What's it like at TMT?

Thinking of getting involved but not sure whether its scary? Want to know about the fun?

We have a number of videos from our current and past members (and their parents) here talking to you about their experiences at TMT:

What previous participants, their parents and teachers and the press have said about Jeremy and John’s previous local projects.

Some young participants:

"I really enjoyed it. I wasn’t sure what to expect and was worried about the amount of time we had but the words on the screen made it so much easier. Thought the songs were really catchy. It was really fun to do a huge ensemble piece. I’m really proud of us all that we got so much done and were able to present a polished finish piece. The regular breaks were appreciated but I was still really tired by the end of every day. Perhaps in the future a slightly shorter day of maybe 10-4 would be good. Thankyou for everyone’s hard work - I’d definitely do something like this again. "

"I really enjoyed the experience of the workshop. Thank you very much for letting me be part of it. I believe that no matter what part you get, it will be always an experience to make me grow in myself, it is an honour to be with all you lovely people. You bring with your experience a valuable practical skill along in understanding the role of an actor and the meaning of a role. l love the environment to meet other people, that create new friendships even if it’s only for a week but it’s worth it. l really enjoyed meeting up with Marisa again, l also loved the dance of the Bootblack brigade and the lines you gave me. l do not have any negative thoughts about the workshop. l believe that there should be a mini tour because behind all the fun there is education as well and young people should understand the past and what the country went through. It would be lovely to have more workshop throughout the years. l hope the Ragged Child will soon be in the theatre and yes please l would like to be consider to be part of it. l will certainly ask around and try to get people (boys) involved."

"I really enjoyed the Ragged Child workshop because it was an incredible activity unlike like any other. All of the staff, chaperones and students were all so nice and so cooperative and kind that it felt like home being able to do the thing I loved. It was a great way of working - being able to read through the script all together then gradually staging it and even sometimes going to different areas to practice our other scenes made it easy to understand and felt like nobody was being left out. I felt free and able to put all my ideas out for everybody to hear. I'd say this theatre group was one of my best experiences ever and I really want to stay within the community for as long as possible as I had the best four days of my life being able to work with Thames Music Theatre. I am so pleased I've got into your Honk show and I'm so excited for the next workshop so I can see all the lovely people and all my new friends. Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with you I have absolutely had the time of my life!!!!"

"I really enjoyed the workshop, I'm really keen to do another production. I made so many friends and I don't think I will ever forget this experience. I really enjoyed all of it and don't think there is any way that I would improve it. Could I please be added to the mailing list for the newsletter and I was wondering if there was any tips that you could give to me to maybe get a bigger part in the next show?"

"Life got exciting when I was chosen. I thought it was like a fruit with all its exciting flavours: learning new songs, getting our costumes, even meeting Prince Edward!"

"I’ve thoroughly being in the show as I’ve made loads of new friends and have loved practising my singing more. I’m excited to perform because this is my first proper show. I love musical theatre and I just can’t wait."

"Through working with Jeremy and John I have learnt how to conduct myself through the rehearsal process and learnt many new acting skills. The performance of the musicals we did were brilliant and the hard work from rehearsals really paid off. It helped me develop as an actor and as a person. It also gave me the confidence to work with people I don't know. I have loved the experience of working with them."

"The rehearsals were really fun and I made new friends. The show itself was very exciting and all very professional and I loved performing and singing in front of an audience."

"I’ve had the exciting opportunity to take the position of someone else as I’m acting the role. During this production, I have realised that acting isn’t just about performing in front of a big audience, it’s about understanding what others feel and controlling emotions."

Parents:

"Thank you and all the team so much for all the work involved in putting together the workshop. The children are very lucky to have this community to learn, grow and be creative. I personally really enjoyed learning the historical background of the ragged school. The music was also incredible and I can see how it would make an amazing musical. Julia especially enjoyed how the music and songs were taught. Julia also mentioned wanting more run throughs of the show."

"As an original cast member, I thought it was fantastic, and it brought back a lot of great memories. Considering you only had 4 days to prepare from scratch, it was great. I was playing the trumpet part (named after me I hasten to add!) in my head during the songs. Sami really enjoyed it and wanted to watch the TV recording of it but it’s not currently streaming on any service. I have it on VHS, but don’t have a VHS player (unsurprisingly). Anyway, well done all. BTW, the vinyl version of the original cast recording (which I feature on), is available on Amazon for the bargain price of only £175."

"My children have participated in two productions with Jeremy and John. They are such experts in their fields and what they achieve in the transformation of a group of children into a polished and professional cast is quite magical. The key, I believe, is in the very high expectations they have of the children. Being directed by this team is something very different to typical drama ‘holiday courses’; it really gives the students a taste of professional musical theatre. The memories our son and daughter and we, as parents, have of the productions at the Rose Theatre will be treasured for a long time to come."

"My daughter was so excited and enthusiastic to perform in the show. She loved every minute of it. The choreography was superb and her love of singing was cemented by singing in a full scale production, under the encouraging and professional directorship of Jeremy and John."

"Our son has been part of Theatre work and productions with Jeremy and John for the last 7 years. The quality of their productions have always been excellent. Jeremy and John always include all of the performers and bring out the best in the entire cast. There is a wonderful sense of teamwork and fun when picking up our son from rehearsals! They seem to teach the young performers such professionalism and discipline that is needed when putting and a production together. Our son has benefited immensely from their years of experience and has most definitely come away with more confidence and love of theatre."

A teacher:

"I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding production of Cinderella and Her Magical Mice that Jeremy, John and the late David Nield, brought to our school last year.

The experience was nothing short of transformative. The entire year group was captivated by the production, even children with no previous exposure to performing arts were transported by the enchanting music and dancing. The production had a profound impact, by changing lives and providing an invaluable and priceless experience for everyone involved.

I was thrilled to learn that Jeremy and John are committed to continuing this work with young people through THAMES MUSIC THEATRE. They plan to explore various artistic realms, including music, dance, and drama. This venture promises to be an exciting and meaningful project for the community."

A review by a former chief editor for arts progamming at the BBC:

https://www.stjohns.kingston.sch.uk/post/cinderella-photographs