A weekend of gripping theatre and film is planned for The Mowlem in Swanage – one production in support of the local school and the other for Ukraine.
Students from The Swanage School are performing a play called Superglue at 7 pm on Saturday 19th March 2022, which is all about climate activism. The following afternoon on Sunday 20th March 2022, there’s a preview of an award winning film called Olga about a Ukrainian gymnast.
Rehearsals for Superglue at The Swanage School
Superglue – the story of a group of climate activists
The play Superglue by Tim Crouch tells the story of a group of climate activists gathering at a woodland burial group to say goodbye to a friend who died during a protest.
As they gather, they erect banners and talk about their pasts and their futures, about peaceful action versus violent action, about how society dismisses them and undervalues their cause. But there is a twist!
Chance to perform at the National Theatre
The Swanage School production is part of the National Theatre’s Connections Festival, which could see the students perform at the iconic theatre on London’s South Bank.
In order to be in with a chance to grace the London stage, they will have to get through the next round, which will be at the Lighthouse in Poole in May 2022.
Back in March 2020 the school performed the play Dungeness by Chris Thompson at The Mowlem as part of the National Connections Festival but all further performances were cancelled as the Covid pandemic closed down all the theatres. The cast are hoping for better luck this time!
The Swanage School performed the play, Dungeness in March 2020 at The Mowlem
“Rehearsing hard to bring a stellar performance”
Superglue is directed by Harry Peake, the school’s director of performing arts. He said:
“The National Theatre is a British institution and is a leading venue for showcasing new plays in the UK. I’m very grateful and proud that The Swanage School has the opportunity to work alongside such a prestigious theatre.
“Connections is about creating new theatre and inspiring the theatre-makers of tomorrow; our students have been rehearsing hard to bring a stellar performance to The Mowlem.
“The play, Superglue also involves eight older actors from our local community, and it’s been a great experience for our students to work with actors from another generation!
“Please support our fabulous school, theatre, and these talented young people by buying a ticket to this thought-provoking play!”
This performance comes hot on the heels of The Swanage School’s sell out performances of Joseph at The Mowlem.
Popular musical Joseph was a sell out success for The Swanage School
Award-winning movie Olga
On the following afternoon at 2.30 pm there’s a special film preview of the movie Olga about a 15 year old Ukrainian gymnast exiled in Switzerland, trying to prepare for the European Gymnastics Championships, when political protests break out in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.
The film is set in 2013 and the Euromaidan revolt causes Olga much anxiety as her mother is a journalist, reporting on events as they happen.
The Mowlem is working alongside the Purbeck Film Festival, as part of the South West BFI regional fundraising efforts for the people of Ukraine.
Box Office proceeds from this special screening will go to the people of Ukraine via the International Red Cross and Unicef. The Mowlem trustees and staff will be volunteering their time on the day to help raise as much as possible.
“Supporting the people of Ukraine during this terrible time”
Andrea Etherington, trustee at The Mowlem and chair of the Purbeck Film Festival said:
“Many people in Swanage and the wider area will be wondering what they can do to play their part supporting the people of Ukraine during this terrible time, and we hope they’ll join us on Sunday for this remarkable film, while raising money for both Unicef and the International Red Cross.
“We are really thankful to both the BFI and 606 Distribution for helping to make this preview event a reality.”
A scene from the film Olga
Further information
- Superglue is at 7 pm on Saturday 19th March 2022. Tickets
are £7 plus booking fee. - Olga is at 2.30 pm on Sunday 20th March 2022. Tickets are £7.50 plus booking fee.
- Tickets for both are available from The Mowlem Box Office, by calling 0333 666 3366 or The Mowlem website
