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Welcome to Anvil Productions
Anvil Productions are a leading outdoor theatre company based in Beautiful North Wales, Anvil works with fresh young talent to rediscover the classics and produce quailty theatre including outdoor theatre, theatre in education and street theatre across Wales and the UK.
We firmly believe that it is possible to forge new and succesfull careers in the performing Arts right here in North Wales.
Classic tales, pantomime and contemporary scripts are regulary developed leading to new productions of street theatre, drama and specially commissioned projects.
" Passion,endurance and sustainability are perhaps the most important qualities we seek to develop in our work and to pass on to our audiences"
Every summer we hit the road with our outdoor theatre programme which is the highlight of our year.
Thank you
summer 2012
We would like to thank everyone that supported us in 2011 with out whom our productions would not be possibe. We have an exciting programme for 2012 and we look forward to seeing you agsin this year.
twelfth night
Tickets on sale soon
Whats on confirmed Venue's
Little Moreton Hall. Tarporley. Llanerchaeron. Ruthin Castle. Carew Castle. Theatre 4U, Fishguard. Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead. Northop hall. Gwydir Castle. Aventure Hill Gardens, Isle of White.
summer tour 2012
twelfth night
more to follow
Educational workshops
Anvil provide educational workshops to schools and universities as well as corporate groups.
We offer workshops based on.
Improvisation play in a day we produce short plays to fit with your curriculum Shakespeare understood Presentation training For more details and prices please contact us.
Props theatre school is the feeder school for Anvil Productions and produces fresh talent giving them a step on the ladder into the industry
We meet at two different locations in North Wales at Glan Conwy and Holyhead.
For more information please visit the Props Website
Props Theatre School
gives young people the opportunity to experience the excitement, creativity and enjoyment found through drama and to make lasting friendships with others.
Props is open to anyone that has an interest in drama, acting and the theatre.
Theatre Anvil Productions concentrate on 3 styles of production
Anvil productions was born out of the need for an outdoor theatre company to perform Shakespeare classics following the original text, using actors that new the importance iof understanding the rhythm of the text and how to deliver it. Shakespeare's text the way he intended it to be.
Classic outdoor theatre
We began with Romeo and Juliet on a small scale performing at a handful of private houses and gardens using just our natural surroundings as the set. Since then Anvil has gone from strength to strength performing at historic castles, universities, country houses and amphitheatres whilst maintaining the values we began with. This year we are taking Twelfth Night out on to the road for the first time - still using our natural surroundings with support from a raised stage to aid the audience.
What we offer - Classic outdoor theatre fully contained and ready to go. We are always looking for potential venues to put on our tour schedule. If you would like to book a performance for your venue please see Venue info.
Street theatre
We are very active within the community with Street Theatre and are always looking for new ideas to bring to the pavement. New for 2011 Anvil performed at Pembrokeshire Fish Week and will be returning in 2012. We are also performing at a number of Christmas festivals and hope to see you out and about.
What we Offer - Our street theatre can be adapted to whatever theme your event or festival is following. We don't just have actors but dancers, musicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and skin characters.
Our aim is to make theatre as accessible as possible for everyone and there's no better way to achieve this than right there on the pavement.
Pantomime
Since we began 8 years ago we have toured with an annual pantomime as part of our theatre in education programme, this year is no different with our production of Sleeping Beauty. We play at theatres, universities and schools all over the UK as well as in theatres where schools bus in to see us.
What we Offer - We will bring our pantomime to your theatre or school, we don’t use any innuendos, issues that may be interpreted as controversial or anything else that may be unsuitable for a school environment. We do use appropriate audience participation and encourage interaction with cause and effect.
Please ask for details.
The cast always stays behind after a school show to say "Hi" to the children and give them the best experience possible.
We are currently working towards a new show for our theatre in education progamme look out for more details in the new year.
Education Anvil prides itself on playing an intimate role within the community, working with a broad range of regional groups and organisations, as well as schools, colleges and universities. Our projects run according to a groups needs and wishes.
We offer pantomimes, workshops, weekly drama classes and new shows for 2012
New in 2012
We are working with schools to produce new sensory theatre shows for PMLD students.
This is in the very early stages and we are currently workshopping
the idea and would welcome any thoughts from teachers and parents.
Educational & theatre workshops
Anvil provide educational workshops based on.
Improvisation play in a day we produce short plays to fit with your curriculum Shakespeare understood Presentation training We also offer workshops that are open to anyone that wishes to take part - led by invited experts - these include:-
Stage combat Circus skills Creative writing Keep up to date via our whats on page and facebook
Props Theatre School
Props Theatre School is the feeder school for Anvil Productions and produces fresh talent giving them a step on the ladder into the industry
We meet at two different locations in North Wales at Glan Conwy and Holyhead offering Nationally Accredited Qualifications up to Level 5.
for more information please visit the Props Website
gives young people the opportunity to experience the excitement, creativity and enjoyment found through drama and to make lasting friendships with others.
