2013-14-Annual-Review-LOW

Annual Review
2013-14

We performed to 40,948 young people and adults, an increase
of 20% on last season, in 235 schools and 17 venues, giving
217 performances and 148 workshops.
Box Clever’s Mission
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We have an holistic approach with and for young people in that we explore many different
aspects of their world and encourage them to do the same through theatre and creativity.
There are three clear strands of activity all of which develop knowledge and understanding,
creativity and imagination, self-confidence and personal relationships with others and
support their education in some way or other.
Creative Practitioners
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We employed 35 creative practitioners, of whom 29% came from a BAME background.
David Ajao
Emma Butcher
Charlyne Francis
Iqbal Khan
Asha Reid
Ajjaz Award-Ibrahim
Stephanie Butler
Philip Gainsbury
Alan Magor
Matthew Rutherford
Darrel Bailey
Carl Chambers
Rachael Garnett
Ronan McMahon
OneNess Sankara
Terri Ann Bailey
Annie Cherbonnier
Maria Gray
Miles Mitchell
Abdul Shylon
Kaja Bjorndvedt
Philippe Cherbonnier
Mike Hay
Jon Nichols
Liv Spencer
Sarah Booth
Jessie Dubieniec
Virgil Howe
Lucy Osborne
Lloyd Thomas
Anna Bosworth
Itai Erdal
Rhys Jarman
Aryana Ramkhalawon
Czes Wicherek

Year Summary
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We performed to 40,948 young people and adults in 235 schools and 17 venues, giving 217
performances and 148 workshops
Special projects
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Urban Mischief
Nationally
The Wigan Streetwise Project :
Make sure it turns out nice again
Wigan
The Hate Play Project
London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets & Brent
Box in LOV 2
Lincolnshire
Touring
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productions
Romeo & Juliet
The Unicorn, London;;
Contact Theatre, Manchester;;
Lighthouse Poole;; Brighton Dome;;
Louth Playgoers’ Riverhead Theatre;;
Lincoln Performing Arts Centre
Introduction to Shakespeare
Nationally to schools
Feet First & Car Story
Derbyshire and London Primary Schools
Bespoke workshops on poetry, writing, drama, Shakespeare and Dickens
Nationally to schools
Time for the Good Looking Boy
The Emporium, Brighton;;
Greenbelt Festival, Cheltenham;;
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich;;
Forum Centre, Darlington;;
Arts Centre, Washington;;
Urban Mischief
The Tramshed, London and to
secondary schools
The Boxed Romeo and Juliet
Nationally to schools
The Boxed Macbeth
Nationally to schools and Trinity
Arts Centre

Box in LOV Project: Year 2
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Bringing theatre to young people and young
people to the theatres
Creative team
Emma Butcher, Maria Gray, Alan Major (Actors);;
Philippe Cherbonnier, Michael Wicherek (directors);;
Stephen Burke (facilitator).
Also supported by East Lindsey Council
Stage 1- bringing young people to the theatre
Throughout January 2014, the Company was in residence at three theatre venues in the county: The Lincoln Performing Arts Centre
(LPAC), The Louth Playgoers’ Riverhead Theatre (LPRT) and the Trinity Arts Centre (TAC) in Gainsborough. 50% of the partner
schools in the project took advantage of the opportunity to attend open rehearsals at their nearest venue, giving their
students the chance to engage more fully with the art of making plays in a theatre environment.
“Really enjoyed the experience. It brought theatre alive and
especially because the director assisted us through the
process of how and where he gets his ideas from.”
Year 11 student, Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School
Stage 2- bringing theatre to young people
In February, Macbeth and Introduction to Shakespeare
toured to 16 schools in the region, reaching a total of
3,429 students while performances of Macbeth took
place at Trinity Arts Centre in Gainsborough and of Romeo
and Juliet at the Lincoln Performing Arts and the Riverhead
Theatre.
Creative team
Emma Butcher, Maria Gray, Alan Major (Actors);;
Philippe Cherbonnier, Michael Wicherek (directors);;
Stephen Burke (facilitator).
“I thought it was amazing. Thank you for making me understand ‘Macbeth’ and Shakespeare more clearly. I think the way the
actors performed it was a great way for me to understand more and it has made me think that Shakespeare is a great poet.”
Year 8 student, The Humberston Academy
Stage 3- The Clever Collective
In the spring half-term, students were invited to join the members of the Company’s professional artistic team at the Riverhead
Theatre for three days of creative workshops.
“Being part of something where there are other dedicated people was brilliant. The whole concept, the script-writing etc was
interesting. Experiences like this are rare so it would be lovely to take part in more events like this. The way Box Clever plays
seem to be written, re-written and performed is incredibly interesting and unique.”
Year 10, John Whitgift Academy
Project schools
Skegness Academy, John Whitgift Academy,
Monks' Dyke Tennyson College, The Priory Witham Academy,
Lincoln Christ's Hospital School, Cherry Willingham Community
School, Caistor Yarborough Academy, Caistor Grammar School,
The Queen Elizabeth's High School, Melior Community Academy,
Baysgarth School, The Humberston Academy, John Spendluffe
Technology College, King Edward VI Grammar School, The North
Kesteven School, Frederick Gough School

