The play’s the thing
DESPITE STRINGENT cuts in arts funding and alarm over arts provision in state schools – Highdown being a notable exception – Reading is endowed with an impressive rollcall of musicians, artists, plus two emerging professional drama companies in Reading Rep and RABBLE, not to mention respected amateur groups such as Progress. So what is driving those who remain determined to keep the arts alive locally?
It seems the answer lies in one simple word: “Creativity,” Hannah Thurston-Smith, Head of Education for Rabble Theatre, told me. “Creativity is so important for well-being.” Caversham-based Hannah is responsible for the weekly courses run for both adults and young people, as well as the educational outreach work which RABBLE provides. Unleashing creativity is something Hannah is passionate about.
Hannah grew up in Reading, attending Maiden Erleigh School. She enrolled at Royal Holloway to study English and Drama, then switched to Leeds University to study Broadcasting. “As part of the degree course we had to work in the industry, so I spent some time working at CBeebies. After I completed my degree, I moved to London and worked for the BBC for several years. I worked on various programmes, including French & Saunders, The Money Programme, as well as Panorama. I really loved it – especially being involved in current affairs.” Hannah worked as a production co-ordinator, managing budgets, schedules, crews and logistics, from pre-production right through to broadcast. “It was exciting work, but involved long, intense hours,” Hannah recalled. Having moved to Caversham to start a family, her life changed dramatically when her daughter was born three months premature and spent months in hospital. Hannah became a stay-at-home mum, later welcoming a second daughter. “I loved being at home with the girls. I often helped out at their school and did lots of voluntary work, including organising many fund-raising events.”
After her youngest child started school Hannah was ready to return to work. When RABBLE was looking for an administrator, she applied and soon found herself promoted to Head of Education.
Today, Hannah leads the development of RABBLE’s classes, which include LAMDA courses, weekly drama and musical theatre sessions, as well as popular school holiday camps. “We can provide for up to 800 students in a single term, so it’s busy – but incredibly rewarding,” she said.
RABBLE’s holiday camps bring children from across Reading together to rehearse and perform a one-hour show in just a week; the show is then staged in a real theatre for family audiences at the end of the camp. “It’s intense for the team, but watching the children grow in confidence is amazing,” Hannah enthused. Camps are phone-free, and include shared lunches, with the focus on connection, creativity – and fun!
Hannah also develops free education packs for schools, including the latest pack for Glitch, complete with background information and creative activities. “RABBLE’s shows often explore historical or contemporary stories with local connections. I’m incredibly proud of how much we give back to the community through free places, tickets, as well as access to our work.”
While RABBLE’s new plays win national recognition, the company cannot operate without its ‘bread and butter’ educational work. I was delighted to be invited to attend a session of the Young Company Musical Theatre where I met regular attendees who told me how taking part in YCMT has impacted their lives. Bryley, aged 10, told me: “When I was six, I went to a holiday camp and mum saw I could dance and sing, so I have been doing it ever since – I have now taken part in five shows and love it!” Mia, eight, said: “I love comedy – I always get the comedy roles!”, while Lottie, nine, only knew one other person when she joined, but is now Star Performer, and was cast as Matilda in the recent production.
Ava, 14, explained: “I have become more confident, I think that kids who don’t do theatre aren’t as confident. Taking part creates a level of excitement – knowing I have the classes to go to gets me through the day.”
Peighton, 14, told me: “I started about three years ago, taking part in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at holiday camp after studying the play at school. I have been awarded funding to attend, and it has been so important in giving me a chance to do something I love as well as meeting new people. I’m a young carer so I really enjoy being able to come to such a safe, welcoming space to have fun.”
Those who have grown up attending RABBLE classes come back to gain work experience, before beginning careers in the creative arts. “We love encouraging and supporting people’s pathways into the industry,” Hannah told me. “There’s always so much to do! But I feel so lucky to work in such a creative field.”
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