Born and raised in Senegal, St Louis – situated by the coastal West Africa, prolific film stunt helicopter pilot Fred North has contributed significantly to the world of film – his aerial visuals seen in many of our much loved Hollywood blockbusters including Fast and Furious, Bad Boys, Guardians of the Galaxy, Gladiator, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, X-Men: The Last Stand amongst many others. Celebrating a 30 year career within this unique field of film, Fred has very recently released a memoir highlighting his journey – Flying Sideways: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Stunt Pilot currently available to purchase on various platforms. Talking to us about his memoir, Fred tells us more about his career change from a ‘pilot who films’ to a ‘Film Pilot’, choreographing aerial sequences and what he’s taken away from writing the memoir!

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Heading up the groundbreaking project is artist-educator Niquelle LaTouche who has been appointed Head of School. The Artistic Director is Jonzi D, founder and Artistic Director of Breakin’ Convention and a Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist.

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Published a decade ago, Neil Geiman’s multi-award winning metaphysical novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane takes on theatrical form as the National Theatre’s much loved adaptation makes a welcome return, this time at the Noël Coward Theatre. The tale of a man revisiting his childhood roots as he returns to his hometown for a funeral taking on a profound, multi-dimensioned reality. Themes of grief, family, friendship, belief and perspective things we’re all confronted with.

An existential production delving into the world of the unseen or not to be believed, The Ocean at the End of the Lane sparks the imagination from the get go – Katy Rudd directing a riveting watch – one that’s complex, colourful yet hearty to experience. Operating on various levels, for those purely into sci-fi and mythical works, the time bending narrative operates as a means of escapism appreciated by many. For those of philosophical or spiritual mind, the show contemplates many humanistic themes that make the evening profound.

Trevor Fox delivers a mighty task of depicting the now, and the past – taking on the role of his father as we flashback, Keir Ogilvy (Boy) depicting his younger self. Naive, sprightly and honest, Ogilvy navigates a strange, complicated world consisting of spirits, monsters and the unknown. Laurie Ogden’s turn as Boy’s sister comical, positive and a symbol of normality in a very eccentric reality established. Charlie Brooks’ Ursula/Skarthach haunts, her superficial attempt ay being ‘nice’, eery and perfectly timed. We very slowly watch a family descend into chaos, Millie Hikasa’s Lettie Hempstock – Boy’s companion and saviour an although bubbly presence, enigmatic, an ancient soul.

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All children have the right to experience our country’s world-leading theatre sector. The benefits are far reaching – it enhances children’s educational attainment and wellbeing, addresses skills shortages in the theatre sector and boosts the economy.  But access is unequal. Children from low-income families are missing out the most because they are less likely to have access to cultural experiences outside of school. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has also led to teachers and parents reporting a reduction in school trips of up to 68% compared to last year, which includes theatre visits. Ahead of the next general election in 2024, the Theatre for Every Child campaign asks all political parties to commit to fund a theatre visit for every child before they leave school. A pledge supported by 84 percent of parents. The campaign was launched at an event on stage at London Palladium with campaign supporters, including the following, who said:

Co-CEO of SOLT & UK Theatre, Claire Walker:

“We believe every child has the right to experience and enjoy our country’s world-leading theatre. Despite amazing work that theatres do up and down the country, access is not equal. This is not right. Which is why we are calling on all political parties to support our call for every child to attend the theatre before they leave school.” 

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