we managed to get a firm footing in to the piece. Actually, we’ve had a firm footing for some time with act 2 so really thinking about it, this week was more about consolidation and development. We also confirmed this week that we are to undertake some further work in support of the mental health nurses’ training this year by attending a lecture on nurse training. Laura Lowe (Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing) asked us earlier in the year if we would be able to attend a lecture/presentation on how improvisation supports training needs, it has now been confirmed for the 19th of July. Something to look forward to, a very enjoyable thing to look forward to.
Finally we saw Nikki this week – company producer – for the first time in a long time due to her work commitments and trying to arrange a voluntary contract with the Trust. She popped in to say hello, which was fantastic. It was really good to see Nikki and to bring her up to speed with where we’re at with the show. Hopefully we will see a lot more of her in the future!
Gerald Maiello
We plough on with act 2. Progress is steady and the first third of act 2 now has a decent shape and structure to it. There are still a number of holes that need to be looked at in terms of the plot lines and characterisation, but I feel this week we managed to get a firm footing in to the piece. Actually, we’ve had a firm footing for some time with act 2 so really thinking about it, this week was more about consolidation and development. We also confirmed this week that we are to undertake some further work in support of the mental health nurses’ training this year by attending a lecture on nurse training. Laura Lowe (Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing) asked us earlier in the year if we would be able to attend a lecture/presentation on how improvisation supports training needs, it has now been confirmed for the 19th of July. Something to look forward to, a very enjoyable thing to look forward to.
Finally we saw Nikki this week – company producer – for the first time in a long time due to her work commitments and trying to arrange a voluntary contract with the Trust. She popped in to say hello, which was fantastic. It was really good to see Nikki and to bring her up to speed with where we’re at with the show. Hopefully we will see a lot more of her in the future!
Gerald Maiello
Feedback from the university of hertfordshire 2nd year doctorate of psychology morning
As you know we held a workshop and performed for the students on 19th May and the feedback is in!
‘This was a really engaging and fun session that really illustrated the benefits of dramatherapy and being able to tell your own story. I loved the games at the start, wish we could do them every week! It was really valuable having the chance to talk to the dramateurs/experts by experience and ask them questions. I don’t think I had fully appreciated how powerful drama can be but it was clearly so transformative for the people we spoke to, that was an eye opening for me.’
‘Really loved this creative session and learnt a lot thank you!’
It really is so rewarding for us to know that we have an impact on the mental health professionals of the future. We thank them for the opportunity to work with them and for engaging so well. We look forward to next year!
If you haven't already, take a look on our 'Blog' page for details of this session, and others.
‘This was a really engaging and fun session that really illustrated the benefits of dramatherapy and being able to tell your own story. I loved the games at the start, wish we could do them every week! It was really valuable having the chance to talk to the dramateurs/experts by experience and ask them questions. I don’t think I had fully appreciated how powerful drama can be but it was clearly so transformative for the people we spoke to, that was an eye opening for me.’
‘Really loved this creative session and learnt a lot thank you!’
It really is so rewarding for us to know that we have an impact on the mental health professionals of the future. We thank them for the opportunity to work with them and for engaging so well. We look forward to next year!
If you haven't already, take a look on our 'Blog' page for details of this session, and others.
DIRECTORS NOTE
Tuesday 14th June 2022
Shaping Act 2. Having completed Act one we tend to forget how much effort and toing-and-froing it took to get to the point of being performance ready. We continue to slowly move our way through Act 2. The structure is coming along nicely and the plot line is evolving slowly. This week we concentrated on hot-seating two characters within the piece. For those that have not come across hot-seating before it can be quite an eye opener.
We ask the actor to leave the room and re-enter as the character. Generally we place a single chair into the rehearsal space and invite the character to sit in the chair. We welcome them and refresh ourselves with what we already know about their character arc. There is then a series of questions. Tough questions that are designed to focus the character and clarify intentions, motivations, subtext, and super objectives. These questions pull no punches being accusatory and encouraging. Each character responds in the way that is truthful to them, but as a consequence of the toughness and the commitment of the actor playing the character there is always a sense of clarity and direction at the end. At the end of the process we thank the character and invite him/her to leave and to send the actor back in when they see them in the hallway, the actor-re-enters the space and a discussion ensues about the things that came up and which could be used in the play. It’s a lengthy process but one that we return to throughout the process as it yields a lot of background information, as well as plot lines, due to the actor improvising their way through the session waiting for the ‘accident’ to happen. More on that another day…
Gerald Maiello
Shaping Act 2. Having completed Act one we tend to forget how much effort and toing-and-froing it took to get to the point of being performance ready. We continue to slowly move our way through Act 2. The structure is coming along nicely and the plot line is evolving slowly. This week we concentrated on hot-seating two characters within the piece. For those that have not come across hot-seating before it can be quite an eye opener.
