The Ages and Stages Theatre Company rehearsed from 10.00 am every day in the week leading up to the opening of the festival on Friday  30 September. Judging by the audience reaction and the very positive feedback…it seems that our hard work had paid off.

Joan Walley, MP for Stoke North until 2015 and Festival Patron, opened the three day event with a short speech at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery. The Symposium in the Forum Theatre which followed, was introduced by Prof. Mim Bernard, and featured inspirational talks from poet Leah Thorn, academic researcher Dr Anna Goulding, Arts Council Director of Engagement and Audiences Philip Cave. The Ages and Stages intervention came last…after a question and answer session chaired by Prof. David Amigoni.

Printmaking Workshop

Deborah’s printmaking workshop at the Art Stop Stoke was just one of many on offer. John and Maurice joined Deborah and Holly to create some interesting prints. Our creations may not win any art prizes, but we had great satisfaction in our achievements…and it is always fun working  with Deborah from the Cultural Sisters.