The arts have been hit hard by Covid and theatre has been at the very heart of that, of course. New ways to bring creativity to you have been explored and commissioned though, and Wassail Theatre’s emergency fund has been invaluable in doing just that - enabling some much-needed joy and connection to be created in Somerset.
The awesome Make the Sunshine Happiness Hunt, which will be featuring on my radio show very soon, has been bringing local schools, communities and care homes together across the Mendips to make new creative pen pals. Another project made possible by the emergency fund, and starting from tomorrow, is a slice of magic for families to get involved with... so if you or your children fancy welcoming some mystical fairy-folk into your living room and beyond, this could be for you!
I’ve been catching up with Beth Fiducia-Brookes to chat ‘Galivanting Goblins’, so sit back and get ready for something other worldy, as we share Four Thoughts.
1. Beth, can you tell us a little bit about Gallivanting Goblins?
Gallivanting Goblins is all about discovering magic and folklore you didn’t know existed – as well as making the time to appreciate your local area. It’s a charming, three-part, family-friendly creative project.
Part one: Our original audio drama (written by Alexandra Ricou and performed by local actors) invites the listener to escape into the story, the sounds of the outdoors, and wonderful Somerset folklore, inspired by Christina Rosetti’s Goblin Market. There is a version for people to listen to on a walk in Vallis Vale, Frome and the other version is for everyone to enjoy, anywhere.
Part two: Our Art Challenge invites listeners to draw, paint or collage a Goblin (or another fairy-folk character) as inspired by the story, and to display these in their windows and online with the #WassailGallivantingGoblins hashtag, to help share a little Goblin magic!
Part three: Our free, one hour online Drama Workshops are a chance to have fun and get creative with folklore and storytelling.
2. You facilitate the online workshops don’t you, Beth? What can parents and children expect during them?
The Zoom workshops will be great fun and they each have a different theme. We have a characterisation and games workshop for children, a shadow puppet workshop for everyone, a storytelling workshop for adults, and a family fun workshop exploring the story's characters. I’d encourage everyone to come along to one or more of our workshops and have a magical time!
3. Which part of the folklore included in the drama do you think is the most magical?
When Flora first meets the water nymphs and enters fairyland! Although, I also really love the Goblin Song (written by Danielle Sharp). It's a gorgeous tune and I enjoy humming along!
4. Tell us a secret about the making of Gallivanting Goblins that no-one else knows.
This is our first time working together as a trio, and we've really enjoyed it.
Well, if you fancy getting involved, here are the workshop dates you’ll need:
- 15 August, 11am-12noon (children 7-12years)
Fun playing drama games and creating your own goblin / story-inspired character
- 20 August, 2-3pm (open to all)
Making your own shadow puppets and story inspired by the audio drama
- 22 August, 2-3pm (adults)
Collaborative Storytelling
- 22 August, 3.30-4.30pm (families)
Explore the characters together as a family in a fun and interactive workshop
To sign up for any of these workshops, just email: wasson@wassailtheatre.co.uk
Look out for my radio chat with Make the Sunshine about their Happiness Hunt, too. That's coming very soon. There's all kinds of creative good stuff happening in Somerset and it's fantastic to be able to share it with you, here on the blog and on air.