A Muse Of Fire – The Grand Creative Learning Team have been busy working with the Royal Shakespeare Company and local adult community participants to stay connected and play with Shakespeare passionately. This is part of an RSC national programme of activity, Shakespeare Nation.

After the huge success of the co-produced film Once More Unto the Beach during National Lockdown 1.0, we had a break over the summer months. In September we regrouped and discussed what everyone had an appetite to do over the autumnal and winter months. Options on the table included drama workshops, writing workshops, music sessions and theatre-making possibilities. We even thought at one point that we might be able to meet up in small groups (Ha Ha Ha!)

Shakespeare Nation: A Muse Of Fire

It was decided that we would like to get involved in the national initiative of Signal Fires.

A fire or light set up in a prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration. In October and November, fires will light up across the UK with storytellers and audiences sharing in one of the original forms of theatre. The fires will signal the vibrancy of touring theatre, and the threat our industry continues to face. For more details visit signalfires.co.uk.

Blackpool is uniquely prepared for a project about the significance of light, being home to the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations or ‘The Lights’ as they are known to the locals. Initial discussions had us very excited about meeting in small groups to film on Blackpool’s promenade at dusk. However, Tier 3 restrictions thwarted these plans. So it was that on a Tuesday evening in early November we met on zoom with our homemade illuminations as a backdrop. Stories were shared about our Grand Old Lady as well as beautiful Shakespeare quotes about fire and light. These stories have been edited with images of ‘The Lights’ and we hope you enjoy the results.

We are currently taking part in RSC led writing workshops and are looking forward to a making session soon. The plan is then to have a Christmas singalong in early December. The group is very inclusive with all manor of expertise and life experience. If you wish to join our Shakespeare Nation participants, then do get in touch.

Our overriding theme is place and beauty. Watch this space for how we co-produce all the above material for presentation in Spring 2021.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Creative Learning Team and future projects contact; creativelearning@blackpoolgrand.co.uk