Tributes

 

Paul Fowler, GODA, Adjudicator, Worcestershire Theatre Festival

"This remarkable company gave us a version of Shakespeare's Tempest that was brimming with innovation, imagination and creativity. You never went for the easy option, blending dance, mime, music and multimedia into an extraordinary piece of theatre that proved to be by turns funny, thrilling and moving. Very well done to all of you."

Shiela Dean – English Speaking Board

"It’s not where they started it’s where they have finished; at the top ! Thanks to these dedicated students and dedicated teachers we are all enjoying their magnificent achievements."

James Mulligan – The Scotsman

"I doubt I’ll see another Fringe company playing with as much heartfelt commitment and sheer pleasure as this group of learning disabled actors from Stourbridge College."

Chris Jaeger G.O.D.A. – Adjudicator – Worcestershire Theatre Festival

"The Director has managed to bring out the best of the cast, and the energy and pace was terrific – I felt exhausted at the the end of it just watching it! A very ambitious and well-constructed piece with good choreography and movement and total commitment from all the cast. Very, very creative – well done to you all. Thank you for bringing it to the Festival."

Jill O’Hare – Adjudicator – Dudley Festival of Music, Drama and Dance

"It was like moving poetry."

Jane Levan – Adjudicator, Worcestershire Theatre Festival, 2003

"Susan Wallin creates theatrical magic... A production that could go from laughter to tears in a split second, I shall remember it always."

Ben Kennedy ATCL – Musical Director / Freelance Musician

"A fantastic performance… The standard was exceptional and it had a fully professional finish. Each member of the cast had great stage presence and had obviously spent a lot of time achieving such a high standard. Accompanied by great lighting, narration, costumes and incidental music. Well done!"

Margaret Walker – Designer of Makaton

"The 'Side by Side' Theatre's highly professional performances give tremendous satisfaction to audiences of all ages. This unique style of theatre combining skilfully written material with modern theatrical techniques, gesture, mime and Makaton signing, develop and challenge the actors skills."

Dr John Brennan Chief Executive, The Association of Colleges

(The 8th Annual Conference of the Association of Colleges, 11th to 13th November 2003, International Convention Centre, Birmingham).

"You may well be aware that this year's AoC Conference was the most successful to date in terms of attendance as there were well over 1,300 delegates alone and 850 for the Gala Dinner! We have received very positive feedback and so I'm therefore writing to thank you very sincerely for the support from you and SIDE BY SIDE performers on Tuesday 11th November at the opening of the Conference. They were inspirational. This most certainly contributed to the overall success of the conference."

"Please pass on my gratitude to all involved and once again many thanks for your support. With best wishes."

London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art

"LAMDA Examinations are pleased to have a long association with Stourbridge College and congratulate everyone involved in the hard work into preparing for the examinations."

Susan Wallin

"Like a tree you have spread your leaves to the sunlight and grown strong in your determination to succeed. May you continue to reach upwards and believe you can touch the sky."