"In the courtyard story teller John Edgar captivated
his young audience with his tales"
(BBCi)
"Youngsters
of all ages were spellbound"
(Express & Star)
John Edgar has been
entertaining people in a variety of guises (actor, cabaret
performer, writer and storyteller) since 1975, both as a
member of several professional theatre companies across the
country and as a solo practitioner. He has also
taught extensively in further education and is a regular
visiting lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton.
John has been working as a storyteller-in-schools since
1990, following the success of two plays for national
BBC Radio 4. Additionally, he has undertaken a
number of commissions for original scripts from schools and
youth theatre groups, and has established a repertoire of
plays suitable for production by young people.
A regular visitor to
schools and colleges across the UK and beyond, John
blends workshops on storytelling and creative writing
with performances of his own work to encourage young
people to create their own stories through writing,
oral storytelling and performance-based narrative. He
has also presented a range of programmes on the life,
times and work of William Shakespeare, John's own
favourite storyteller. Most popular, however, is
his workshop presentation on storytelling which, after
an introduction to the role of storytelling in
history, quickly involves the whole group in actively
creating their own stories from a variety of stimuli.
John has also been commissioned to devise and present
a number of programmes in local primary schools, around the
areas of storytelling, performance poetry and Shakespeare,
to tie in with Literacy Hour activities. In addition,
he has undertaken several script commissions, including
three for Gazebo Theatre in Education Company in the West
Midlands and one for Mouthpiece Theatre in Worcestershire.
As part of a storytelling day in a school, John also offers
a performance of his own work in a special assembly, which
could also incorporate pupils presenting original
work. John is also available for inset programmes for
teachers wishing to enhance their own storytelling work.
A few comments from
schools:
"John was an
inspiration and captivated all our children with his vivid
imagination and exciting approach to both telling and
planning stories. Two very enjoyable days that stimulated
some wonderful work on designing and creating
characters." - Sarah
Blower - Wednesfield Village Primary School,
Wolverhampton
“He brings a range of
skills to his audience in a lively, entertaining and
informative way that engages young people in a style which
is never patronising but always relevant and
original” – Kate
Asbury, Head of English, Pool Hayes Community School,
Walsall.
"He always connects
with young people by working from their perspective and
identifying with relevant issues." – Hilary
King, Subject Inspector - English, Wolverhampton
LEA
“Children and staff alike enjoyed the vivacity of your
performance and the quality of your material.
Wolverhampton Libraries look forward to working with you
again (and again) in the future ... The best storytelling
performance I have ever seen” – Marion
Cockin, Wolverhampton Library Service
“It was just what I
had hoped for: an innovative, memorable, interactive
way of understanding a topic.” - Lucy
Shepherd, City of Bristol College
“Our grateful thanks
for a truly wonderful day” – Sarah
Morris, The Drive School, Tettenhall
“You worked really hard
on their behalf and your energy and enthusiasm made our
morning really something to
remember.”
- Zoe
Wylde, Withymoor Primary School, Brierley Hill
“I have had some
wonderful feedback from some very excited students and
thought you ought to know how well your work has been
received.” - Julie
Rose, St Peter’s School, Wolverhampton
“You did a fantastic
job in our school and had a huge impact on the
children!” - Helen
Herman, Abbey Hulton Primary School, Stoke-on-Trent
“Enthralled our
students … brought a new enthusiasm to studying
Shakespeare” - Julie
Hall, Coppice High School, Wolverhampton
“A 'MUST BOOK'
learning opportunity. John has the rare quality of being
both highly entertaining and highly informative, bringing
Shakespeare’s times to life for pupils.
Wonderful” - Chris
Rowley, Aston Manor School, Birmingham
“John engaged the
audience from the very beginning. An excellent
insight into Shakespeare's theatre” -
Mia
Clark, St Edmund's RC School, Wolverhampton
(Full CRB enhanced disclosure certificate)
Check out John’s availability via the Resource Site diary