Closed by the lockdown but still offering plenty of fun - The Worcester Observer

Closed by the lockdown but still offering plenty of fun

Worcester Editorial 17th Jul, 2020   0

A POPULAR performing arts venue in the heart of the city has offered All Sorts of online fun during the Coronavirus lockdown to ensure the show must go on.

Principal of All Sorts of Performing Arts Stuart Inglis revealed the move as the thriving venue sought to keep the interest up during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Up until lockdown, All Sorts had run more than 20 drama, dance, fitness and arts and crafts classes each week supporting the local community of Worcester.

“It was a difficult time, with no studio access, no classes and no income. But in the true tradition of the theatre we decided to take the classes online,” he said.




“The support of the freelance teachers was tremendous and within the first two weeks they contributed more than 40 voluntary hours, producing 12 dance, exercise and arts and crafts videos for website and social media distribution, free of charge to the audience”.

Their efforts were boosted by a cash injection through a business grant which has seen All Sorts able to extend the range to include the whole family, helping entertain children in lockdown, provide fitness classes for adults and clips of previous shows.


All Sorts currently offers more than 30 recorded videos including Mini All Sorts, Cheer Dance, Street, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Fitness, Arts and Crafts and production clips such as Peter Pan, Snow White, Cinderella and Aladdin.

On Zoom live workshops for Drama, Mini All sorts, Musical Theatre, Street, Cheer Dance and Dance Fusion. Also, for the first time on Zoom, a production of Alice in Wonderland with a cast of ten.

All Sorts students who had been studying for their medal examinations faced delay and disappointment due to lockdown, but following discussions with the UKA it has been accepted those students can now submit their work online.

“Whilst there is no substitute for the benefits of group activities, or the excitement of the production of a live onstage show to a real audience, I believe we will continue with our online classes even after lockdown has ended,” Mr Inglis added.

The group’s efforts have won praise from Mayor of Worcester Coun Jo Hodges who said: “It is so important our young people feel able to continue with their dance and drama at this difficult and challenging time.

“My sincere thanks go to all volunteers and teachers and to Stuart himself for ensuring that all Sorts students and their families have been able to stay active and involved. Congratulations to all!! “

E-mail [email protected] or visit www.allsortsofpa.co.uk for more.

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