Project Type: Acting

The Glad Giver by Jill Korn

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Lightning Studios, Scottow, Norfolk

11 – 21 July 2023

In The Glad Giver audio play, recorded at Lightning Studios, Marie Cooper played Sarah, an attendant and friend to Julian of Norwich.

Hop to the bottom of the page to a link to the full play…

When I was cast as Sarah in the audio play ‘The Glad Giver’, I knew I had a unique opportunity to be part of something special. This production, written by Jill Korn and recorded at Lightning Studios, was commissioned by the Friends of Julian for the 650th-year celebrations of Julian of Norwich, a medieval mystic whose optimism and faith continue to inspire people today.

The celebrations are being held in Norwich in October 2023 and are being organized by the Friends of Julian, an organization dedicated to promoting Julian’s teachings and legacy.

Julian of Norwich was an Anchoress, living in seclusion in a cell attached to the Church of St. Julian in Norwich, England. She spent much of her time in solitude, praying, fasting, and writing. Her work, “Revelations of Divine Love,” is considered one of the most important works of Christian mysticism, and it reflects her deep devotion to God and her commitment to a life of spiritual seeking.

My Role:

Although my role was relatively small, I felt privileged to contribute to the narrative as Sarah, the loyal attendant and friend of Julian. As an actor, I enjoyed delving into the historical context of the play and exploring the relationships between the characters. Collaborating with Zanna, who played Julian, we worked to develop a natural dynamic that would make their bond believable and touching.

Sarah is a fascinating character who provides a unique perspective on Julian’s life and struggles. Throughout the play, Sarah serves as both a confidant and a foil to Julian, offering support and challenge in equal measure. It was a joy to explore this character and bring her to life through my performance.

The Cast:

The talented team of local actors who brought this story to life includes:

Sophie Blythe
Marie Cooper
Zanna Foley-Davies
Simon Michael-Morgan
Joanna Swan
Jamie Willimott

Each actor brought their A-game to their respective roles, and it was a pleasure to watch them work their magic. Zanna, in particular, delivered a standout performance as Julian, capturing the nuances of her character with depth and sensitivity.

The Writer and Director

Jill Korn both wrote and directed the play, and she did an excellent job bringing the script to life. Jil has a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the characters and their motivations. Her guidance and feedback were invaluable throughout the recording process, and I appreciated her commitment to creating a high-quality production.

Sound Design and Music

John Boyd, an accomplished sound designer, will be enhancing the audio experience with captivating sound effects that transport listeners back in time to Medieval Norwich. Additionally, the talented ensemble Thistle Doo, renowned for their expertise in performing early music, will be providing the musical accompaniment. Together, they will bring the era to life in a truly immersive fashion.

Reflections:

Working on “The Glad Giver” was an incredible experience that taught me much about Julian of Norwich and her remarkable life. The play offers a powerful exploration of faith, hope, and perseverance, through a day in the life of Julian of Norwich and it was a privilege to be a part of it.

One of the most significant lessons I took away from this project is the importance of community and collaboration in creative endeavours. Everyone involved in the production – from the actors to the director to the sound engineer – contributed their unique skills and perspectives to create something beautiful and meaningful. It was a true team effort, and I feel grateful to have been a part of such a dedicated and talented group.

Being part of ‘The Glad Giver’ was a memorable experience that deepened my understanding of medieval spirituality and the power of storytelling. I feel honoured to have been involved in sharing Julian’s uplifting message with a modern audience, particularly during the 650th-year celebrations of her life, which made the experience even more meaningful. I hope listeners find comfort and inspiration in her words, just as I did.

Listen to The Glad Giver Now

I’m excited to announce that “The Glad Giver” audio play is now available to stream in full on Jill Korn’s website! Click the link below to listen to the entire play, featuring the talented voices of Sophie Blythe, Marie Cooper, Zanna Foley-Davies, Simon Michael-Morgan, Joanna Swan and Jamie Willimott.

This immersive audio experience brings the world of “The Glad Giver” to life in a whole new way. With sound effects, music, and performances that transport you straight into the story, it’s the perfect way to enjoy this critically acclaimed play from the comfort of your own home. So grab a cup of tea, get cosy, and settle in for a truly magical listening experience.

