25 years later...
I first started working on the North Peckham Estate in 1985, running a series of women’s workshops and a new programme of children’s classes teaching dance, musical theatre and drama - 30p each including orange juice and a biscuit!
When the then Greater London Council gave us some funding to expand that programme, New Peckham Varieties was born.
Twenty years and many hundreds of Saturday morning classes later, we changed our name to Theatre Peckham. After even more classes, full-scale productions and hundreds of alumni now working in the creative industries themselves, I am pleased and quite amazed to announce our 25th Anniversary season.
We will begin celebrating our 25th anniversary year in September. If you or anyone you know was ever involved with NPV or Theatre Peckham, we want to hear from you.
Teresa Early
Artistic Director and Founder
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New Year at Theatre Peckham
Its an exciting time here at the Theatre Peckham office; Jodie is enrolling a new batch of children onto our new courses, Suzy is putting together applications for funding, Melanie is sorting out the torturous calendar (don’t envy her!) Androulla and Denise are planning and executing an exciting new season of projects and, as ever Lee is making sure we don’t spend too much money on all of this!
Over in the theatre young George (under the keen supervision of old George!) is pulling down the set from last years Christmas Production - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. It’s sad to see a show that was such a success be taken down but we’ve a lot of great memories, as have the 30 children that performed so brilliantly over the punishing three week period.
Teresa is working from home, but we’ve no doubt that she’ll be pulling her weight as always! She’s already had a great success this year securing Harriet Harman the inspirational shadow minister to come and see some of our classes in March. The last few years have been a very frightening time for all of us who rely on public funding and its good to know that politicians are still interested in seeing and helping those of us that are working to make our communities stronger.
One of the many ways were moving forward and improving ourselves this year is with our online presence. We have a shiny new website going live in for the middle of the year and from this point onwards all of the office will be tweeting and blogging more than we ever have before so follow @theatrepeckham, keep a eye on this tumblr page and follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Peckham/141259255890539?ref=ts). We’ll not just be bringing you news about us but we’ll also be trying to bring you great offers on local theatre, news about events happening in the local office and of course all the gossip we can!
With the current economic situation times are tough for all of us, but there’s nothing to be done but carry on making things better whichever way we can. We’re all excited about the year that’s coming up and we hope you are too.
All the best
Theatre Peckham
Cake Sale this Saturday!
TP’s parents committee are holding a cake sale this Saturday at Peckham academy! come down and enjoy some scrumptious treats!
Street Fusion Assistant needed!
We’re looking for an experienced and enthusiastic street Fusion dance assistant! Must be available on Monday evenings 5.15 - 8.15, term time, from Monday 3rd October, Rates of pay are competitive. CVs and for more information email to admin@theatrepeckham.co.uk
Ushers and helpers for Taster Day, 10th Sept
Any BTEC students available to help out on taster day, Saturday 10th Sept, please call the office and confirm! Hugely appreciated!
Elephant and the Nun Festival! FREE performance and workshops!
Come Down to Lucas Gardens This sunday!
http://www.london.groundwork.org.uk/news—events/events/2011/the-elephant-and-the-nun.aspx
Have you booked your 'Class Acts' tickets?
Only two days to go!!! Grab your tickets for this one off event from the arts Theatre Box https://tickets.lovetheatre.com/selectshow.asp?Site=143 Not to be missed folks!
Last day of term tomorrow!
As its the last day of the summer term, Parents can come and watch the last 10 minutes of their childs class! Ballet and Tap exam certificates will be handed out then! Thanks!
New Workshop Timetable for 2011/2012 out now!
Re-enrolment for Current Members!Autumn Term 2011
Re-enrolment for the Autumn Term starts on Monday 27th June! Please note - you will only be able to enrol for classes you are currently taking with us! Annual membership will also be due again! Thanks!
Level 2 Open day! TONIGHT! (drama, musical theatre, theatre school, BTEC and Singing!)
Showcasing work from our talented level 2+ students! Tickets £3 adults £2 children! 7pm start!
Dance Open day this Saturday!
All children performing in Saturdays ‘Dance Open Day’ at Theatre Peckham (Havil st) will need to be there, in full Theatre Peckham uniform for 5.30pm. The Show will start at 7pm Sharp! Tickets available NOW! call the office on 0207 7085401 thanks!
NO Classes this Saturday due to half term!!!
NO ballet classes this Saturday!!!
There will be NO ballet classes at the Academy this Saturday (28th) Due to exams. All other classes as normal!
Ballet and Tap exams this weekend!
If you have entered your child for an exam, please be sure they arrive 15 minutes before their allocated time slot! Any queries, please call the office -0207 7035401
Parents Group Website!
For latest updates and events from the parents Group, check out their FAB new website!
https://sites.google.com/site/theatrepeckhamparents/home.
To get involved and with Theatre Peckham’s parents Group and participate in upcoming events, please contact Valerie on - 07956876409
Spring Term has ended!
Classes do not start again until Tuesday 3rd May!!! Thanks, TP
Arts Council Funding
Theatre Peckham are pleased and relieved to annouce that we have recieved standstill funding from the arts council! This means over the next 4 years, we will recieve the same level of funding as we do currently! This is a great vote of confidence, and will enable us to continue, in their words, “providing opportunities for children and young people from all backgrounds to engage in Theatre” and use “accredited training courses to develop their participants potencial as young audiences and theatre professionals of the future.” BIG well done and congratulations Theatre Peckham!
Tickets on sale for Open Day!
Tickets for our open day on 9th April now on sale! Please call the office for more info!! 18/03/2011
Re-enrolment for Term 3! Summer!
We are now taking re-enrolments for current members for our summer Term! Current members will have priority booking until the end of term 2 (2nd April) when the classes will then be open for anyone to join. Please phone the office 0207 7085401 0r re-enrol at the workshops to ensure you keep your place for next term! Thanks! 15/03/2011
Our Patrons
Sir Ian McKellen
‘Theatre and drama are extremely important in the process of personal development. That’s why organisations such as Theatre Peckham are so invaluable. They teach youngsters lessons that will help them through life, such as self-discipline and teamwork, and communication skills. I wish there had been a school like this when I was young – they are helping to develop some truly inspirational people.’
David Harewood
‘The energy and talent that I witnessed during my time working with the young people of Theatre Peckham is an inspiration. Their commitment and energy is really fantastic and I hope I get the chance to work with them all again soon.’
