Learning From A Professional

The Shakespeare workshop was organised by theatre member, Rachel Schofield, whose cousin is professional actor, Andrew Jarvis. It took place at Hasland Playhouse on Saturday 26th July.

Andrew had requested that six (brave!) members of the company each prepare a two minute Shakespearean speech of their own choosing. He would then comment on the performances and draw out aspects of character, stage craft and dialogue that could be discussed with the actors and the audience of company members who came along to learn from Andrew.

Those who learned speeches were:

Everyone performing was really nervous to begin with, but Andrew was a fantastic teacher and he gave everyone some really helpful advice. He told some hilarious stories of his acting adventures over the years, which have included working with such stars of the stage and screen as Dame Judi Dench, Sir Derek Jacobi and Sir John Gielgud.

Feedback:

Nicky Beards said, 'The last time I performed these words was twenty years ago at school! I never thought I'd say them again, least of all in the presence of such a highly acclaimed and knowledgeable actor as Andrew. I have always loved performing Shakespeare and this workshop has reignited that spark. Andrew has given us some really encouraging feedback. I think he may have been surprised at the excellent quality of acting here at Hasland! It's been great to learn from each other too.'

Olivia Green: 'It's been an excellent day and very enjoyable. I've learnt a lot about giving a good, clear performance on stage from an amazingly talented actor'.

Rob Dean: 'Superb! It's bought Shakespeare to life and has made me want to see more. Andrew was spellbinding.'

Heather Davies: 'It's been a very enlightening day, going back to basics. The workshop made us think about what we were saying and the words we were using as much as how we said them. It's been a rare opportunity to reflect on the way we use language, listening and learning to honour the playwright's work.'

David Brooks: 'It was fascinating learning from someone with such a depth of experience. Andrew brought new insights into the craft of performing a playwright's work in a way that was most true to the original text.'

Rachel Schofield: 'I thought the day was a great success. I've always loved listening to Andrew's backstage tales and it was good to see that others thought the same. He gave us - via workshop Shakespeare speeches from some of the more adventurous members, ways to approach acting - using characterisation, voice, body language, movement and rehearsal methods. Andrew has been acting for about 40 years and has taught acting and performance skills at Mountview Theatre school in London and in one or two other places, so he brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has given workshops to a few other amateur groups and really enjoys these sort of sessions, so was thrilled to be asked to come to Hasland - particularly as he still has a soft spot for Chesterfield (he was born and brought up here), and it gave him an opportunity to visit and buy a Derbyshire Times and a Green Un!! I think Andrew enjoyed the keenness, commitment, effort and humour that everyone present put into the day and was touched to realise how seriously we were taking the workshop.'

The workshop was also attended by other members of Hasland Theatre Company including Sue Godsell, who said, 'I learned such a lot about communicating on stage without obviously 'acting'. Andrew was so interesting.'

Audrey Redfern, who will be directing Hasland's production of The Crucible in November said, 'Hasland Theatre Company was privileged to have the acting talents of Andrew Jarvis demonstrated to us thespians for a whole day's acting workshop. Andrew shared with us details of technique, stage and text work and many amusing anecdotes of his life in professional theatre. This was a unique glimpse behind the scenes and an invaluable experience for all of us.'

Andrew Jarvis

Andrew Jarvis

Andrew is currently appearing in The Woman In Black in the West End. He also recently played Gandalf in Lord of the Rings, the Musical at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Theatre includes:

  • Rep at Leicester, Farnham, Leeds, Ipswich, Edinburgh, Harrogate, Scarborough, Birmingham and Bristol.
  • Eight years with the RSC in Stratford, London (Aldwych, Donmar and Barbican) and on tour in the UK and Australia includes: Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, Henry V, Richard III, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Love's Labour's Lost, As You Like It, The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Winter's Tale, Antony and Cleopatra, The Accrington Pals, Peter Pan, Our Friends in the North, The Witch of Edmonton, Money, The Twin Rivals and Camille.
  • Five years with the ESC on UK and world tours, with seasons at the Old Vic and the Aldwych includes: The Henrys, The Wars of the Roses, The Winter's Tale, Coriolanus and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Manchester Evening News Award for Best Actor 1988 for Richard III (title role).
  • NT includes: The Alchemist and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
  • London: Son of Man (Roundhouse), Beckett (Haymarket), St Joan (Strand), Hamlet (Old Vic) and Macbeth (Bridewell).
  • He is the founder and artistic director of the Andrew Jarvis Theatre Company: Timon of Athens (London Brix).

Television includes: Emmerdale Farm, Flambards, The Bronte Connection and The Two of Us.

Radio includes: Radio 3 and Radio 4.

Recordings include: The Wars of the Roses and Hamlet.

Andrew has been involved in actor training as a freelance teacher and director for 12 years, the last three years as full-time head of postgraduate acting courses at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.