Page 31 - link magazine

Swindon Wide

Dramatic developments in the arts

Swindon’s theatre scene has who staged excerpts of The
received a much needed shot in Magnificent Doctor Faustus and
the arm with the launch of two underlined the importance of
new venues in the town, dedicated grassroots theatre opportunities.
to promoting and supporting the “The Shoebox is small, humble
arts at a grass roots level. and wonderful. I’m a huge fan and
Swindon’s Shoebox Theatre I’m honoured to have been asked
celebrated its official launch with to be a patron of the Shoebox
a visit by newly appointed patron Theatre and I’m looking forward to
Billie Piper and a live theatrical being a regular fixture here.”
performance. Also in March, the Bohemian
Invited guests included Balcony has blossomed into being.
prominent members of Swindon’s The project which is based in
artistic community, including the former Palladium Cinema on
Museum and Art Gallery Director Jennings Street in Rodbourne has
Hadrian Ellory Van Dekker as been launched by former teacher
well as other invitees from the Dan Rivers as a multi-faceted
wider town community including creative hub for writers, poets,
Swindon Borough Council leader performers and theatre groups to
David Renard. develop their skills in a supportive
The Shoebox Theatre, based in environment.
a 6m x 12m multi-performance The Bohemian Balcony will act as
space next to the Wyvern Theatre, one of four venues for Swindon’s
was set up last August with Fringe Festival (April 1-9) and will
the aim of providing a platform host the launch night on March 31.
for Swindon’s non professional l More information about the
actors to tackle new works and venues mentioned can be found at:
contemporary scripts. www.shoeboxtheatre.org.uk
Speaking at the opening, www.bohemianbalcony.com
Swindon-born actress Billie Piper www.swindonfringefestival.com
praised the work of performers www.swindontheatres.co.uk Billie Piper at the opening of the Shoebox Theatre
Olivia’s dancing for joy after gaining ballet school place

Ballet star: Olivia Bayram who has won a place at the Royal Ballet School

A budding ballet star has secured studying ballet with the Tanwood
a place at the world famous Royal School for Performing Arts since the
Ballet School - one of just 12 age of three.
chosen from thousands of other She will now stay at the ballet
hopefuls. school’s White Lodge in Richmond
Even Swindon Primary School Park, where she will hone her
pupil, Olivia Bayram, 11, heard ballet skills alongside her academic
the amazing news from her mum studies, returning to see her parents
Caroline, who couldn’t wait until Caroline and James every three
the end of the school day to tell her. weeks.
She said: “I was so excited that I “It’s going to be strange but I
went to her school to give her the know what a big opportunity this is
good news. She was in the middle for me so I’m really happy. I think
of playing for the school football I’m the only person from Swindon
team at the time but the school to be chosen to go this year so I feel
kindly let me tell her.” really proud.”
Olivia said: “I couldn’t believe As part of the audition process,
it, I was so excited. It’s like a Olivia competed against thousands
dream come true. I like all kinds of of other hopefuls in a series of three
dance but ballet is what I’m really auditions before being chosen as
focussed on.” one of 12 from a pool of 64 in the
The talented dancer has been final round in Birmingham.
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