We ask the actor to leave the room and re-enter as the character. Generally we place a single chair into the rehearsal space and invite the character to sit in the chair. We welcome them and refresh ourselves with what we already know about their character arc. There is then a series of questions. Tough questions that are designed to focus the character and clarify intentions, motivations, subtext, and super objectives. These questions pull no punches being accusatory and encouraging. Each character responds in the way that is truthful to them, but as a consequence of the toughness and the commitment of the actor playing the character there is always a sense of clarity and direction at the end. At the end of the process we thank the character and invite him/her to leave and to send the actor back in when they see them in the hallway, the actor-re-enters the space and a discussion ensues about the things that came up and which could be used in the play. It’s a lengthy process but one that we return to throughout the process as it yields a lot of background information, as well as plot lines, due to the actor improvising their way through the session waiting for the ‘accident’ to happen. More on that another day…
Gerald Maiello
directors note
Tuesday 7th June 2022
This week we focused on developing the structure of Act 2, plotting out the scenes and the character arcs. I must admit, it is nice having the time to do this and not worry about performance dates. Spending time exploring threads and not being concerned that they may be dropped, or reach a dead end, used to feel a little indulgent as we had to be ready for performances, but this year it feels like, for the first time, we can be as thorough as we like and take our time to look at more nuanced plot development: ideas and lines that can be dropped in and left a while, knowing that we have the time to pick them up later in rehearsals and develop them in to something of significance. Of course, the downside is no one has yet witnessed this piece apart from Queen Mary University. We performed Act 1 earlier this year, and the feedback was very good and encouraging, which left us feeling as though we wanted to perform more, right away, now! But with this show (still no agreed upon title) I do think the longer it cooks the richer the flavour.
Gerald Maiello
This week we focused on developing the structure of Act 2, plotting out the scenes and the character arcs. I must admit, it is nice having the time to do this and not worry about performance dates. Spending time exploring threads and not being concerned that they may be dropped, or reach a dead end, used to feel a little indulgent as we had to be ready for performances, but this year it feels like, for the first time, we can be as thorough as we like and take our time to look at more nuanced plot development: ideas and lines that can be dropped in and left a while, knowing that we have the time to pick them up later in rehearsals and develop them in to something of significance. Of course, the downside is no one has yet witnessed this piece apart from Queen Mary University. We performed Act 1 earlier this year, and the feedback was very good and encouraging, which left us feeling as though we wanted to perform more, right away, now! But with this show (still no agreed upon title) I do think the longer it cooks the richer the flavour.
Gerald Maiello
Directors note
Tuesday 24th May 2022
Last session before a mid-term break. Thankfully we managed to solve a staging issue which always seemed rather clunky to me. I wanted a split stage for most of Act 2 so that we could explore the interpersonal dynamics of characters concurrently, as opposed to separately and in a rather linear fashion. We have, on the quiet, established a flow of movement and scene change that is part of the play – as opposed to in the play – which helps with the sense of both journey and time. Scene changes have been part of the action, and not necessarily an interlude underscored by music. In Act 2 I wanted a sense of time coming to a halt, of their being a limited amount of physical journey and more of an emotional journey as characters seek to explain, understand, justify and develop; hence a split stage. To get ‘there’ the chairs needed to be moved in to position. Such a small thing. Literally, they needed to be moved no more than five feet across the stage, but could I come up with a way of doing it: No! Not until the cast took one look…one look, and bish-bash-bosh, done. Resolved. Sorted! We moved on…
Such is the benefit of ensemble work!
