In the summer of 2022, I was directing a photo shoot. While we were working, one of my friends mentioned that they lived in a flat in Sheffield in a place called Paradise Square, just down the road from the Cathedral. Another one of my friends declared that this sounded like the title of a play, and that if anyone were to write it, she would love to perform in it. The seed of an idea was planted.
In Paradise Square, Gale moves into her new flat with her friend, Crusher. Gale is a woman with a mysterious past. Crusher is a rabbit burdened with a curse. For whenever he eats a carrot, he transforms into a gigantic, vengeful beast. The two friends want a quiet life. But their dreams are dashed by the evil landlord. Lenny Maggot discovers that Gale has the power to make wishes come true. He demands that she grant his wish of becoming a world famous pop star. If Gale refuses, Lenny threatens to tell the world that she is guilty of the most terrible crime imaginable: being different!
In 2023, I was thrilled to receive a project grant from Arts Council England to bring my vision to life and tour the show to Rotherham schools. My friend Neath did indeed end up acting in the play, and thus her wish came true. My wish also come true. Not only did I get to create and share a magical piece of art, I also got to work with wonderful collaborators, and inspire a whole new generation of young artists, who in turn inspired me with there wonderful wishes.
Thank you to the staff and pupils of Brinsworth Howarth Primary, Crags Community School, and Broom Valley Community School for your support and making us feel welcome as we shared our magic. Hopefully, there will be more magic to share in the not too distant future. In the meantime, here are some memories from of 'Paradise Square'....
Photography Anna Kozak @penniepiephotography
LENNY AND GALE
Neath Champion-Shorr, my amazingly talented friend, in her brilliant dual role of Gale and Lenny Maggot.
"You are the most amazing actor I have ever seen!"
A direct quote from one of the children at our shows.
THE WALL OF WISHES
Here is a selection of the wishes of the children of Brinsworth Howarth Primary, Crags Community School, and Broom Valley Community School. Sharing a wish is the first step to making it come true.
HOPE THE HEDGEHOG - PUPPET WORKSHOP
During this project, I was awarded a bursary from Artful Make it Happen to attend a two week giant puppet workshop. I and a group of artists from the UK and abroad work to create Hope the Hedgehog, under the tutelage of Andrew and Karen Kim of Thingumajig Theatre. This opportunity came near the end of the 'Paradise Square' project, so I was not able to apply the new skills I learned to the show. But puppetry is certainly something I hope to feature more of in my future projects. Here is Hope....
THANK YOU
Brinsworth Howarth Primary - Maxine Crawford, Head Teacher, Rebecca Markell, Head of English
Crags Community School - Mrs E Normington, Head Teacher, Rebecca Lowe, Deputy Head.
Broom Valley Community School - Miss A Maltby, Heat Teacher, Chris Hawkins, Deputy Head.
Imagine Rotherham
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