Gobbledegook Evaluation for 'The Hut' 2009

8/3/2019 Gobbledegook Evaluation for 'The Hut' 2009

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Gobbledegook Theatre EvaluationThe Hut Summer 2009

Original and well thought out, an asset to Bournemouth summer and good forparents too. Thank you!

My daughter (almost 3) smiled all the way through and my son, 6 didnt take hiseyes away for a second

Fantastic show, great humor. we loved it so much we came back and watched itagain.

One of the best childrens entertainments weve seen!

Please do more of these events

Parent comments on The Hut


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Contents

Title Page

The Company and The Hut project 3

Who was involved 4

Dates and Audience Figures 5

General findings 6

Budget 8

Appendix 1 Flyer design and marketing 9 Appendix 2 Evaluation feedback 10

Appendix 3


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The CompanyGobbledegook Theatre set up in 2008 by Lorna Rees and Adam Coshan to maketheatre work for children, primarily (although not exclusively) for 2 - 7 year olds. Wecreate work which renders the familiar strange for young audiences and theirfamilies be it a sea front promenade, public gardens, libraries or playgrounds.

And we work at festivals because we think that there isnt nearly enough outdoor work for early years at big events. We believe very strongly in play and that the link with theatre and playing and making stories is very close indeed. We seek to createnew ways for adults to play with their young people during our performances. And

we provide training to help families, teachers and practitioners play and makestories with children.

The HutThe Hut was a small-scale tour of Southbourne and Boscombes seaside promenadeand public play spaces where we played and created stories and performancesentitled The Hut. This was a beach inspired show which toured public play areasparks and beach areas of Southbourne and Boscombe as well as performing at CampBestival at Dorsets Lulworth Castle.The Hut took place over five days of the summer holiday in August and formedexciting artistic experiences for the very young and their families. The showincorporated puppetry, live music and song. It was essentially a piece of streettheatre (which was adaptable for more contained spaces such as play parks orlibraries) 20-25 minutes in length with a further 30 minutes of playtime with theperformer-facilitators of child-led play activity. We worked in partnership withTuckton Library Extended Services (South Bournemouth Summer Sizzler) TheFriends of Fishermans Walk Costal Creatives and Bournemouth Playrangers. Thepiece was devised in content but revolved around a mechanism which was partbeach-hut, part Punch & Judy show and part Victorian bathing machine it is aportable set which holds all props/music we will need for the performance part of the piece as well as play equipment (such as a beach tennis set boules bubblesbooks puppets etc.) for the second part of the experience a far more interactivesection where practitioners ran individual groups in play activity inspired by thethemes of the show. This second part is an improvised session where the creativeengagement in playing and learning is key.


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Who(pictured front to back)Lorna Rees deviser/performer/designer/producer

Joe Diaper deviser/performer Antonia Beck deviser/performer Andrew Roberts deviser/performer

John Grindrod - Dramaturg Adam Coshan DirectorColin Penny construction/technical advisor

Alex Rees costume design and make, plus hut cover

We used design student Emily Hadden to design the print, Felicity Crabb (localperformer) as a sounding board and Becca Gill from Activate Performing Arts as aconsultant. We are also endebted to the time and support given to us by Adam Gentfrom Bournemouth Arts Development Team.


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The Dates Approx. audiencefigures (seated, engagedin performance of show)

Friday 24th - Sunday 26th JulyCamp Bestival, Lulworth Castle, Dorset (all weekend)

700

Sunday 2nd of AugustTwo Performances from midday near the SouthbourneCrossroads seafront

100

Monday 3rd AugustTuckton Library, Wick, 2:30 - 3:30 with storytelling andgames in the garden

45

Friday 7th AugustSeafront performances early afternoon near theFishermans Walk zig-zag

36

Friday 7th AugustBoscombe Chine Gardens 4 6 pm (with playrangers)

28

Saturday 8th AugustBoscombe Overcliffe Park, opposite Montague Road10:30am 12:30pm

32

Sunday 9th AugustSouthborne beach promenade in the morning

52

Sunday 9th AugustThe Rookery, Iford 2 4pm

7

Monday 10th AugustFishermans Walk, Southbourne (bandstand) 10.30 12:00

112

Monday 10th AugustBoscombe Seafront (adjacent to the pier) performance andactivities from 3-5 (with playrangers)

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Total 1126

Approximate audience figures for the project 1126

Although this is a conservative figure of numbers as we only head-counted people who were seated or standing still and watching the main show and participating inthe break out work.

