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', 'Brilliant The Dinosaur', '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.
Our Inclusive Policy - We are an inclusive theatre company which means that in both the professional and childrens company, those with disabilities are full and active members along with everyone else. Teaching methods, games and warm-ups, directing and stage sets, props, making and designing are all adapted to the company members so that no-one feels left out but that everyone should feel challenged to achieve 'the very best performance in the universe!', and their personal best.
Professional staff - We hold workshop auditions and interviews for the professional staff both on the theatrical and support teams. We welcome applications from those who have formal classical theatre training or are professionally experienced. We do not exclude or prejudice against those with disabilities or impairments. On occasions, less experienced members can gain experience with the company as a volunteer and develop their skills to become a full professional member later.
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.