via 'Charity Giving'
(The Dover Trust)
 

We are an Inclusive Theatre Company based in West Norfolk. Everyone is welcome no matter what their abilities. We like to make a difference to those who need a difference.

Registered Charity No. 1134490

'We are the Lavender Hill Mob and we know what to do.
We're just a group of youngsters, come here to entertain you.'

Our aim is to include everyone in the community in all aspects of musical theatre,
from the age of four regardless of experience or ability, and to attain high quality performances
on a professional level

Founded in February 2001 as the 'Lavender Hill Mob Drama Club', it was decided that because we offered more than just drama, it was necessary to become 'The Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company'. As a team we are highly committed to providing an outstanding service to the community and all involved within the Company. Rehearsals and Workshops take place all year round (including half-term and main holidays) in North Wootton (King's Lynn).

The Beginning
Founder Les Miles was a member of the Chicken Shed Theatre Company, in North London. Having three years experience as a Learning Support Assistant and ten years as a Qualified Registered Child Minder, she brings her own and part of the Chicken Shed's Ethos, which means that everyone is included.
 

Inclusion: How we work at the Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company
We are an Inclusive Theatre Company. This means that everyone is welcome no matter what their abilities and no audition is necessary. Everyone is respected and encouraged to take part, no matter how small their contribution is.

Most of our material is original, giving the children and adults a chance to pursue their own talents, or to develop talents/skills that some didn't think they had. Some of our members choose not to act, dance or sing, but take an interest in the more technical side of the Theatre, which can be as equally challenging as performing on the stage. You don't need to be an actor to act, a singer to be able sing, or a dancer to be able to dance!

Each member of the group respects one another and is taught that everyone has a gift of some sort. All our performances include sign language (BSL) where appropriate. Moreover, our older members are encouraged to do extra training, such as first aid and sign language, in order to teach the younger members. 

Membership of the group has risen from 15 members to over 80 and is still increasing. Our members are split up into groups. Each group has Team Leaders to assist the Directors and help to encourage and control the more challenging members and stimulate the learning environment.

There are three fundamental rules of the Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company:

'RESPECT - ENCOURAGEMENT - COMMITMENT'

These three words are requirements from everyone.

Many members who take safe and enjoyment time with us (some of which who have learning and behavioural issues) are found to be shy and withdrawn, but joining in however brings out the 'Golden Heart' inside them. The LHMTC gives the opportunity to assist and support them to develop their social skills. Each member is encouraged to do the best they can and no-one is pressured into doing something they do not wish to do. Our members look forward to the weekly workshops and depending on their age, can also attend other evenings where they can write their own short plays/scripts and learn all aspects of theatre, including the Hudson Voice Technique.


Our basic rehearsal schedule is below, but is subject to change as we approach our major Theatre performances: