We love celebrating any chance Jigsaw students have to showcase their talents and hard work. When a whole Jigsaw school can get involved, that’s even better! Jigsaw Schools Perform at Summer Festivals! With the Summer sun comes Summer fairs and festivals, a great way to not only enjoy the weather but see and support what’s happening in your local community, including Jigsaw’s upcoming Summer Schools and Autumn term.

These events provide great opportunities for Jigsaw students to perform in a different environment than they might be used to, and to show family and friends the great dance, drama and singing that they’ve been learning!

 

Harrow

Jigsaw Harrow appeared at host school Priestmead Primary School‘s summer fair in the last week of June.

Despite the heatwave, they performed a fantastically energetic dance routine!

Find out more about the Autumn term at Jigsaw Harrow.

 

St Albans

Jigsaw St Albans appeared on the ‘Silver Birch Stage’ at M Festival, which benefits host school The Marlborough Science Academy.

Their set kicked off with ‘Naughty’ from the musical Matilda, followed by ‘A Million Dreams’ and the instantly iconic inspirational ballad ‘This Is Me’ from The Greatest Showman.

Find out more about the Autumn term at Jigsaw St Albans.

 

Barnet

Four Jigsaw schools appeared together at the East Barnet festival (can you say “supergroup”?): Barnet, Enfield, Finchley and Hendon.

Barnet and Enfield sung Stormzy’s moving track ‘Blinded by Your Grace, Pt. 2’, while Finchley and Hendon sung a medley of ‘Play’ and ‘When Your Feet Don’t Touch the Ground’ from the musical Finding Neverland.

 

Summer schools are taking place at Jigsaw Enfield, Jigsaw Finchley, and Jigsaw Hendon.

Find out more about the Autumn term at Jigsaw Barnet.

 

Surbiton

Jigsaw Surbiton were invited to run a 45 minute Dance and Drama workshop for children and parents at Hollyfest. The annual summer fair for host The Hollyfield School, Hollyfest is an evening of of live performances, food, drink, stalls, workshops and fireworks.

They had lots of fun learning a dance to Lil Nas X’s hit song, ‘Old Town Road’! 

 

 

Find out more about the Autumn term at Jigsaw Surbiton.

Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. We offer performing arts classes for children aged between 3 – 18. Find your nearest school by entering your postcode into the search on our home page.

Last month we ran a competition for a chance to win a pair of tickets to see and review the latest production of Mr Stink, based on the book by David Walliams at the Chickenshed Theatre. The story follows a very kind, but lonely, 12-year-old Chloe who invites the homeless ‘Mr Stink’ and his dog to leave behind the wooden bench where they have taken up residence and secretly move them into her family’s shed. Matters become more complicated when Chloe’s mother – with unfulfilled political ambitions – tries to take credit for Chloe’s generosity. Such a wonderful story, we asked our students what was the most generous thing they had ever done?

 

 

We had some wonderful answers but the one that stood out for us and our competition winner was from Jigsaw student Leyla. Leyla wrote;

“The most generous thing I’ve ever done was cutting my long hair and giving it to children who lost their hair after bad illness, so they smile again.

At the same time, I raised money so the charity can make 2 wigs for children for free.”

So, last week Leyla visited the Chickenshed theatre to watch and review the show Mr Stink.

So, Leyla, did you enjoy the show?

“I loved it!”

What was your favourite bit?

“When Mr Stink went into Chloe’s house and wanted his breakfast in front of the reporter.” 

Did you have a favourite character?

“My favourite characters are Chloe and her father.”

Would you recommend it to your friends?

“Absolutely! It was very funny!”

Well, we can’t say much better than that! If you would like to take part in Jigsaw Reviews keep an eye on your school’s Facebook and Twitter feeds where competitions, news and opportunities are regularly posted. Who knows, next time, it could be your very own words featuring on The Jigsaw Blog!

Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. We offer performing arts classes for children aged between 3 – 18. Find your nearest school by entering your postcode into the search on our home page. 

Mr Stink

Mr Stink is at the Chickenshed Theatre from now until the 5th of August 2018. Click here for more information and to book tickets online. For all other enquiries please call the Box Office on 020 8292 9222.

About Chickenshed…

Chickenshed is a pioneering and inclusive company that makes beautiful and inspirational theatre. We bring together people of all ages and from all backgrounds to produce outstanding theatre that entertains, inspires, challenges and informs both audiences and participants alike. Our vision is a society that enables everyone to flourish, and Chickenshed’s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. For more information please visit our website.

 

Back in November we announced the winner of our Jigsaw Reviews Competition, and this month our lucky winner Thomas of Jigsaw Croydon went to see A Christmas Carol at the Chickenshed Theatre. Boasting 5 star reviews, this retelling of Charles Dickens classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge had a lot to live up to. So, did it meet great expectations? Scroll down to read Thomas’ thoughts on the production…

 

So, Thomas, congratulations on your competition success. Did you enjoy the show?

“I really did enjoy it. It was a great experience. I think Chickenshed made the story of A Christmas Carol really magical. The actors put their own unique twist to make their characters personality shine”

 

What was your favourite bit?

“My favourite part was the Ghost of Jacob Marley’s song as it was very groovy and upbeat.”

 

Did you have a favourite character?

“My favourite character was the Ghost of Christmas Present because he was very jazzy, bright and sparkly.”

 

Would you recommend the show to your friends?

“I would absolutely recommend this show and I’m sure my friends will love this festive bundle of joy.” 

 

Well, if that isn’t a recommendation, we don’t know what is! You can catch A Christmas Carol at the Chickenshed Theatre from now until the 5^th of January 2019.

 

Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. We offer performing arts classes for children aged between 3 – 18. Find your nearest school by entering your postcode into the search on our home page. 

Plumstead is a busy London suburb just south of the Thames. It boasts itself as the birth place many a famous name including Blue and Eastenders star Lee Ryan, former JLS band member Martin Humes, and if you go back far enough, is even mentioned in the Domesday Book! But something big is on the horizon – that’s right, you’ve guessed it! Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools is coming to Plumstead!

We are so excited to be able to share the joy of the performing arts with so many more young people, and who better to tell us all about it than the school’s manager and franchisee Hannah Potter.

What sparked your interest in the Performing Arts?

When I was little I loved to sing, dance and act along to my favourite Disney films. Every Saturday morning, I would be in the living room performing away. When I was in my last year of primary school, I was given the main role of Joseph in our production of Joseph and the Technicoloured Dream Coat. The feeling this gave me was immeasurable and that was it, I understood then that performing meant something very special to me. I was so proud when my family came to watch, and it was such a great experience performing alongside all of my friends.

What was it that drew you to Jigsaw?

I applied for a job at Jigsaw Arts in 2013. I felt so strongly connected to their ethos that we can build young people’s confidence and happiness through the performing arts. When looking through their website and seeing all of the different performances they did, how excited the children were, and also the network of schools across London and the Home Counties, I was totally impressed! I thought I would love to work for them! Jigsaw has always had such a professional but extremely fun work ethic, which is just the balance you need. Ever since my first day until now, I have felt extremely lucky to be a part of such a nurturing and supportive company. This filters down to our teachers and students every weekend and in each performance, it is a hub of creativity, excitement and so much fun.

Singing, Dancing or Drama? Which is your favourite?

I have always had a passion for singing, but I have to say I really love all three! In some ways they all intertwine but you have so many differing skills you can learn from each. Performing a song, dance or scene on stage has always given me the greatest buzz and seeing this in our students, is one of the heart-warming experiences.

What will your Jigsaw school bring to the people of Plumstead?

Jigsaw Plumstead will bring a performing arts school for the community! A happy, nurturing and exciting place in which our students can really find themselves. Somewhere that not only supports our students in their singing, dance and drama skills but in their life skills! Professional shows and presentations for all ages that really pack the fun and teaches them something new about the performing arts every term! Technique terms where we can explore so many different genres of dance, music and acting.

Working with our imaginations, props and technology to create a very well-rounded idea of all the different styles of performing! Meeting and making friends with people who you wouldn’t have otherwise met, from our local schools to further afield. A memorable school, which supports our students if they would like to take the performing arts more seriously in life. A set of skills which can be used not only for life but jobs and careers. Jigsaw Plumstead will bring a place to belong for all our students and somewhere for them to thrive.

What do you hope to inspire in the young people who will attend your school?

That there isn’t anything or anyone you cannot be. That you have so much power! You are unique, brilliant and have the confidence to shine brightly in all areas of your life. To love the performing arts! To use the performing arts as a tool in each and every day in order to support you in becoming the very best of yourself that you can be.

Classes for 3 – 4 and 5-6 year olds are starting on Sunday mornings at Plumstead Manor High School on the 5^th of May 2019, with classes for 7-18 year olds starting in September 2019. To enquire or to book your child’s place please contact Hannah on 020 8003 3275 or email plumstead@jigsaw-arts.co.uk. Visit Jigsaw Plumstead for more information.

Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. We offer performing arts classes for children aged between 3 – 18. Find your nearest school by entering your postcode into the search on our home page. 

Jigsaw Oxford

What sparked your interest in the Performing Arts?

Old musicals! I am mad on them. I grew up watching Rodgers and Hammerstein movies on repeat. I used to try and copy all of the songs and dances and eventually my mum sent me out to ballet just to get a bit of peace. I was quite shy when I was young but the stage was a place where I felt very comfortable and where I was able to express myself. I could be loud, funny, as silly as I like and it was brilliant.

 

What was it that drew you to Jigsaw?

I was a Jigsaw teacher back when I lived in London and was working as a performer. Being part of the Jigsaw family was an amazing experience. It is because of them I realised just how much I loved working with young people and I am really grateful for that, it changed the direction my life took. Eventually I moved away from London, travelled the world and had some adventures and ended up settling down in lovely Oxford, but always missed being part of the Jigsaw family. So when the opportunity came to open my own school I jumped at it.

 

Singing, Dancing or Drama? Which is your favourite?

This one is tough. I first trained in Musical Theatre and I absolutely love to dance, especially tap, and I still dance for fun. I ended up also going on to drama school and training and working as an actor. I truly love them both. Although you are more likely find me watching a play these days over a musical…

 

What will your Jigsaw school bring to the people of Oxford?

I think Jigsaw is brilliant! Jigsaw offers a place for young people to come and be themselves. That is so important for all of us! I wanted to create a place where no one is left out, and everyone has the chance to shine. That is really what Jigsaw is about and I am so proud to be part of that.

 

What do you hope to inspire in the young people who will attend your school?

To be confident in who they are. To know that it’s OK to be different – that’s what keeps things interesting. To be brave performers who take chances and create exciting work. To learn how amazing it feels to be part of an team and welcome others with open arms. To be proud of what we create at Jigsaw Oxford!

Classes for 3-18 year olds start on Saturday mornings at Oxford Academy on the 18^th of January 2020. To enquire or to book your child’s place please contact Becky on 01865 564580 or email ox****@ji*********.uk. Visit Jigsaw Oxford for more information.