2nd June 2022

National Lottery funding backs performing arts group’s Platinum Jubilee film project

RPA secures lottery funding
One of the south west’s leading performing arts organisations has secured £10,000 of National Lottery funding. This is for its forthcoming platinum jubilee project – a series of events to mark the historic royal event. The project includes the creation of a special feature-length film celebrating the longevity and tenacity of live theatre.

One of the south west’s leading performing arts organisations has secured £10,000 of National Lottery funding. This is for its forthcoming platinum jubilee project – a series of events to mark the historic royal event. The project includes the creation of a special feature-length film celebrating the longevity and tenacity of live theatre.

The film will premiere on Saturday June 18 at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. As well as marking the Jubilee, the film serves as a celebration and reflection of the performing arts group surviving the devastating impact of the Covid-19 lockdown periods

All thirty-two of the group classes chose a well known theatre show from the seventy-five years of the Queen’s reign as inspiration for a piece of theatre, circus or dance. They filmed the pieces over two weekends in May/June at:

  • The Pattern Church in Swindon
  • The Deanery school in Wichelstowe
  • Wichelstowe canalside

Laura Barnes, artistic director, said of the funding: ‘We’re super thrilled because these projects are expensive apropos resources and spaces, and the extra manpower, time and work that goes into them. The funding is what makes them happen, so without it, we couldn’t do the project.’

RPA group secures lottery funding - Laura Barnes and Fiona Da Silva Adams
RPA secures lottery funding – Laura Barnes and Fiona Da Silva Adams

About Revolution Performing Arts

Revolution Performing Arts was set up in 2007 by Fiona Da Silva-Adams as a drama group for toddlers and preschool children. Before long, exceptional demand led to its expansion to cover school-aged children.

Today RPA works across many age groups and also works with vulnerable children and families. The whole team places an emphasis on fun, child-centred lessons that aim to build confidence and self-esteem.

Laura added: ‘Some of the young people who work with us are quite vulnerable. If we asked them to pay there’s no way they would have been able to. The funding allows children who wouldn’t get to be part of something like this. That’s how significant it is.’

Not only did the group’s young people choose the pieces, they also star in them and choreograph them. A group also worked with the film production company, Swindon-based OT House, to help edit the film and work on media make-up.

The children chose a wide variety of shows as inspiration for their pieces. This resulted in a diverse mix with everything from classic theatre to modern productions like The Lion King and We Will Rock You.

Additional events

The National Lottery funding has also allowed the group to get involved in other local Jubilee events. On Saturday (June 4), performers will take part in street theatre at a community event in Wroughton.

At the same event, one of the group’s members will be acting out picture books. The group is also working alongside Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service. Their three-day project will see members putting on workshops for families staying at the refuge. The whole thing culminates in a garden tea party with a range of performances for those attending.

The film’s premiere will take place at a gala event that will involve a three-course meal for families, with every child involved receiving a free copy of the final product.

For tickets, please visit https://swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/tickets-the-show-must-go-on-vip-gala-film-premiere-swindon-2022

To find out more about Revolution Performing Arts and upcoming events, visit https://revolutionpa.co.uk/

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