About Whirlwind Theatre for Children
Formed in 1999 to work alongside Illyria Theatre Company in a community project in Cannock Chase, Whirlwind has since gone on to produce outstanding, music-based theatre, for and with children, both in the south-west and more recently in its current base, Lancaster. Founder members Myette Godwyn - Artistic Director and Mike Whalley - Producer & Technical Manager both have professional theatre training as well as many years experience in the entertainment industry. Click on their names to read more.
Past productions and projects include: 'Goldie Locks & The Three Bears', 'Toad of Toad Hall', 'The Lighthouse Keepers Lunch', 'The Selfish Giant', 'Around The Pond in 80 Days', 'The Kings New Clothes', 'Hamish Bear & The Storytelling Magpie'. Workshops include: Sound Effects & Radio Technique, mask-making, storytelling with puppets. There is also an ongoing programme of schools workshops and activities.
Whirlwind offers the chance for children and young people to work alongside a core team of professional actors, directors, designers, choreographers, musical directors, technicians, stage management and musicians. We also accept applications from students wishing to gain work experience in theatre.
All the staff within the company are working professionals, many with extensive experience in theatre and television. Notably, our Associate Artistic Director - Alistair Ganley, Artistic Director of Cygnet Training Theatre in Exeter and qualified drama therapist; Ian Blower, an established actor and director, can be seen on stage throughout the country and on television in series such as 'Doctors'. Kyle Oram performs all over the country in Theatre in Education (TIE) companies, his own comedy pieces and performing street theatre. Steve Allan Jones, Musical Director, regularly writes and performs with theatre clwyd, The National Youth Theatre of Wales and The British Actors Company (Kate O'Mara) as well as establishing himself as a 'pop star' in the 80's with The Alarm and Spear of Destiny!
Whirlwind are proud to be registered with Ofsted and as such have very high standards in both working practice and child welfare. Our last inspection report highlighted some 'outstanding' points. We have a dedicated childcare team that work alongside the acting/teaching and technical/stage management staff whose main responsibility is the welfare of all the children involved.