Props is open to anyone that has an interest in drama, acting and the theatre.
Hire Costumes & Props
Anvil and Props Theatre School have over 2000 costumes in their wardrobe department. Here we list just a small sample of what's available.
Original RSC costumes Authentic Military uniform Character skins Pantomime costumes Hundreds of dresses and suits from different eras. Hats to suit any occasion Gloves, Scarfs and coats and much much more..................................
As well as costumes we have hundreds of authentic props from many productions we have produced over the years.
Stage, Sound & Film
Anvil and Props have all the equipment needed to run most events including.
Stage with trap door and steps Floor, head, radio and hand held microphones 2 Broadcast cameras with editing studio We have everything needed for an evening of outdoor theatre.
Anything else.......
If what you might need isn't on the list give us a call, we might have it stored away and if we don't we may be able to point you in the right direction.
Contact us via the link at the top of the page or call us on 01492 580774.
support our patron
Prof David Crystal O.B.E
Professor David Crystal is one the world's foremost experts on the subject of language. In 1995, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to the English language. He works from his home in Holyhead, North Wales, as a writer, editor, lecturer, and broadcaster and has been a consultant, contributor or presenter on several radio and television programmes and series. He was the consultant for the BBC Voices project in 2005.
He was Sam Wanamaker Fellow at Shakespeare's Globe in 2003-4 and is honorary president of the Johnson Society for 2005-6. He has written many books including Shakespeare's Words (2002) and The Shakespeare Miscellany (2005), in collaboration with his actor son, Ben. Other Shakespeare work includes a quarterly article for Around the Globe and regular articles for the Times Education Supplement. Pronouncing Shakespeare, an account of the 2004 Globe production of Romeo and Juliet in original pronunciation, appeared in April 2005.
He is a director of the Ucheldre Centre in his home town of Holyhead on the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales and chairman and co-founder of Crystal Reference Systems, with its two divisions of Crystal Reference and Crystal Semantics.
Friends of Anvil
Discounted tickets for our Outdoor Theatre Evenings Guest speaker nights Meet the casts Newsletters Theatre trips Coming soon.......
Company 
Anne jones
Artistic Director of Anvil Theatre Productions, founded in 2004 with actor Steve Bloor. She has since produced & directed up to 4 shows touring across the UK, as well as writing a pantomimes and classic tales for adaptation into a pieces of family entertainment every year. At PROPS. She has trained people of all ages to develop their talent for acting and musical theatre up to the highest levels. "My life in this business has allowed me to work with all sorts of brilliant & exciting people - many already established household names, some working hard to reach their goals & others exploring the possibilities . We know that to make a living in this industry is possible if you believe in yourself & are prepared to work hard. Never stop learning & striving for the very best."
Paul velya
Events staging - Paul is still performing professionally as a singer/dancer, following his training at Laine Theatre Arts. He went on to perform in the Millennium Dome Central Show and has worked for many production companies including Qudos Entertainment. Paul has a wealth of experience staging and producing shows and brings our productions to life.
"2012 promises to be an interesting and innovative year for Anvil Productions. We can't wait to put our new ideas on to the stage.
Lukas kirkby
Helen green
Rachek kirkby
Logistics
Administration
Stage Manager
Box office Box office
infoanvil_aol.com |
01492 580 774 |
Book online here |
Anvil Productions present their brand new, traditional pantomime for 2011 .
And this year it's Sleeping Beauty, a magical tale that is certain to enchant children and adults alike. There are special productions for schools both morning and afternoon but the show is open to everyone with many public shows. Set in a magical kingdom, Sleeping Beauty is one of the most enduring stories. Anvil Productions' pantomime is ideal for children with humour appropriate for children, popular songs that children can join in with, dancing and a happy ending.
Performances run for 120 minutes (including a 20 minute interval).
4U Theatre Gwaun
Sat 10th of December - 7.00pm
Book directly via venue
Canolfan Ucheldre Centre
14th to 16th of December - 9.45am, 12.45pm
Sat 17th - 1pm, 4pm
Book directly via venue -
Tel: 01407 763 361
Tel: 01348 873 421
Ruthin Castle Hotel
Thurs 22nd of December - 7.00pm
Tarporley Community Centre 7pm
Tues 20th Weds 21st of December
St John's Methodist Church, CONWY
Friday 23rd of December - 7.00pm
![img_5297a[1].jpg](http://static.wix.com/media/c2f731_e3f167b3e6a71db1767d8a5fcfff2160.jpg_128)
Please note a 3% handling fee will be added
Please note we dont list school shows in the box office
Past productions 
What an outdoor performance can lack in intimacy, it can make up for in power and voice.