The Urban Mischief Project
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Students and professional artists working together on an
innovative project to write and develop a new play
Creative team
Lloyd Thomas, David Ajao, Charlyne Francis,
Aryana Ramkhalawon (actors);;
Iqbal Khan, Michael Wicherek (directors),
OneNess Sankara (composer), Anna Bosworth
(digital practitioner)
The second and concluding part of the innovative Urban Mischief Project involved further creative work in the participating schools and
online and a ‘How to review a play’ workshop at the Unicorn Theatre. Urban Mischief-the play-then premiered at the Tramshed as part
of the Greenwich Children’s Theatre Festival before touring to all the participating schools. The production of Urban Mischief at the
Tramshed was performed by David Ajao and Charlyne Francis with live music by OneNess.
“The Box Clever project allowed me to experience new ideas and put all my talents to the test. I have learnt how to be creative and
how to incorporate other people’s ideas to make a fabulous play.”
Year 11, St Catherine’s Catholic School
“I enjoyed going to London and working with professional
actors/artists as I loved watching their work. I have enjoyed
being able to participate in the production of the play since I
feel that it has improved my abilities and helped create
an awesome piece.”
Year 11 students, Riddlesdown Collegiate
“A really excellent project run by compassionate people who
know how to engage pupils.”
Teacher, The Charter School
Creative team
Emma Butcher, Maria Gray, Alan Major (Actors);;
Philippe Cherbonnier, Michael Wicherek (directors);;
Stephen Burke (facilitator).
Project schools
St Edmund's Catholic School, Dover;; The Clarendon Academy, Trowbridge;;
Bow School of Maths and Computing, Tower Hamlets;; Riddlesdown Collegiate, Purley;;
St Catherine's Catholic School for Girls, Bexleyheath;; The Charter School, Southwark;;
Chichester High School for Girls

The Hate Play Project
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Engaging students creatively in the issues of hate crime,
victimisation and social cohesion
Creative team
David Ajao, Miles Mitchell, Darrel Bailey, Asha Reid (actors);; Iqbal Khan (director), Michael Wicherek (facilitator), OneNess
Sankara (composer/poet), Anna Bosworth (digital practitioner), Sarah Booth (costume), Matt Rutherford (project manager)
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
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London Borough of Brent
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Stage 1: & Stage 2 as Tower Hamlets
Stage 1: Box Clever performed their innovative and dynamic
production of The Hate Play, dealing with the key issues of
bullying, hate crime and victimisation in each of the project
schools, giving 8 performances to a total of 1,310 students.
Stage 2: members of the company returned to each school to
lead two workshops working with 20-25 students from Years 8
and 9 in order to explore the issues of the play through creative
writing.
Stage 3: 4/5 students from each school gathered at the Ideas
Store,Whitechapel to share and perform their work
Stage 3: a gathering was held at the Capital City Academy, at
which students from each school met to share and
perform their work.
Project schools
Queens Park Community School, Alperton Community School,
Capital City Academy
“I really loved how they made links with actual life and that they
asked us questions and let us be part of the play. The whole
project has made me a better person. I’ve learnt that we can
help each other, not betray each other, give moral support and
make gatherings to discuss things.”
Year 9 student
Stage 4: A Symposium was held at The People’s Palace,
Queen Mary, University of London, at which representatives of
the schools, the company, Aldgate and Allhallows Foundation
and invited guests came together at the climax of the project.
Project schools
Stepney Green Maths and Computing College, Central
Foundation Girls’ School, Mulberry School for Girls,
Bishop Challoner Catholic Collegiate School, Bow
School of Maths and Computing,
Swanlea School and Business Enterprise College, St Paul’s
Way Trust School, Raine's Foundation School.
“The play, the workshops and gathering really got the students
engaged and actively involved on the subject of hate and bullying.
The poetry task I felt was particularly good because the students
were given freedom to create and express their own ideas on
topics they encounter every day of their school lives. It was
brilliant. Well done. ”
Teacher
“I have enjoyed being part of this and the school will benefit.
We need to work together, understand the consequences of
bullying and learn how to respect each other.”
Year 9 student
“Excellent characterisation in the play. The character of Vic
could have been any student, so was very relatable for
many students. The staging was imaginative and involving.
The forum theatre at the end was excellent. I have been
truly impressed with the standard of the students’ work
and their willingness to share it in performance Well done!
Would love you to come again! ”
Teacher