GM
Last session before a mid-term break. Thankfully we managed to solve a staging issue which always seemed rather clunky to me. I wanted a split stage for most of Act 2 so that we could explore the interpersonal dynamics of characters concurrently, as opposed to separately and in a rather linear fashion. We have, on the quiet, established a flow of movement and scene change that is part of the play – as opposed to in the play – which helps with the sense of both journey and time. Scene changes have been part of the action, and not necessarily an interlude underscored by music. In Act 2 I wanted a sense of time coming to a halt, of their being a limited amount of physical journey and more of an emotional journey as characters seek to explain, understand, justify and develop; hence a split stage. To get ‘there’ the chairs needed to be moved in to position. Such a small thing. Literally, they needed to be moved no more than five feet across the stage, but could I come up with a way of doing it: No! Not until the cast took one look…one look, and bish-bash-bosh, done. Resolved. Sorted! We moved on…
Such is the benefit of ensemble work!
GM
University of Hertfordshire Performance and Workshop.
Thursday 19th May 2022
Unfortunately today we couldn’t come together as planned to perform the first act of our current production. A consequence of illness, uncertainty and other commitments kept us from coming together and performing. However, the show did go on, and I hope we did the company proud in the way that we led the students through games, drama, discussion and reflection.
For the last ten years we have been invited by the Doctorate in Psychology course to facilitate a workshop for the second-year students. Usually when we facilitate workshops we perform the piece that we are in the process of developing. On occasion, like today, we have to adapt, but even in doing so we maintain our inclusion of performance and small group work which the students value highly.
Today was no different. The students were keen to park the laptops and notebooks and engage in games and discussion that looked at addressing the imbalance of power and authority within the clinical relationship. We asked them to consider ways that could introduce parity, a sense of equity and co-operation into the relationship, rather than assume the conclusive position of the clinician and all the obvious and unconscious dynamics that go with it.
Hats off to them as they worked hard for three hours with no more than two brief breaks. They thoroughly enjoyed the games, engaged with and applauded the monologues (first time we had performed them in about two years!) in a way that showed how connected they were with the performers; and they thoroughly appreciated the time to talk to company members. The hours flew by.
The company is at its strongest as a unit, when we are all there, today that was not possible, but I think we ‘held the fort’ well and next year when we are invited back, we’ll be able to perform not only Act 1, but also Act2!
Gerald Maiello
Director’s Note
Tuesday 17th May 2022
Back to Act 1 this afternoon in preparation for the workshop on Thursday at Herts Uni. Always a pleasant surprise how much is remembered by the cast considering we have not run it for a number of weeks and we have no script to work from. Even more pleasant were the nuances and character development that goes on, on the quiet, as we build each character through every run in every rehearsal. There’s a real sense that these characters are bigger than just one play, as though their story exists in a truthful and literal sense before we see them, and afterwards when we leave them. As the cast have already noted it’s our first piece not directly connected to mental illness or mental health; but in its own way it highlights the disquiet that exists within a family which can lead to more insidious and difficult psychological issues. It will be a magical day the first day we run Act 1 and Act 2 together.
Gerald Maiello
Back to Act 1 this afternoon in preparation for the workshop on Thursday at Herts Uni. Always a pleasant surprise how much is remembered by the cast considering we have not run it for a number of weeks and we have no script to work from. Even more pleasant were the nuances and character development that goes on, on the quiet, as we build each character through every run in every rehearsal. There’s a real sense that these characters are bigger than just one play, as though their story exists in a truthful and literal sense before we see them, and afterwards when we leave them. As the cast have already noted it’s our first piece not directly connected to mental illness or mental health; but in its own way it highlights the disquiet that exists within a family which can lead to more insidious and difficult psychological issues. It will be a magical day the first day we run Act 1 and Act 2 together.
Gerald Maiello
Directors Note
Tuesday 12th May 2022
Rehearsals for the second Act of our current piece are moving forward nicely. The play is slowly coming together in a way that is not only encouraging but also intriguing. We have managed to construct the basics for the first two scenes of Act 2, the consequence of which we have decided more work is needed around the interpersonal dynamics of the characters. In all the years that we have been working as a company, this particular piece has more going on below the surface than perhaps we can convey on stage: more subtext than text. To reveal all the dynamics at play would mean the show would, undoubtedly, run over two productions as opposed to one. The characters have a sense of longevity about them, as though they could be called on to be involved in different scenarios at a later date. There is something novel-like about their qualities, which is a testimony to the company members and their skill in developing characters.