It was a pleasure to view Anvil’s production of The Tempest in a natural setting with this in mind.Read more...................
In 2006 Anvil embarked on their most ambitious project to date.
Macbeth was brought to life in some of the most famous castles in Wales including
Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech.
We travelled without a stage, scenery or sound using the castle towers and natural echo to create an authentic live productionRead more......................
Anvil productions new adaptation of the snow queen
is produced in the round with the audience in the middle.
This was a show born out of exceptional vision and executed to perfection.Read more.................
Anvil Productions began their 2011 summer tour of A MidSummer Night's Dream playing to
an audience of over 170 at Little Moreton Hall on the 18th of June.
The stage was set in the corner of the ancient meddlar orchard and as Philostrate took to the stage the skies were dry though dark, then the heavens opened and the rain began to fall with purpose
The fact that the audience stayed to the bitter end is a testiment to the production. Read more
Macbeth In 2006 Anvil embarked on their most ambitious project to date.
Macbeth was brought to life in some of the most famous castles in wales including
Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech.
We travelled without a stage, scenery or sound using the castles towers and natural echo
to create an authentic live production.
A triumph.! Superb! The best Macbeth I've ever seen !
For the 1st time ever - i really get it!
Such a relief, serious acting, full costumes, nothing added or taken away!
Snow queen 
"Never seen anything like it - excellent"
"Since childhood this has been my favourite story - I have seen it at theatres many times over the years- but this is the first time I have been completely delighted - at last true to the original - so close to the book."
"We were so involved - wonderful for the children to be so close to the story telling"
The Tempest What an outdoor performance can lack in intimacy, it can make up for in power and voice.
It was a pleasure to view Anvil’s production of The Tempest in a natural setting with this in mind.
A complex plot means it is not necessarily as accessible as the rest of Shakespeare’s oeuvre, but the themes of natural elements and magic are broad enough to interpret comfortably, as the production uses atmosphere and minimal staging to simplify the story.
This touring production of The Tempest broaches the play’s modernist themes while making best use of the exquisite surroundings of York’s Museum Gardens.
In a perfect irony, however, a genuine tempest drove Wednesday’s audience into the aptly-named Tempest Anderson Hall, where the play was performed with gutsy aplomb by its cast, whose natural zeal overcame the unexpected challenge.
Despite the rain’s efforts, the walls of the theatre barely contained the cast, whose standout Ariel dominated the show. Like David Bowie and Agyness Deyn’s love child, James Beadle burst on the scene with all the magnetism and grace of an Elizabethan Sarah Harding – and trust me, it worked.
The asset of any outdoor production is often its talent, as staging, décor and costume take a backdoor to characterisation.
For example, the play’s various islands and regions were characterised with varying accents, ranging from rich rolling Welsh inflections to North Yorkshire intonations, so that a reminder of England’s rich pagan history was evoked by Shakespeare’s play.
Shakespeare’s eerie, prescient ability to pinpoint modern emotion was in evidence as the crowd giggled over such – let’s admit it now – basic truths as “misery acquaints a man with such strange bedfellows”.
It made me think, yes, the clash of modernity and the elements are a bit like tonight: man always strives to conquer nature, which is only to happy to assert its supremacy, just like The Tempest’s brave challenge of a summer evening in York’s Museum Gardens.
Catherine Sevigny
THE PRESS - YORK
"Quite magical"
outstanding, compelling and perfect in every tiny nuance.
The comedy element was brilliantly executed, Anvil Productions are not to be missed!
a truly magical evening that we shall never forget.