We havent included all of the walkabout work which we undertook, the songs or the wind up toy races and tea parties, which was likely to at very least double this figure

to around 2252 .


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General Findings Overall we had excellent audience feedback, I am still being approached bymembers of the community and asking when we are running the show again. There

were a few minor niggles which I have addressed and highlighted on the evaluationbreakdown. We had quite a few people who attended a few times, and who reallyenjoyed participating in the carousel of activities post-show, which is all goodevidence for the high artistic quality of our work.

The money from Bournemouth Arts Grant from Extended Services and in-kindsupport has helped to bolster the company and the name, it has led to morebookings for the company in schools and nurseries.

Most of the performances were well attended, the least well-attended (at theRookery in Iford) was perhaps one of the most special performances as the young

people were a bit older (7-9 with only one 2 year old) but who were absolutelyentranced by the work and couldnt believe that we were there in their space. Thismade the performance absolutely magical for each one of them, and at the end weall formed a band which again was pretty special.

There was an issue with the Playranger team, who despite initial very positiveresponses and enthusiasm for the project were understaffed and for twoperformances did not turn up (despite it being advertised that they would be there).It did mean that we would be very unlikely to work with them again.

As you will see from the budget breakdowns, we were very clear as a company that

we wanted to pay the actors properly for their performance time (above equityminimum), however, this meant that the shortfall in funding was made up by notpaying the artistic directors (Adam and Lorna) proper rates for their skills andperformance. In light of getting monies from Extended Services we made thedecision not go for Arts Council funding for this project (which involves a great dealmore work and subsequent reporting) and to treat it as a pilot for Gobbledegookand take the financial hit. We were still extremely pleased that the project wentahead, we employed people on an ethical basis and that in future we would factorthis money in.

Future DevelopmentsSubsequent to the project Lorna has performed as Gobbledegook theatre at:

Burton Day Nursery Jack and Jills pre-school (Bransgore) Musciffe Primary (to years 4, 3 and 2) Lighthouse (working with Stuff and nonsense Theatre Co) Delivery of Enormous Turnip workshop CPD session


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Winton Arts and Media College nursery community day More work with early years practitioners with Dorset County Council

As a performer in her own right Lorna also performed at 2 nd Birthdays SideshowBeachhuts in August 2009, running the Good OldFashioned Seaside Singalong, a

semi walkabout act encouraging people on Bournemouths promenade to sing andmake music with her.

It has also inspired confidence in performance ability as well as introducing threerelatively recent performance graduates to the skill of working outside as well as inchildrens theatre.

We have also had several bookings either off the back of the show or offered (werenot able to take them all up!) including weddings and other festivals. We will berunning some performance at Camp Bestival. We have also been offered Bestival(Isle of Wight) and the Croissant Neuf Festival in Wales (a solar powered eco-

friendly festival) this summer. All pay a relatively nominal fee, but are greatexperiences to perform at while we are still innovating and developing our style. We

were also approached by Bournemouth Bicenteray celebrations co-ordinator but asthere was no money on offer we felt that it was quite a lot of work to fundraise, thenrehearse in a (potentially new show) to provide this work. We therefore made adecision that for 2010 we would not be mounting a full-scale performance project.

The next performance project will be less time intensive for the company as we areat capacity, we will be scaling back the tour element this year and then, in 2011 arelikely to run something similar to the Hut or re-work the piece into a solo or duopiece which will be much more cost effective and sustainable to run.


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Budget

MASTER BUDGET

INCOMEBAG 600Camp Bestival/co Wintercranes 300BAG last payment 200Extended Services 1500In Kind Winton Arts and Media Collegerehearsals/access etc.

