West End Trio Experience

On November 11th 2012 three students from Enter CIC stepped onto a train at Darlington train station and headed off for a fantastic work experience placement in a London West End Theatre. Enter CIC arranged the placement and worked hard to raise the funds to pay all costs associated with the work experience placement. Cameron Gough, Ben Richardson and Sean Major accompanied by Paul Flynn (Director of Enter CIC) and Simon Stewart a registered Chaperone with County Durham Council spent three full days at The Playhouse Theatre. The production currently running at the Playhouse is the internationally acclaimed Monty Pythons Spamalot. The boys worked on every aspect of the theatre production. They impressed the production team so much that Cameron Gough was immediately offered another placement at The Royal Opera House (London) and Ben Richardson was actually considered for a role in the production. As if this wasn’t enough the three boys got to interview the professional cast which included Stephen Tompkinson (DCI Banks) and many of the creative team. Sean Major who currently studies Media at Enter CIC was granted permission to film the interviews. When asked about his experience he said “my time in London has been the most rewarding experience. It has given me a valuable insight into working life and how the world of theatre operates behind closed doors. The four days have confirmed my strong interest in pursuing a permanent career in theatre production”. Simon Stewart a volunteer at Enter CIC also had a wonderful time and having a keen interest in theatre ceased the opportunity to learn more about the theatre world. Andrea said “it is vitally important that young people from our area are provided with this type of opportunity. The theatre world is a massive industry and can provide a real option regarding employability. We have many young people attending our programme who show real promise and its important that they know careers in the arts are a real possibility” The Enter Team would like to extend their gratitude to The Ambassador Theatre Group, Graham Murray (Enter patron) and all involved for making the experience magic and simply unforgettable. Well done to Cameron, Ben, Sean and Simon for being such fantastic ambassadors for Enter CIC and our local community.

The boys ready to go…	The boys used the train journey to quiz each other about the research they had gathered on the Theatre and the production of Spamalot.	On the tube to The Playhouse….
Straight to work and shown the ropes!
The view from above.	A good nights sleep ready for day 2.	To the stage we go.
The boys interviewing Stephen Tompkinson who plays King Arthur in Spamalot.	Interviewing cast member Adam Ellis who plays Prince Herbert in Spamalot.	Interview with Hugh Durrant, set and costume designer for Spamalot.
The boys pay their respects on Remembrance Day.	A spot of sightseeing at The London Eye.	Big Ben, Little Ben.
Eager to get started!	The boys hard at work getting the dressing rooms ready.	Cameron repairing some props for the show.
The boys with the wardrobe staff	Job done.	After a fantastic experience the boys head home.

Click here to view more photographs from the experience.

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