It has been difficult forestalling performances for this particular show. Whilst Act 1 is complete and ready for performance (save underscore) we have decided to spend the time we’re together developing the whole piece instead. As much as it is disappointing not to perform as regularly as we wish, in truth, to do so may well have taken momentum away for developing Act 2.
I look forward to next week as we are due to hold a workshop/performance for the doctorate in psychology students at Herts Uni. It will give us the chance to hear some feedback on Act 1, and for them to learn more about living and coping with mental illness as the company share their narratives and expertise in both of these areas.
Gerald Maiello
University of hertfordshire - clinical role play sessions
22nd April 2022
We have just completed four 2 hour long role play sessions for the Mental Health Nursing students from the School of Health and Social Work at the University of Hertfordshire where we acted out various scenarios of clinical assessments. This is what Laura, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing and Assistant Associate Dean for Student Experience had to say about our sessions -
" May Contain Nuts did a series of improvisation role plays with our student nurses. This was an excellent experience and we saw the students grow each week in their communication skills, approach and confidence. The theatre company were fantastic at adapting their responses to how the students spoke and reacted to the situations presented in the role plays to allow a more "real life" feel. The actors also reflected back with the students afterwards about the role plays to allow the students to think about their communication and also shared some of their personal experiences of living with mental health problems and what they've found has helped from professionals. This experience complimented taught sessions perfectly, and is something the students will value throughout their course and professional careers. Thanks May Contain Nuts, and we look forward to welcoming you back again!"
True to her word, we have already been invited back next year for 6 sessions and we look forward to that immensely. We will post a full blog soon with an in depth look at these sessions from our perspective and describe how important these teaching opportunities are for us as 'service users' and the mental health professionals of the future.
Kerry
We have just completed four 2 hour long role play sessions for the Mental Health Nursing students from the School of Health and Social Work at the University of Hertfordshire where we acted out various scenarios of clinical assessments. This is what Laura, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing and Assistant Associate Dean for Student Experience had to say about our sessions -
" May Contain Nuts did a series of improvisation role plays with our student nurses. This was an excellent experience and we saw the students grow each week in their communication skills, approach and confidence. The theatre company were fantastic at adapting their responses to how the students spoke and reacted to the situations presented in the role plays to allow a more "real life" feel. The actors also reflected back with the students afterwards about the role plays to allow the students to think about their communication and also shared some of their personal experiences of living with mental health problems and what they've found has helped from professionals. This experience complimented taught sessions perfectly, and is something the students will value throughout their course and professional careers. Thanks May Contain Nuts, and we look forward to welcoming you back again!"
True to her word, we have already been invited back next year for 6 sessions and we look forward to that immensely. We will post a full blog soon with an in depth look at these sessions from our perspective and describe how important these teaching opportunities are for us as 'service users' and the mental health professionals of the future.
Kerry
The show goes on !

The last two years have been a busy time for the company. As well as our usual approach to creating new and stimulating projects each year, we also maintained our commitment to educating people more fully about mental illness and mental health care. We took part in a number of celebrations and workshops during mental health awareness week in 2019 and maintained our commitment to universities as part of their teaching programmes throughout the year. Prior to the lockdown we engaged in public performances of our Monologues and the previous year (2018) with our production of Fragments. There has also been a significant change in our membership which meant we had to take time to readjust ourselves as a Company. During that time we produced a number of high quality plays and workshops. We performed at open venues – theatres and pubs – schools, universities, mental health units, charities, conferences and on the streets of Hemel Hempstead. Just prior to the lockdown we began to work on our new project: the impact of social media on our mental health. We had begun discussions with schools, both primary and secondary, to develop our project so that it would be classroom based, appropriate to a number of age groups and enabling of discussion and reflection. Sadly, lockdown meant we were unable to use our regular space for rehearsals and therefore the project was put on hold, although in the coming weeks we are very hopeful that we will have a venue to rehearse in, we can then begin to map out this production once more. During lockdown, however, we have remained together and as active as we can. We have manged to facilitate some online sessions and have been booked for two future dates this year, one of which will be pre-recorded the other we hope will be back in the lecture halls of Hertfordshire University. We remain optimistic and hopeful that we can soon begin performing again and that come this time next year we will be, once more, back on the road facilitating workshops and sharing our work.
16th September 2020
Kerry