Listen Now

When is the Julian of Norwich – Love is the Meaning Exhibition?

The exhibition will be running from:

10 am to 3 pm Wednesday 18 October to Thursday 16 November 2023.

Where is the Julian of Norwich – ‘Love is the Meaning’ Exhibition?

The exhibition will be at:

St John’s Church Timberhill
St Julian’s Church Rouen Road and
St Stephen’s Church Rampant Horse Street.

Find out more about Julian of Norwich

www.julianofnorwich.org

Julian of Norwich Facebook Page

Julian of Norwich Twitter Page

The Welkin by Lucy Kirkwood

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Marie Cooper’s Captivating Portrayal of Sarah Hollis in “The Welkin”

Marie Cooper performing as Sarah Hollis in Lucy Kirkwood’s The Welkin at Sewell Barn Theatre, Norwich, Oct 2022 and July 2023

Sarah Hollis: A Challenging and Rewarding Role

In Lucy Kirkwood’s “The Welkin” at Sewell Barn Theatre, Norwich, Marie Cooper delivered a captivating performance as Sarah Hollis, one of the twelve matrons. Originally scheduled for October 2022, the production faced unforeseen challenges with a Covid outbreak, leading to its cancellation after only two nights. But the show must go on, and in July 2023, with determination and talent, Marie and the cast returned to the stage with a remarkable display.

The Character of Sarah Hollis

Playing Sarah Hollis was no easy feat. As a mute character for 20 years, Marie had to convey emotions and communicate without words. Through nuanced facial expressions, body language, and eye contact, she skillfully brought Sarah’s character to life. Even when not at the centre of the action, Marie stayed engaged and attentive, maintaining the essence of Sarah throughout the performance.

Challenges and Triumphs

The action scenes were especially thrilling and demanding. Drawing on her martial arts background, Marie initially struggled to suppress her instinct to react physically during rehearsals. However, with Jo’s unwavering patience and guidance and support from Sabrina’s excellent stage combat experience, Marie successfully adapted and mastered the art of embodying Sarah Hollis authentically.

Behind the Scenes: Directors and Production

Originally directed by Jez Pike, the ensemble cast worked diligently to develop their relationships and portray their characters convincingly. When the show was revived in 2023, Sabrina Poole and John Holden took the reins, building upon the solid foundation laid by the original team. The result was a phenomenal piece of theatre that captivated audiences.

Experience the Magic of “The Welkin”

We are excited to share with you a heartfelt review from one of the show’s attendees, reflecting the profound impact of this extraordinary theatrical experience. Discover the essence of the performance and the collective talent that brought Lucy Kirkwood’s masterpiece to life.

Click below to watch the video review on Facebook:

Watch Audience Review on Facebook

Note: The video contains an audience review that beautifully captures the essence of “The Welkin” as a whole, showcasing the collective brilliance of the cast and crew.

Photographs by Reflective Arts

Sean Owen of Reflective Arts captured mesmerizing snapshots during the dress rehearsal for “The Welkin” in October 2022. The following gallery includes photographs of Marie as Sarah Hollis and a heartwarming shot of the entire cast after the rehearsal.

The Sewell Barn Review Board

Chalk board showing reviews from the audience of The Wekin at Sewell Barn Theatre

Cast of The Welkin

Elizabeth Luke	Jo Parker Sessions
Sally Poppy	Emma Smith
Mary Middleton	Diane Webb
Peg Carter	Sabrina Poole
Ann Lavender	Holly Harrington-Ball
Kitty Givens	Katie Smith
Emma Jenkins	Karen Bates
Judith Brewer	Alison Utting
Sarah Hollis	Marie Cooper
Helen Ludlow	Helen Wells
Charlotte Cary	Ginny Porteous
Sarah Smith	Jan Farrer
Hannah Rusted	Eva Wright
Mr Coombes	Ray Tempesta
Frederick Poppy	Bradley Clarke
Dr Willis	David Newham

Headshots

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Headshots of Marie Cooper – June 2022

All of the photographs below, of Norwich actor Marie Cooper, were taken in Norwich city centre by photographer Nic Skerten.

