Community Play Project
Barking & Dagenham Community Players present The Marvel of Muddy End by Clifford Oliver, directed by Carole Pluckrose
Following the success of Trading Stories - the first community play brought to you by the Barking & Dagenham Community Players - we are delighted to bring you pictures and the video trailer of our latest production, The Marvel of Muddy End!
Watch the Trading Stories trailer on YouTube...
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Costumes and images by Theresa Snooks
Also see The Barking & Dagenham News for recent article (29 May 2010, page 2)
Barking & Dagenham Community Players rehearsals
Funded by the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, weekly rehearsals at Arc's studios at The Malthouse in Abbey Road, Barking are completely free of charge and open to anyone aged 16 and over. Although the new play The Marvel of Muddy End has finished, we are now recruiting for the next phase of our Community Project.
Meeting every Monday evening for tea and biscuits at 6:30pm for a 7 to 9pm session, here are the latest dates for your diary:
Saturday 17 July: Dagenham Town Show performances
Break for summer
Monday 13 September: Barking & Dagenham Community Players restart!
For more information about Arc’s Community Play project, contact Josh Cass on 020 8594 1095 or email Josh Cass
About Trading Stories
Barking & Dagenham Community Players first came together in Spring 2009 as part of the Borough's brand new Community Cohesion project. After a series of creative devising workshops, an original new play was written especially for the cast by Arc's Creative Director, Clifford Oliver. Following weeks of rehearsal with Associate Director Andy Rogers, Trading Stories was ready for performance at six venues around the Borough from 23 to 29 August, including Lift on Abbey Green (as part of the Lift/Molten Festival), Eastbury Manor House, Kingsley Hall, The Malthouse Studios, Mayesbrook and Old Dagenham Parks.
The scene is a village not unlike Dagenham at the turn of the last century.
The market is coming to life and a new, mysterious toy-seller arrives to set up his stall...
With comical characters, an intriguing storyline and a fascinating insight into Victorian working life, Trading Stories featured original music, costume and the talents of a committed team of local people aged 16 to 55.
Watch the Trading Stories trailer on YouTube...
“Because I have had a ball, learned new skills, met fantastic people and most of all done something that I am passionate about, and actually had the confidence to perform in a play. Thank you Arc for this opportunity - I will be attending the next project!”
“I've met amazing people/strangers who have become friends. I'm not sure we would've met if not through the project, even though we all live so close to one another…”
“The project sessions became like a sort of therapy to me - a time where I could just be myself and stop thinking about work and everyday stresses. Especially at the beginning - the process of humiliation in front of a group of strangers was strangely liberating!!!”
“Its been educational, fun and rewarding. I've loved playing my character and the challenges that has brought. I feel it has stretched me and given me the chance to build and learn new skills.”
“Good fun, made good friends, left my comfort zone, boosted confidence, helped me get to know locals from community outside of work/church circles, made me more ready to try new scary things!”
Trading Stories performers
Download Trading Stories programme with full cast list (PDF, 221kb)
Arc on Facebook
Did you know Arc has its own Facebook Profile, Page and Groups?
To network with Arc on Facebook and find out all the community news, gossip and important dates, including Barking & Dagenham Community Players, Youth Theatre and Drama Club, add yourself as a friend of Stephen K Patterson (the popular character from Arc's anti-social behaviour play!).
To find out more about Arc as an organisation and keep up to date with Arc events, news and current projects, become a Fan of our Business Page: Arc Theatre.
You can also join Arc's dedicated Group for the Barking & Dagenham Community Players.
To join the creative opportunities group for Artsists and Practitioners, join Arc Theatre Opportunities.
Arc on Twitter
Follow us on Twitter here: Arc Theatre.
