This month we had the pleasure of welcoming Wise Crack Productions into the JLV to launch their tour of The Cramlington Train Wreckers. Not only did we offer rehearsal and performance space for the company, but we also got to observe professional practice during the company’s preparation and received workshops from industry professionals.
Over the course of 2023 and 2024 our Drama department has been networking with Ed Waugh of Wise Crack Productions on the launch event of this awesome production and how CLV could be involved. Being right beside the 1926 Train Wreck, it seemed only natural that our school site would open the tour and host the celebration launch. In September Ed Waugh organised for our CLV students to receive chats and workshops from local artists in the area: Ray Laidlaw – Musician, Elaine Cussack – poet, David Haldane – cartoonist, Lydia Oliver – Technical Manager, Ed Waugh – Playwright. Our incredible students listened with enthusiasm and then started to create their own work to display at the matinee launch on the 7th November.
Jump forward to 2 months later and the company appeared on site! Over the course of the two days our students got to observe the rehearsal process; seeing the actors, production team and the writer make final tweaks to the production in the Hub space. During this workshop time students saw a ‘cue stack’ take place where Lydia Oliver (Technical Manager) asked students their opinion on the lighting, the fading in of spotlights and whether the timing and pace seemed right. In addition to this they saw Ed Waugh being interviewed by the local BBC news crew and had the chance to get tips on entering the industry as a camera operative.
On the day of the performance launch the matinee began at 4pm but we welcomed local audience members from 4pm. Showing 2 dramatised representations, poetry and artwork whilst the amazing tunes from the music students played, people perused, cheered and anticipated the production. Our Drama students were inspired by Ed’s discussions from the early workshops, about giving a voice to those in the north-east. Both Drama groups selected key moments from our north-east history to depict through drama, from the invention of the Geordie Safety Lamp being invented, the use of the Victoria Tunnel during war time and the suffragette movement. Alongside the beautiful poetry of the English club students, the powerful artwork of the wreck and strike by the Art club, with Music filling the street with uniquely created compositions, the event started with a wonderful vibe of creativity and student talent!!!
At CLV Drama we want our students to get every opportunity to go beyond the curriculum, whether this is a trip to Newcastle Theatre royal, University Drama days, visitors from local organisations hosting workshops or talks with industry professionals. During the week of the Train Wreckers launch our students got to absorb their local culture through the medium of Drama, explore their own responses through Drama, Art, Music and Poetry, plus appreciate a bit of their local history. We’d certainly call that a win for the CLV community!