Headshots taken by Nic Skerten https://nicskertenphoto.co.uk/headshots

Marie Cooper in front of a bush in black and white

Marie Cooper in natural light black and white

Duelo, Directed by Edward Heredia

Reading Time: 2 minutes

This last project Norfolk actor Marie Cooper was working on, just weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, was Duelo with Edward Heredia, Paige Fisher and Norwich University of the Arts. Filmed on the weekend of 6th March 2020. Duelo is a short film produced in Norwich, Norfolk.

Watch the Duelo trailer

Who does Marie Cooper play in the film Duelo?

I was playing Clemence, mother to both Tristan, played by James Crawley, and Stephen. The scene I was in was a funeral scene, filmed on location in a church in central Norwich.

Where can you watch the film, Duelo?

The short film is now doing the film festival rounds. It is being shown at the Prague International film festival and the Reading International Film Festival.

Watch Duelo at Reading Film Festival

The team crowdfunded for the project raising money to fund the film, from set design, props costumes etc, right through to the payment of film festival entry fees. The project was professionally and impressively run, with catering on location and actors being paid for their work.

Duelo Rehearsals

I met up with the director and fellow actors for an afternoon of rehearsals. I am far more accustomed to theatre than film and analysing the dialogue of stage scripts, rather than the descriptive visuality of a screenplay. So, it was immensely helpful to have the opportunity to meet up with the director and fellow actors to get to know each other and to run our scene beforehand.

Where was Duelo flmed?

Duelo was filmed on location in Norwich on the weekend beginning Friday 6th March 2020.

This was such a wonderful project to work on because, once more, I was working with student filmmakers Edward Heredia and Paige Fisher from our very own Norwich University of the Arts. This felt like an extra special project to be part of because I worked with Edward from the beginning to the end of his course. He is a deeply thoughtful, reflective and professional Director, who I am sure will be incredibly successful when all of his hard work pays off after university.

The Cast of Duelo

Cole Ben Wheatley
Tristan James Crawley
Clemence Marie Cooper
Amy Estelle Long
Funeral Director Andy Turner
Leon Zedlmayer
Sara Gonzalez

The Crew of Duelo

Director/Producer/Writer Edward Heredia
1st Assistant Director Bram Kwantes
Producer Vaineta Keraityte
Cinematographer Ethan Cassidy
Production Designer Georgia Pett
Sound Designer Sally Gilbert
1st Camera Assistant Paige Fisher
2nd Camera Assistant Frances Pesquera
Make-up Artist /Hair Gemma Simmons
Production Assistant Cameron Cassidy
Production Assistant Finlay Cassidy
Set Dresser Assistant Emily Brown
Production Assistant Christos Chyrsanthou
Patricia Pickman
Deniz Berberoğlu
Dávid Bodrogi
Drone Operator Alex Woosey

Murder in Neighbourhood Watch by Stewart Burke

Norfolk Actor Marie Cooper playing Ann Wingate in Murder in Neighbourhood Watch

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Marie Cooper performing as Ann Wingate in Stewart Burke’s ‘Murder in Neighbour Watch’ at Great Hall Theatre at the Assembly House in Norwich, Oct – Nov 2019

Ann gave up her career as a travel courier to become the dutiful headmaster’s wife to her husband, Andrew. Ann felt stifled to have settled in the village of West Lynstead, near Worthing, with its coffee mornings full of gossips and people in and out of each others’ houses.

She returns from three months away on holiday in New Zealand visiting her parents, to find that village life has been turned upside down by a murder in local woodland.

Photography – Norwich Photo

Feedback following the performances was positive. There were some funny moments at the start of the play and the cast worked incredibly well to bring the characters to life.

Audiences seemed to enjoy it, discussing who they thought had committed the murder during the interval. I did not enjoy the play, in and of itself, but I did like pushing myself out of my comfort zone in terms of line-learning once again and the challenge of the emotions that Ann is put through when she returns home.

Norfolk actor Marie Cooper playing Ann Wingate in Murder in Neighbourhood Watch. Ann having a drink with Sandra — Trust Sandra!