900

In Kind Support Director 490TOTAL 3990

EXPENDITURE

Director (in kind) 490 Adam CoshanPremises/rehearsal space 900 WAAMCPrint Design 45 Emily HaddenSet, props and costume 899.46 see worksheetInsurance 155 Blake Insurance ServicesTravel 95.6 see worksheetLorna 279.94 Performer/producer/designe

r Andrew 375 Performer Antonia 375 Performer Joe 375 PerformerTOTAL 3990


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Appendix 1 flyer design, these were distributedin libraries,childrens centresand posted aroundthe site areas, pluson blogs, arts sites,Mumsnet etc.


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Appendix 283 forms returned representing around an 8.5% sample of audience members.It should be noted that the target group is young people themselves notnecessarily the parents who filled in the forms, though of course its essentialthat we appeal to them too! Our target age for audience members is 3 upwards

Did you enjoy the show? 95% of people said that they likedthe show very much.

Yes very much: 79 Yes a bit: 2It was okay: 1 too much chasing youngest around! Not very much: 0I really didnt like it: 0

Plus the comment: I missed most of it but my daughter liked it

Did you like the bits afterwards? Yes very much: 68 Yes a bit: 6It was okay: 1Couldnt stay/didnt comment: 8

Do you see much theatre or performance? Yes quite a lot (8+ times a year): 11 Yes, two or three times a year: 41Not very often at all, maybe once a year: 22Dont really get to the theatre: 8

Would you like to see more FREE events like this at thisand other venues?Perhaps unsurprisingly following this rather leading question 100% said yes please

Do you have a venue/place to suggest?Piers, local gardens, childrens centres, parks, beach, schools, nurseriesChristchurch QuayLyndhursts Library (when it opens)Librarys own open air area (Bournemouth gardens)Campsites?Centre of Bournemouth its not nearly cultural enoughKings Park more wet day venues (church halls?)Fishermans walk is ideal, Or in Bournemouth Gardens


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Pavilion, school stage hall, Rookery, Gardens and chinesKings ParkSt Marys Church SpringbourneLittledown ParkBeach

Schools, the Quay ChristchurchOn the beachEnd of Montague Road where we live! Southborne generally.Littledown parkKings Park

If you brought young people with you or you are a youngperson what did they/you think?Watched all performance

She absolutely loved itLoved it- great funShe loved it, shed like to go again!They thought it was brilliant

Very entertaining! Thank you!Excellent!His interest was held for the whole timeHe enjoyed it very much (although shy)Bit too loud sometimes but shes not yet two so under the suggested ageThey enjoyed itLoved it

Sam 9 years said it was ok (which is a compliment!) and Annabel 3 years wasmesmerized, Summer 5 years coupdnt stop smiling and Joes 7 years laughed at theCrab Hunt3 kids all loved itI said did you enjoy it Amelie said yes.They did like it very much. Thanks!I didnt bring any youngsters but watched the audience and from experiencechildren love singing and dancing! The sillier and funnier the better they loved thesea horse that wees!Eddie thought it was very good. He would not normally be taken to theatre veryoften.

Loved itI found it funny and the children really enjoyed it.My son was captivated!

Very goodEnjoyed bits afterwards best for her ageSamuel (age 3) didnt like it, Lucy age 8 I liked what they did on the stage. Notenough scissors.They loved it

Very funny


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Really good Very goodLoved itLiked itSam (5 years old) thought it was really good

Really enjoyed itShe liked it (age 5)ExcitingLoved itEnjoyed the singingLoved itIt was really goodQuite goodGreat, enjoyedLove itReally enjoyed it

I like them too (Lola age 3)The quick pace and relevant storiesEnjoyed it very much, something to keep them entertained in this hot summer

weatherElliott thought it was GOOD!!!Little one loved it. Thank you.I loved it it was emotional and funny (Amber aged 6 )My daughter (almost 3) smiled all the way through and my son, 6 didnt take his eyesaway for a second.LOVED ITEnjoyed the show, then smaller one enjoyed the tea partyBrought childrenEnjoyed itEngrossed

A very funny story that was absolutely brilliantReally enjoyed it!Loved it.They loved the songs/musicLiked itLiked games after the show. Loved the songs!It was good because I like it!Really engaged enjoyed it v muchThey loved it!Really enjoyed itWe loved it and laughed so muchGood, funny (age 4)ExcellentReally enjoyed the performance, songs, lots to see and do.

