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Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope

Mark Farrelly (Howerd's End, Jarman) brings his hugely-acclaimed solo play to Norden Farm for an up-close encounter with the original Englishman in New York.

From a conventional upbringing to global notoriety via The Naked Civil Servant, Quentin Crisp was one of the most memorable figures of the twentieth century. Openly gay as early as the 1930s, Quentin spent decades being beaten up on London’s streets for refusing to be anything less than himself. His courage, and the philosophy that evolved from those experiences, inspire to the present day.

Naked Hope depicts Quentin at two phases of his extraordinary life. Alone in his Chelsea flat in the 1960s, certain that life has passed him by, and thirty years later, performing An Evening with Quentin Crisp in New York.

Packed with witty gems on everything from cleaning (Don’t bother – after the first four years the dust won’t get any worse) to marriage (Is there life after marriage? The answer is no), Naked Hope is a glorious, uplifting celebration of the urgent necessity to be your true self.

'A stunning piece of theatre, masterfully told' ★★★★★ Broadway Baby

'An acting masterclass' ★★★★★ Sardines Magazine

'A truly life-affirming play and an absolute triumph' ★★★★★ All That Dazzles

'An uncanny feat of resurrection. Farrelly’s mastery of his audience is total' ★★★★ Time Out

'A riveting and quite hysterically funny show' ★★★★ British Theatre Guide

'Reveals both the frailty and fearlessness of a trendsetter' ★★★★ Metro

Studio
£16 I £14 (Supporters)

Mark's Website

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It's the Economy, Stupid!

Based on a true story of a family caught up in the 90s recession, It's the Economy, Stupid! reveals the humanity behind economics.

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Black Is The Color Of My Voice

Inspired by the life of Nina Simone and featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live.

Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

The show has toured the UK to standing ovations and played sell-out seasons in Shanghai, New York, Edinburgh and the West End of London.

Winner of Best Theatre Award, Adelaide Fringe 2024.

‘Moving portrayal of determination and survival’ ★★★★ Times

‘Nothing short of sensational… will make you cheer for her, smile with her and then sting your eyes with tears’ ★★★★★ Broadway Baby

‘A compelling and heart breaking story, punctuated with bursts of song’ ★★★★ Edinburgh Festival Magazine

Age guidance
12+ years

Courtyard Theatre
£24

Black Is The Color Of My Voice website

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Norden Farm Youth Theatre (Junior)

Led by Emma Duncan

In each session children take part in a series of drama games and activities that develop their confidence as well as teaching them drama skills. These include focus, communication, developing a character and voice projection.

As the weeks go on the group will each have a part with some lines to learn in a small-scale show. They will rehearse as a team and share what they have learnt during the last session, more details to follow on this after half term.

Suitable for school years 2 - 6.

'Norden Farm is my favourite after school club, it always keeps me moving and relaxed. It is a great place to go for drama and within a short time, I have become far more confident and expressive' Timothy, age 7

'We have sent both of our children to Youth Theatre at Norden Farm and have seen dramatic improvements in there ability, confidence, social awareness and expressiveness generally and specifically. The environment is safe and developmental in a broad and exciting sense' Alex - parent

Spring
Wed 15 Jan - 2 Apr (12 weeks)
5pm - 6pm
£126

Junior Youth Theatre Booking Form

'The youth theatre is a nice place and I’ve only been here a short time and I Love it!' Junior Youth Theatre Student

'It is cool and welcoming' Junior Youth Theatre Student

'The youth theatre is one of the most professional classes I’ve enrolled in' Junior Youth Theatre Student

'The youth theatre is one of the best drama clubs, everyone is so friendly and we do amazing games' Junior Youth Theatre Student

'We have absolutely loved the drama classes, we have seen a tremendous improvement with our daughter's confidence, she enjoys the sessions as there is a mixture of techniques and games and has made friends along the way! Emma is great at adapting the lessons and I have only seen improvements, we Look forward to the end of summer show combined with the senior class!!! Love Norden Farm as the venue!' Junior Youth Theatre Parent

'This is my daughter’s first experience of a drama club - and it has been such a positive, confidence-boosting, creative experience for her. I particularly love that there is no pressure on the children - there is plenty of time and practice to get ready for the end of season Sharing Session, and the level of performance is just enough to stretch them, without making them worry. It’s pure joy and excitement! You can see how far the group has progressed from term to term - they are becoming a very confident and capable group of Thespians!' Junior Youth Theatre Parent

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Norden Farm Youth Theatre (Senior)

Led by Emma Duncan

Each term we will be focusing on developing the participants confidence and well-being through a series of drama games and activities.

This term the Senior Youth Theatre group are focusing on developing drama skills. They’ll learn a deeper understanding of performance and managing their nerves as well as some more specialised techniques including comedy and physical theatre.

Suitable for school years 7 - 12.

'Drama has upped my confidence remarkably and I’m getting better every time, it’s my favourite club and I look forward to it each week' Youth Theatre Seniors Student

'The youth theatre is one of the best dramas clubs ever, we can express ourselves' Youth Theatre Seniors Student

'The instructor is very supportive and everyone is very respectful' Youth Theatre Seniors Student

'Norden Farm is my favourite after school club, it always keeps me moving and relaxed. It is a great place to go for drama and within a short time, I have become far more confident and expressive' Youth Theatre Student

'We have sent both of our children to Youth Theatre at Norden Farm and have seen dramatic improvements in there ability, confidence, social awareness and expressiveness generally and specifically. The environment is safe and developmental in a broad and exciting sense' Alex - parent

Spring
Wed 15 Jan - 2 Apr (12 weeks)
6.05pm - 7.30pm
£156

Senior Youth Theatre Booking Form

'Drama has upped my confidence remarkably and I’m getting better every time, it’s my favourite club and I look forward to it each week' Senior Youth Theatre Student

'The youth theatre is one of the best dramas clubs ever, we can express ourselves' Senior Youth Theatre Student

'The instructor is very supportive and everyone is very respectful' Senior Youth Theatre Student

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Showstopper Tots

Led by Mairi Cowieson

Showstopper Tots Musical Theatre themed music and movement classes for ages 2 - 5yrs. Younger siblings are welcome. Under 6 months free.

Sing, Dance and drive with us on our wonderfully fun and exciting Chitty Chitty Bang Bang theme. A magic car? One that flies? Don't forget to say 'Please Chitty' as we play our 'Toot Sweets' and find out how the dogs have ruined Mr Potts's chances of buying that Car! We will dance to 'Me Ol' Bamboo' and succeed in our mission to trick the Vulgarians, as we sing 'Chu-chi Face' and use excellent 'Teamwork'!

A class like no other! Little ones, dance, sing and enjoy a drama adventure, ending each class with our unique story show, in our mini theatre.

Building confidence, musicality, coordination, concentration, all through the wonderful world of Musical Theatre.

Led by a professional West End performer and director.

A story song is added to each week to enhance their engagement and concentration skills. It's also fun for the parents/carers who attend with their little ones.

Spring

Course 1:
Thur 9 Jan - 13 Feb (6 weeks)

Course 2:
Thur 27 Feb - 3 Apr (6 weeks)

£48 for 6 week course (1 adult and 1 child)

£9 drop-in per session (1 adult and 1 child).
£5.40 drop-in per sibling per session

Age guidance: 2-5 years

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