Norfolk actor Marie Cooper playing Ann Wingate in Murder in Neighbourhood Watch. Listening to Andrew — Trust Sandra!

Dance with Death – Dreamstone Productions

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Marie Cooper performed in Dancing with Death a Murder Mystery evening with Dreamstone Productions, written by Paul Alexian.

Thanks to a recommendation from a lovely director, who I worked with at Great Hall, I got an email from Dreamstone Productions, asking if I would like to work with them on a Murder Mystery event in Norfolk.

I was nervous, and at first and wasn’t sure whether to say yes. It’s been some time since I’ve performed anything so improvised, but I was emboldened by my director having confidence in my acting ability.

I am immensely happy that I went along. It was a fantastic evening. I worked alongside some great actors and gained new experience in working in immersive, improvised theatre. It’s been relatively busy workwise over the past few weeks and I am feeling incredibly grateful and fortunate to be surrounded by talented artists and doing work that I love.

Check out the Dreamstone website or Facebook page to get more information about their upcoming Murder Mystery evenings in and around East Anglia…

Dreamstone Productions…

Dreamstone Productions Facebook page

What is Supporting Artist Work?

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Whether you call the people helping to bring realism to movies and television background artists, supporting artists or extras, they are often vital for creating the authenticity of the scene. Many supporting artists are actors who do this work as part of their portfolio career in the creative industries when they are between other acting jobs.

We are incredibly fortunate to have some fantastic scenery and buildings for film locations in Norfolk , so background artists are often in demand by local and national casting agencies. Before Covid hit the country and halted productions I was working with NBA Norfolk.

Are there Supporting Artist Agents in Norfolk?

I work with an agency called Norfolk Background Artistes which source local actors for work that is filmed within the region. This is brilliant because it not only provides much-needed work for local performers, it also cuts the carbon impact of production by reducing the need to drive people in from further afield.

Filming First Ladies with October Films

In 2019 I was invited by NBA Norfolk to work with October Films as a background artist on an episode of the US TV show ‘First Ladies’. A series about the wives of presidents in the US. It was aired in Oct 2020 on the US channel ‘CNN’.

Stills from First Ladies, Episode 4 on CNN

Marie Cooper as a reporter in the White House in First Ladies

Marie Cooper as a reporter in First Ladies

Filming Raw Terror with October Films

In 2019 I was invited by NBA Norfolk to work with October Films as a background artist on an episode of the US TV show ‘Raw Terror’. It was aired in the summer of 2020 on the US channel ‘Showtime’.

Stills from Raw Terror: Murder on the Tracks on Discovery ID

Norfolk actor, Marie Cooper handing over evidence

Norfolk actor Marie Cooper as a Background Artist, a shopper in Raw Terror

Someone Waiting by Emlyn Williams

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Marie Cooper performing Hilda, the maid with an interesting past, in ‘Someone Waiting’ at Great Hall Theatre. 22 January to 26th January 2019

I managed to tick quite a few things off of my acting bucket list during this production in a small, but challenging and fun role. One of which included slapping one of my fellow actors. It turned out to be surprisingly effective. The audience oooooh’d and gasped when Hilda struck Mr Nedlow across the face. I was very pleased with this as we had practised it a number of times. Hilda’s slap managed to shock the audience, despite my not making any contact with Mr Nedlow’s face at all.

I also had to perform drunk. What I mean is, I acted drunk whilst on stage, I didn’t actually get drunk to perform. I got some nice comments from fellow actors saying that Hilda was nicely drunk and that it wasn’t overly done, which I am very pleased about. Acting drunk is a tricky thing to do convincingly, whilst still trying to enunciate so that the audience can hear.

An in-depth review of the play was written by Rob Fradley-Wilde and published on Facebook and in the Great Hall Theatre Company newsletter.

“the maid Hilda was able to go to her death with style, in Marie Cooper’s vivacious and feisty example of the mid-twentieth-century servant class. “

Andrew Cliffe of Norwich Photo photographed the following images during the dress rehearsal of Someone Waiting.