Venue info What we will need from you
A performance area 20 feet by 20 feet (minimum) with seating for 200 people. Two electrical points - 13,16 or 32 amp . A Temporary events notice or Local Authority Public Entertainment Licence where applicable. (we are happy to advice in this matter) Risk assessments for your site (we will have our own production specific assessments) Access for the company to the venue at least three hours before the show. Please consider basic refreshments when the company arrives Public parking, Toilet facilities, Stewards and a first aider if over 150 persons on site. (we do have stewards and first aider on hand in our local area Adequate personnel to market and advertise the event in the local area. Publicise the event on your website and add to your mailing list ( if applicable ) Box Office facilities in advance of the show either via your venue or other public venues The key to a good audience Promotion using the publicity materials that we provide we encourage you to spread the word in your local area talk to the local radio station, send a press release to your local paper (we have put a press release and pictures for your use on the press page of this website!), put posters up in local shops, cafes, leisure attractions etc. We would love to be able to be at every venue in months in advance but this is just not possible, it is essential the promotional part is executed - the more people you can reach the better your audience figures will be. Things that we provide
The Show: The duration of the shows is generally two hours 15 minutes of entertainment plus a ¼ hour interval, using seven or eight costumed actors with appropriately designed staging for the outdoors and a marque changing room. Staging: We perform on a raised stage. This makes it easier for the audience to see and hear. PA system: We use a PA system that includes microphones and speakers. We have found this is essential in aiding the audience to hear and provide original background ambient music Insurance/Electrical: We have full Employer’s Liability. We provide and connect our own weatherproof lamps (which conform to British Safety Standard). We provide 75m protected cable. All electrical equipment is PAT tested with relevant certificates Lighting: We provide stage lighting and lighting for the audience after the show. Accommodation: We arrange all company accommodation and transport, but if you are able to provide any or give recommendations it is always appreciated Publicity and Marketing Materials: Posters & Banners: A4, A3 posters (max 50) are included. 1 x banner per venue and Personalised Flyers. Tickets: We recommend £12 for an adult and £8 for Children/Students/Benefit Claimants/Over 60s. Online box office: Online ticket purchase is becoming an increasingly popular way of acquiring tickets. We have a box office sales facility through our website www.anvilproductions.co.uk. Promotion: Our database containing previous attendees of Anvil Production shows in your locality is used in targeted direct mail and email communications. Your venue is also listed and featured on our comprehensive website. We also post regularly on Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and ensure our tour is listed on various listings websites and whats on magazines Why Anvil Productions
Since we began touring we have built up good relationships with many venues across the UK and return year after year, our production team consists of experts in Shakespeare text and other professionals with a wealth of experience. We are a growing company that will work with your local community,( if there is an event happening local to your venue we would love to offer our time if in the area) fresh actors looking for their breaks into the industry and we also do shows with charities. For more information on prices and availability please contact us direct at infoanvil_aol.com | 01492 580 774.
Casting Actors
The main casting period is January and February for our Summer tour, although we are pleased to accept applications all year round. We encourage cv and photos summited by email. Casting for the pantomime season is now closed Any further applications received will be held on file for the full programme of events in 2012
We have compiled a useful outline of the level of commitment needed from our actors for outdoor theatre tours as it isn't for everyone.
Please read this before getting in touch.
Street theatre performers, singers and dancers ... if you are interested in working with us in any of these capacities, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Work Experience
Anvil productions are pleased to offer work experience to local students.
The work offered depends very much upon the time of year you are looking to be placed with Autumn/Winter tending to be administrative and Spring/Summer focussed on the artistic/marketing side of our work.
Volunteers
Ushering/Stewarding vacancies are available during our summer tours and at some festival venues. In exchange for your time we offer free tickets for those who can help.
Tel: 01492 580 774 | E-mail: infoanvil_aol.com
Cast information Rehearsal / Performance Date
We scheduled rehearsals to begin early May with the tours running June - end August.
Casting
All parts for the plays double/triple/quadruple (!), so we are looking for versatile, energetic performers.
We tour a heavy stage, multiple tents and marques so you will be need to be fit and in good health as touring is hard work both physically and emotionally. You will also be responsible for the care and attention of you own costumes, not always easy in wet muddy conditions
We cast companies of six/to seven who will work together, "muck in" and cope with all the petty irritations -particularly rain - that arise from one night stand touring outdoors. Having said that, the summer tour is always great fun and everyone with whom we have worked has enjoyed themselves..
The company vehicles will be a van and one car, we look to cast members who are willing to drive and who are over 21 years of age (this is for insurance purposes). If you also hold a current CRB check then even better!
All actors need to be self- employed however you will be employed for NI purposes.
Accommodation
Ideally we look to cast people with a local home base , (Between North Wales and Manchester) ensuring ease of transport for everyone. If you are in commuting distance you will need a car as we return late at night.
On tour we will spend several nights a week away from you home base accommodation. Approximately four weeks of the tour.
From experience we know that where people stay is crucial to their enjoyment of the tour. We want people to be happy and comfortable, so below are a few points
to consider:
• We have found that long distance commuting is too exhausting therefore we would recommend the maximum travelling distance to be 30 minutes from your home base
• Accommodation with friends can be a mixed blessing - a bed settee in the living room might be suitable for a few nights or a week but not for a 15 week tour.
• Accommodation can be found but is not cheap you would be lucky to find anywhere at less than £60 a week, so if this is the only option please make sure you have worked out all the financial implications.
Auditions
There are separate auditions for those
actors/actresses whose work we have not seen we, will ask you to visit us for a 20 minute slot with a prepared verse selection of your choice from Shakespeare, to read part of a play and to have a general chat.
If successful there will be a second group audition with actors whose work
we have already seen. Audition places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Agency Actresses
Vocalists
Dancers
Street Performers
Children