Romeo & Juliet
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National Tour
The play was performed in 6 venues to a total audience of 3,942 young people and adults. The
production was developed in partnership with Oxford High School.
“A witty, brilliant, bright and perceptive look at a revered classic.”
Audience member, the Dome, Brighton
“Eloquently communicating to young people and seasoned audiences alike, this innovative
production intertwines Shakespeare’s text with contemporary language to allow
literature’s most famous lovers to speak directly to a 21st century audience.”
FringeReview, Highly Recommended Show
“As someone who doesn’t like Romeo & Juliet much, I loved this energetic and youthful production.”
Peter Vinery
“This unique and compelling version of Romeo and Juliet comes highly recommended.”
ALT Reviewer
Creative team
David Ajao, Jessie Dubieniec, Carl
Chambers (actors), Iqbal Khan (director),
OneNess Sankara (writing contributor),
Lucy Osborne (set), Virgil Howe (sound),
Pip Thurlow (lighting),Sarah Booth (costume)

Time for the Good Looking Boy
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National Tour
Creative team
Carl Chambers (actor);; Iqbal Khan (director),
Michael Wicherek (writer), Rhys Jarman (set),
Jon Nichols (sound), Itai Erdal (lighting)
The play was performed in 5 venues to a total audience of 1,158 young people and adults. In
an evaluation completed by a sample audience, 95% agreed that they had been completely
absorbed by what was happening on stage and 100% had been gripped by the sights and
sounds of the performance and had found some aspects of the performance very moving.
An extremely engaging and clever piece of new writing which was very appropriate for the
students we brought to see the performance. A really strong performance too. Audience
engagement was also a strength.
Audience member, Arts Centre, Washington, Tyne and Wear

National Shakespeare to Schools Tour
Boxed Romeo & Juliet, Boxed Macbeth and Introduction to Shakespeare
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National Tour
Boxed Romeo and Juliet
The production toured to 23 schools to a total audience of 4,194 students.
3,894 students also took part in workshops on the play led by company
members. Of those who took part in the evaluation process, 87% of the
students and 95% of the teachers who saw the production and were
part of the workshop agreed that the experience had been worthwhile.
“I found the play and workshop very helpful. I liked the fact that you made the play very
realistic mentally and very thrilling.” Year 10 student, Castle View School
“I loved the power of the emotions shown;; the engagement with the students;; I feel this
will support our students with the academic learning of ‘Romeo and Juliet.”
Member of staff, Addington Academy
“Please come back- several students (understatement) will never have been to the
theatre nor had an experience like this. It is so essential that they access more of this.”
Assistant Headteacher, Holloway Secondary School
Creative team
Emma Butcher, Maria Gray,
Alan Magor, (actors);;
Philippe Cherbonnier, Michael Wicherek
(directors)
Boxed Macbeth
The production toured to 15 schools to a total audience of 1,854 students who also took
part in subsequent workshops. Of those who took part in the evaluation process, 84% of
the students and 94% of the teachers who both saw the performance and were
part of the workshop agreed that the experience had been worthwhile.
“I thought the actors were really unusual and made me feel involved. I
thought it was an extremely worthwhile performance!”
Year 9 student, St Benedict’s
“Thank you so much- a very well organised and professional event that our
staff and pupils will remember as a special day at Pakefield!”
Deputy Head Teacher, Pakefield High School
Introduction to Shakespeare
The production toured to 23 schools to a total audience of 3,221 students.
Of those who took part in the evaluation process, 92% of the students and
100% of the teachers agreed that the experience had been worthwhile.
“The actors sold Shakespeare to us right from the start. All the extracts that they performed were done to perfection and brilliant. ”
Year 8, Our Lady of Sion
“Fantastic! The structure, the energy and the interaction of the whole thing was brilliant!” Teacher of English, East Bergholt High School
“This was a fantastically energetic and engaging performance. The pupils were all very focused. Thank you.”
Head of English, Bromley High School

