Goodbye to another academic year in which Finding the Will has worked with approximately 1370 children and young people. And what joy they have brought us! The academic year is not the only goodbye this July either. Read on to discover why we’re saying goodbye to Ffion (for now) and why Jules has said goodbye to live public performance. But first, we finished the year on a high at the glorious Woodfield School in Kingsbury.
Woodfield School, Kingsbury NW9
Woodfield is a fantastic school in north London which serves young people aged 11-19 who have complex learning needs. Finding the Will has been fortunate to spend 10 days in this school during 2026 leading workshops on THE TEMPEST, TWELFTH NIGHT, MACBETH and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.
In June and July we worked with KS3/4 and 5, many of the students learning two plays with us. MACBETH drew out some visceral emotions especially when the man himself realised the game was up! Shakespeare’s language may have been more poetic, but you could not argue with the sentiment. There is something magical about young people who, frankly, were not remotely interested in a 400 year old play at the beginning of the session, getting caught up in the emotion of the piece.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM also inspired some improvisation from students and practitioners alike. As practitioners, it’s not our job to make anyone feel uncomfortable, so it was absolutely fine by us for students to remain sitting and hold a hat (if they didn’t want to wear it). We filled in playing some of the roles and we even persuaded some of the staff to play fairies and lovers too! A few of the classes had the opportunity to perform in the play within a play – honestly, in 20 years of Finding the Will, we have never had a better Snug the lion! We all genuinely laughed at the tragic comedy! We also had a couple of Pucks who spoke beautifully the final lines of the play after me.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Nick and I led one TWELFTH NIGHT workshop and, although we couldn’t get to the end of the play in the time allotted, we did cover Malvolio’s story. We all agreed that the trick letter (see below) and the fall out, though funny, was tantamount to bullying, so really not good.
Enormous thanks to Deborah Wood and Chris Eracleous for inviting us back so often this year. Nick, Fay, Angie, Izzy and I have really enjoyed our days with you and we hope to come back again in the future.
Goodbye and Good Luck to Ffion
When Ffion joined us in 2022 we were absolutely delighted. Not only was she an experienced theatre practitioner but also a Welsh speaker. I would never have imagined that Finding the Will could offer MACBETH workshops in Welsh at the Merthyr Tydfil Children’s Literature Festival 2023 but, thanks to Ffion, we could and we did.
Ffion is about to set out on an epic new adventure. After spending nearly two years on a producer placement at Birmingham Rep, she is off to Pitlochry Festival Theatre as its resident producer. We could not be more thrilled for her and wish her all the luck in the world. In time, we look forward to launching Finding the Will Scotland, but for now, goodbye and thank you Ffion for all your love and support.
Goodbye to live performances for Jules
Finally, a little personal note from me. Avid readers will know that 15 years ago I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (the first episode being in 2007 when I lost the sight in my right eye). Over the last few years my mobility has become noticeably worse. I wear a brilliant aid called Functional Electronic Stimulation which helps me to lift my foot and walk, for the most part, without stumbling.
However, as anyone with MS will tell you, the simplest tasks (like walking) require an awful lot of concentration and effort. Having to move to a certain place on cue requires even more effort and, unfortunately, I can no longer rely on my lower body to do this without wobbling, losing balance and falling over!
And so at the beginning of July, Richard and I performed his beautiful play Naming The View at The Alma Tavern in Bristol for the final time. We both knew it was the end- age and infirmity catching up with us both – unless, of course, you know of any ‘hungry for new work’ radio producers……
Please note, saying goodbye to the theatre as an actor, has no bearing on my work with Finding the Will. You will still see me in schools in the next academic year. I may be a little slower but I am just as passionate about the work we do. And I can still jump out of a plane!
So goodbye until the Autumn
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all my amazing Finding the Will Associate Practitioners – Richard, Nick, Fay, Angie, Izzy, Ffion and Karen. Not only have you helped me to deliver some memorable and fabulous workshops and Project Weeks, but you’ve also supported me literally as I’ve stumbled to and from the car with bags and boxes! You are all fabulous and I could not do this without you.
To all those children in Y6 and the young people in KS5 at Woodfield, travel safely on, goodbye and good luck.
To everyone else, enjoy the summer and we’ll see you next year!