As someone who grew up in the world of theatre, I have always been a massive fan of
charities that encourage people to get into the performing arts. Scene and Heard does just this. Taking children who have incredibly low self esteem and often learning difficulties, Scene and Heard pairs them with theatre professionals who act as their mentors teaching them to explore creativity, imagination and discipline through playwriting.
The 20th Century Theatre
After the plays are finished they are then performed by professional actors, in an actual theatre, to a real audience, giving a huge confidence boost to the children who see their hard work come to life where structure and support lacks outside the programme.
The charity is lucky enough to have the support of some fantastic patrons including Bill Nighy, Zoë Wanamaker, Emily Watson, Helen McCrory and Damian Lewis, who was hosting the event supported by Champagne Perrier-Jouët.
An incredibly fun filled evening saw a host of theatre types and some of the patrons come down to the 20th Century Theatre in Notting Hill for a night of champagne, nibbles and of course theatre, followed by an auction. We were jealous of the
Damian Lewis and Helen McCrory
lucky man who walked away with a magnum of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1998 signed by all the cast members. Two plays were performed which had been written by children supported by the charity and the results were magical. In one, Helen McCrory played the role of imagination opposite Damian, who seemed to very much enjoy being dressed up as a badger. The pictures speak for themselves…
To learn more about Scene and Heard, donate or get involved go to www.sceneandheard.org
Helena Rea │helena@campbell-bell.com