Feet First and Car Story
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Dynamic and engaging plays with a strong emphasis on travel and personal responsibility
for safety on the roads.
Commissioned by the London Boroughs of Bexley and Hackney and Derbyshire County Council.
Feet First
Toured to 20 schools to a total audience of 1,994 pupils in Years 1 & 2. Of those who took part in the evaluation process, 99% of the
pupils thought that it was really good and helpful that they had seen the play and 100% of the teachers agreed that the whole
experience had been really worthwhile.
“I think that the simple staging and use of music were very effective. The children were very engaged and I really enjoyed the
performance. I liked the way the story was told and think the repetition really helped to keep the story clear. The story held a
very meaningful message. I would love you to come back.” Year 2 class teacher, St John of Jerusalem Primary School
“The actors encouraged the children to want to be healthy by walking to school and to talk and use their imaginations on the way as
they walk safely.” Class teacher, Horsley Woodhouse Primary School
Car Story
Toured to 10 schools to a total audience of 1,080 pupils mainly in years 3 & 4. Of those who took part in the evaluation process,
97% of the pupils thought that it was really good and helpful that they had seen the play and 100% of the teachers agreed that the
whole experience had been really worthwhile.
“The actors were able to move seamlessly between light-hearted scenes and those which created a solemn atmosphere. The
relationship between the actors was well presented so the children were able to immerse themselves in the story. A wide range
of music added to the development of the story. This is the only presentation I have ever seen which simultaneously educates
children about road safety and highly values walking/scooting/cycling to school.”
Class teacher, Bursted Wood Primary School
Creative team
Stephanie Butler, Liv Spencer, Rachael
Garnett, Matthew Rutherford (actors);;
Philippe Cherbonnier (director)

The Wigan Streetwise Project
Make sure it turns out nice again
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Creative team
Liv Spencer, Matthew Rutherford (actors),
Sarah Booth (costume), Michael Wicherek
(writer/director)
Lively and entertaining street theatre, using the music of George
Formby, targeting transport and road safety concerns of older
members of the community.
Performed to over 2,000 members of the public over four Saturdays in the centre of Wigan.

Bespoke Workshops
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Interactive, creative and effective dramatic support for specific areas of the curriculum.
The company visited 7 schools, reaching 1,006 students in Years 7- 12 to work on topics from GCSE poetry to
drama, writing, Shakespeare and Dickens.
“The students really enjoyed the opening session and being able to put the play in context. The leaders were very astute in
choosing and developing the students who joined in the opening activities. Some of our most disengaged students
were laughing along and really getting to grips with the over-arching themes of the play.”
Curriculum Area Leader for English, Jack Hunt School on Romeo & Juliet bespoke workshop
“Brilliant, thoroughly enjoyed it! Wish it could have been longer. I enjoyed exploring different interpretations and ideas about the
poems. The music was fantastic and the layout of the room focused the energy of the room. Student interaction was enjoyable and
gave depth to the workshop. The acting was brilliant.”
Year 11, East Bergholt High School on an Exciting About Poetry workshop
Creative team
Michael Wickerek (director/
facilitator) Terri Ann Bailey, Emma Butcher,
Matthew Rutherford, Alan Magor, Lloyd
Thomas, Abdul Shylon, Ajjaz Award-Ibrahim
(actors)

Box Clever Theatre CompanyBespoke Workshops
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Patrons
Joseph Mawle
Tom Burke
Trustees
Kate Jenkins (chair)
Richard Foley (vice chair)
John Brown (treasurer)
Jane Beacham
Judith Carlisle
Philippe Cherbonnier
Mark Davies
Andrea Gillie
Iqbal Khan
John Sykes
Core Company
Artistic Director & Writer-in Residence: Michael Wicherek
Development: Mari Kondo
Finance: Julie Renwick
Intelligence: Callie Brown
Marketing: Craig Millar
Production: Pip Thurlow
Administration: Eda Nacar
Graphic Design
designbyjump
IT
Networkfish
Independent Examiners
Wilkins Kennedy
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To work with us contact:
E: admin@boxclevertheatre.com
T: 0207 793 0040
Oval House | 52 - 54 Kennington Oval | London | SE11 5SW