The Stage - ‘Theatre is to UK what Venice is to Italy’

We at Spots and Stripes Theatre Company have a real passion for theatre, the arts and the importance of sparking creative change in society - especially in today's society. We believe that theatre has the ability to change the world, change points of view, connect people to one another and enable the ability to change our lives in order to have a better future. We came across this article with Helen Mirren expressing concern over the lack of government funds going into theatres during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Helen Mirren has become the latest figure to express the need for major investment in the arts to prevent it from collapsing. She follows the likes of Dame Judi Dench, who appeared on Channel 4 news last week to warn the UK of the threat to theatre and the arts during this pandemic. Mirren stated that "theatre’s cultural importance in the UK to the importance of Venice to Italians" and said urgent investment was needed in order to save it from collapsing.

Theatres in the UK have had 0% in funding from our government during this unprecedented time and it is taking people in the sector to stand up, unite and fight for investments in the arts. Artists, theatre makers, creatives, musicians, dancers, performing artists and everyone else in-between, we stand with you. It's so important that we support other artists and creatives, support small, local businesses and the self employed members of society because life really isn't nearly as exciting, vibrant or fun without the arts. Take a look over The Stage article and let us know what you think in the comments section. We'll leave you with one last quote from the article which really resonates with us as a company:

"In theatre you and the audience are one together, and it’s such a personal experience."

The Fox Who Lived in the Factory - Online Show

CATCH OUR SHOW THE FOX WHO LIVED IN THE FACTORY FOR FREE AT 10AM ON THE 21ST OF JULY 2020. THIS WILL BE BROADCASTED ONTO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL! DON'T MISS OUT!

BANG TRASH THUD!

Freddie ran away from the thunder in fright,

He is one little fox lost in the night.

In a factory, he runs for cover,

All alone without his mother.

Now what could a fox possibly do?

He need some help, he needs you!

The story of a baby fox in search his lost papa. On his adventure, he finds himself gobbled up and inside of a big factory, separated from Mama Fox. We need to help him conquer his fears, find his way out of the factory and reunite him with his family.

A story inspired by the environment, natural curiosity and separation anxiety. This story is told using puppets and is filled with adventure, song, music, fun and can be enjoyed by everyone (even the adults)!

This performance is aimed at KS1 children (ages 5-7), but anyone and everyone is welcome to join in and watch!

Competition Time! - NOW FINISHED

OUR SQUIRREL NEEDS A NAME!

Would you like the chance to name our squirrel character in our new show The Fox Who Lived in the Factory? Great! Here’s what you need to do:

1) Print off the black and white version of our squirrel friend OR edit the photo in a computer app like Paint.

2) Colour our squirrel drawing in however way you’d like.

3) The most important step - give your squirrel a cool name and don’t forget to put your name and age on there too.

4) Once you’re happy with your design, send a digital copy to us OR take a photo of your squirrel friend and send it over to our email address at spotsnstripestheatre@outlook.com

You have until 4pm on Friday the 26th of June to get your submissions in. The winner of this competition will then be announced on Sunday at 4pm on the 28th of June. The winner will get to name our squirrel for the show, get a special thank you from all of us AND receive a few goodies for winning our competition (these will be sent to the same email address used in the competition)!

Everyone that takes part will also receive something special as a big thank you for taking part, helping our company and having fun with us along the way.

We look forward to hearing back from you soon!