Westacre Theatre to live-stream performances
Using the miracles of modern technology, Westacre Theatre is saving the day for local children to meet Robin Hood.
The three schools forming the federation around the theatre were coming on a special treat to see for themselves if Robin Hood can rescue Sherwood Forest.
A fun-filled stage show, it would have been a wonderfully enjoyable and educational afternoon out for all the young people.
It was exactly the kind of school activity for youngsters, but, disappointingly, Covid-19 got in the way of these best laid plans.
Sadly, it was decided that it is unsafe for students from different schools to mix with each other.
So with much heartache the show had to be called off or so it seemed.
Westacre Theatre is now busy installing new WiFi, and the well-known touring company behind Robin Hood, Lamphouse Theatre, are supplying the technical equipment and the know-how needed to live stream the performance direct into the classrooms.
What started off as a routine theatrical partnership between Westacre and Lamphouse has developed into a major collaboration on this unique project.
Sadie and Matt Grist, new theatre directors at Westacre admitted that the additional costs would be borne by the Theatre for the sake of saving Christmas.
They said: "We won’t be beaten. How could we let down so many youngsters in the run-up to their special time. We just had to save the day.
"Live streaming from our studio stage will be a first for us but we are confident we can pull it off."
Every cloud has a silver lining as 17-year old college student Lauren, attending the theatre for some invaluable work experience, now finds herself as third camera person.
So she will now have the real bonus of a completely unexpected opportunity to gain relevant professional training and a new life experience.
Westacre Theatre welcomes everyone else to see Robin Hood and his mischievous merry men on stage with their mirth and music.
There are still tickets available for two evening performances on Thursday, December 2 and Friday, December 3 at 7:30pm.
For further information visit the website or phone 01760 755800.
Mrs Anne Neary, executive head of The Nar Valley Federation of Church of England Academies which covers the affected primary academies at Castle Acre, Narborough and Sporle.
She said: "They are small, creative and personal village schools with generally smaller class sizes, ample staff, and with a limited number of vacant spaces available."