West End Workshops: Pulling Strings
Posted on 3 March 2017
If you are looking for something a little different to do before seeing a West End show, gather together a group of friends, classmates or workmates and have a look at some of the workshops that are available. Pitched at all levels, the workshops accommodate your group’s needs and abilities.
Recently I took part in a puppetry workshop at Pineapple Dance Studios, just behind Covent Garden. We had opted for this workshop, as our matinee viewing that day was to be The Lion King. How fortunate when our workshop leader turned out to be Howard Gossington, currently playing Zazu 8 shows a week.
The workshop saw us thinking about different types of puppets and how we define and manipulate them before moving on to creating our own. Using a scenario inspired by The Lion King we made our puppets tell a story, giving life and breath to this once inanimate object.
Howard was also open to questions about his career, about working on The Lion King and the use of puppetry. Knowledgeable and engaging, his workshop was thoroughly enjoyable and informative and everyone was able to take something away from it. This opportunity to quiz a West End performer is invaluable for anyone thinking of a career on stage.
So next time you’re thinking of seeing a West End show, see what else you can add into your day to enhance your experience!
By Harrison Fuller
Theatre manager, writer, maker.