Very funny, Tom loved the storm! V good held our attention well.My 3 year old son Jamie loved the show and after activities


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Very silly and good10 year old was too young for her NB we should have limited the age range 3upwards could be misleading 3 -7 was probably more accurate.Superb!!!They loved it thought it funny

Loved it

Do you have any other comments? Very entertaining and great involvement for kidsFantasticSuggest to advertise in libraries as a reminderKeep it going more please

Just v. good!Keep up the good work!Thank youFantastic thank you, great addition to our holiday!

Props were amazing, maybe add in some references that adults would find funny,the change over to the boat needed some backing music or something, overallreally enjoyable, flowed nicely and really summarized everything about the Britishseaside.Make one of the boys wear a hankie on their head! ( NB. We asked this industry

professional to comment, and acted on some of her suggestions for the next shows, her perspective really helped a slightly odd moment in the piece).

Original and well thought out, an asset to Bournemouth summer and good forparents too. Thank you!Brilliant more pleaseFantastic energetic performance for all the familyWell-constructed. Well performed and had the children entertained and enthralled

Didnt like the use of the bandstand, it limited access and viewing. No good forchildren in pushchairs. NB. I would totally take this comment on board, on the reccy we decided to position the performance on the grass by the bandstand, but when wearrived on site and after a pretty horrible weather forecast we opted to use the

bandstand as it was better protection from the drizzle and light rain. We were also surprised at the numbers who still turned out in the rain (approx 105) and those who

turned up late did have more limited access in terms of viewing. Although we would generally expect most 3 years olds to be able to come out of a pushchair we would ina seated theatre venue for example had a wheelchair needed access to the bandstand we would have had to move the set outside and onto the grass. Im not sure it would

have been any better to cancel the performance and there are manifold perils toworking outside.My daughter liked it but was left out cause you didnt have enough tea party stuff andthe circle wasnt big enough again, an issue down to so many attending that day Good-funny good. And I thought it was funny.


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Well done good showThank you for entertaining usProps great

Very impressedExcellent

Wow you captured the imagination of so many children today and parents. Welldone. Very entertaining, thank you.FantasticMORE and workshops for kids.Thank you.Thank you it was fun!

Very good to give the kids chances to see and join in with theatre and singingWe thought you were fab! I personally enjoyed it too, you made laugh clap andsing!!Great idea, loved the content and retro style, great lead singerLovely clothes and tent fabric

All very good4-6 not a great time for families earlier would have been better as clashes withmealtime. Thank you! NB absolutely agree same for my children! We inherited a timewhich is an after school club usually run by the play rangers at Boscombe ChineGardens. In future we would also only put start times as if the activity peters out (as it

naturally does) then the times are not artificially too long.Lovely opportunityFantastic show, great humour, what a talented foursome more next year for schoolhols please! Thank you. We loved it so much we came back and watched it again.Great! Great! Great!Really enjoyableMore interactive games like Crab Hunt or races, hula hoops etc. Thank you!Liked watching the play!Good to see live musicHope you do lots more!Great idea!

Absoloutely brilliant. Very talented. Brilliant props.Ace.One of the best childrens entertainments weve seen! Many thanks. Am going hometo make bunting.Lovely idea, thank you very much.Please do more of these events

How did you find out about the show today? (some indicatedtwo methods) The Library or Quest flyer: 7The Summer Sizzler: 24Flyer: 19Word of Mouth:27Other (incl. friends of fishermans walk and walk up): 15


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Appendix 3

Comments from the separate Quest Evaluation from Library Event, conductedby Tuckton Library staff.

Like interaction with other children The live music was fun Exciting storytelling New and interesting things to work with esp. umbrellas [the puppets] Several comments about the bear hunt enjoyed by children Reinforces imaginative play Wind up toys were fun Lots of comments that children enjoyed the singing Excellent overall

Feedback from Fishermans Walk:

Hi Lorna

Just to say thank you - I thought the performance went very well and was muchappreciated.Hope we can repeat something similar in the future

Regards

Chris MayneFriends of Fishermans Walk

Gobbledegook Evaluation for 'The Hut' 2009

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