The 2026 Summer Workshop ran from Monday 17th – Friday 21st August, 10am – 4pm with a private performance at 5pm on Friday.
Due to refurbishment work at the Public Hall, the Workshop was held at the Primary School in Gosforth. As we were not in our usual venue, we were not able to offer opportunities for the children to do backstage or tech roles, and so this year’s workshop focussed solely on acting and performance. With no tech, scenery or costumes (each child was given a GADS t-shirt), the limited props were prepared in advance and all participants were given roles in the play. We rehearsed and performed, the comedy play ‘Three Characters in Search of a Verdict” by Sue Gordon. A courtroom comedy for kids, with twists to familiar stories as the fairytale characters get their day in court. Did Jack really steal from the Giant? Will Goldilocks get done for breaking and entering? Why is the Big Bad Wolf wearing a red nightie? Roles varied in size so there was be something to suit everyone.
Benita Blacklock led the week with support from Annette Johnstone, other GADS members and cast parents.
The private performance on Friday evening was open to participants’ family and friends and other GADS members. Tickets were free and reserved in advance.
Day 1 – Monday 17 August 2026
Today we spent time getting to know each other and started work to create the characters. We played some very enthusiastic and entertaining drama games which all lead to the final performance. The first scene is in the bag and we’re looking forward to tomorrow’s session where we’re delving more into the characters. What a fantastic first day with a very talented group of 17 young people.
Day 2 – Tuesday 18 August 2026
What a day the cast have had. We have run the whole play and the cast are working really hard to create their characters. We are so lucky to have a creative and imaginative cast who have come up with their own ideas to make this production special. We’re even getting the chance to have a laugh too.
Another great day at the workshop with sessions from Alison Fligg on diction and projection, vocal warm ups and learning the finale song.
Day 4 – Thursday 20 August
What an amazing day the cast have had! We managed to do two full play run throughs (the second one without scripts). All the hard work the cast have put in to define characters has paid off and the production team are so impressed with what the cast have achieved in such a short space of time. Everyone is working incredibly hard to put on the best production for our audience while managing to have a bit of fun too
Day 5 – Friday 21 August
And that’s a wrap! After a fabulous week of drama games, workshops and rehearsals our young people put on an amazing show to a packed hall at Gosforth School. The team are SO proud of what this group have achieved in such a short time. The performance was fabulous and we have had great feedback from our audience. Thank you to all that came to support us and to the other local drama groups who have helped us with props and costumes. The court is now adjourned!
Day 5 – The Show
There are more photos from the performance here
