Tameside theatrical group's appeal to veterans

Guide Bridge Theatre-based group Made by Mortals is still calling for armed forces' veterans to help create a brand new podcast for children.

The group will work closely with professional musicians, an actor and a scriptwriter as well as a podcast engineer for nine sessions to create a lively and imaginative interactive podcast.

The Armchair Adventures podcast series, launched at the beginning of the first lockdown in March last year, has been enormously popular with more than 2,000 listens so far.

The interactive podcast was initially created by a theatre group of older people to be listened to by both primary school age children, as well as older people. 

Since the first episode was released in November last year, the Hearts and Minds theatre group has helped to run live online sessions for thousands of school children.

Online activity sessions are still going ahead for primary schools, home learners and care homes, as well as free activity packs being sent out.

Andy Smith, director at Made by Mortals and composer, said: “We have just received funding specifically to work with a small group of armed forced veterans from in and around Tameside. 

“We’re looking for people who are interested in being creative and who enjoy music and drama - but they certainly don’t need any previous experience.

“They will work alongside us to help develop a new episode for the interactive podcast with an engaging theme. It will be amazing to create the episode, but they will also be creating a cultural experience for school children to get involved with.

“The aim of our Armchair Adventures project is to create an experience that connects people together, through music and theatre. The past year has been tough for everyone, so the more people we can get involved in our online group sessions the better.”

The Armchair Adventures sessions for veterans will run for nine weeks, from February 24 to May 5 (excluding April 7). 

All sessions will be virtual and run using Zoom video software. You don’t need to be technical to join in, and Made by Mortals will assist you in getting set up with Zoom via a laptop, tablet, mobile phone or even a standard telephone.

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