Cast

Hilda Marie Cooper
Mrs Danecourt Glenda Gardiner
John Nedlow Chris Higgins
Vera Nedlow Samantha Elmhurst
Martin Steven Logsdon
Walter Fenn Kevin Ford
Miss Lennie Rachel Miller

onClick=”ga(‘send’, ‘event’, ‘Someone Waiting’, ‘Video’, ‘Viewed’, ‘0’);”

Marie Cooper Actor performing as Hilda, serving tea in Someone Waiting — Hilda serving tea to Mr Nedlow and his secretary, Miss Lennie.

Marie Cooper actor performing drunk as Hilda in Someone Waiting — Hilda serving tea to Mr Nedlow and his secretary, Miss Lennie.

The photos below were taken by members of the cast

Marie Cooper with the women of the Someone Waitingcast for Someone Waiting — Women of the Someone Waiting cast

Marie Cooper actor with curlers in, getting hair ready for stage — Women of the Someone Waiting cast

Handbagged by Moira Buffini

Marie Cooper peforming as Margaret Thatcher

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Sewell Barn Theatre, Norwich

Marie Cooper perfomed as the younger Margaret Thatcher, ‘Mags’, in Handbagged, performed at Sewell Barn Theatre in Norwich, 11 October to 20 October 2018

The fantastic photographs for Handbagged were taken during the dress rehearsal by Sean Owen of Reflective Arts

The bad thing (and good thing – I hate seeing and/or hearing myself) about theatre is that you never get to see the play. Especially for Handbagged, as our entire cast were on the stage for almost the entire duration of the play…and yes, this was a worry if nature called.

This was my absolute favourite role so far by miles, one of my proudest achievements and most challenging, as it was the first time I’d attempted to portray someone who actually existed. The play also the most lines I had had to learn at that time as well as the most time I had needed to be on stage for. Both Mrs Thatchers and the Queens are on the stage for all but a few minutes of the play. I have written further reflections about the show on my blog which also includes reviews of Handbagged.

The pressure was on as I didn’t have much time to prepare. The person who was originally cast dropped out just before rehearsals began, so I didn’t have anywhere near as much time to prepare as I would have done had I got the role just after auditions. It was a race against time to research and learn lines, whilst simultaneously rehearsing. Thankfully I had, that very morning, completed and handed in the last course work of my MA so I knew I would have the time to invest into the role.

Mrs Thatcher was most definitely not someone I shared the politics of. Yet it was a little disturbing (and helpful) during my research, to find that the ‘Milk Snatcher’ and I did, surprisingly, have some things in common, other than being female. We both studied for a degree in Chemistry and contained the resilience and perservance to stand up and fight for what we want and believe in, to not let anyone stand in our way of what we aim to acheive.

Norwich Actor Marie Cooper portraying Margaret Thatcher — First meeting with the Queen

Directed by Clare Williamson

Cast:

Alexandra Evans – Mrs T
Marie Cooper – Mags
Mandy Kiley – Liz
Gill Tichbourne – Q

Kevin Olreich
Denis Thatcher, Peter Carrington, Gerry Adams, Ronald Reagan,
Michael Heseltine, Arthur Scargill, Rupert Murdoch, Geoffrey Howe
and Prince Phillip.

Will Harragan
Palace Footman, Kenneth Kaunda, Nancy Reagan, Enoch Powell,
Michael Shea, Neil Kinnock, Kenneth Clarke, and a Protester.

Lily by Yuqian Tong

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Lily by Yuqian Tong – Filmed in Norwich, August 17th – 18th 2018

Marie Cooper performing in the short film Lily by Yuqian Tong, student filmmaker at the University of East Anglia – Filmed on location in Norwich, August 17th – 18th 2018

I found myself very quickly attempting to learn lines in August. An unanticipated opportunity popped up to take part in the short film, Lily by Yuqian Tong. The film was written, produced and directed by the student filmmaker who is currently studying here in Norwich at the University of East Anglia.

The photos below were taken by Tuqian Tong on set during filming.

Photo of Marie Cooper actor in Lily by Yuqian Tong — PC Edwards spots the vase of Lillies

Spirit of the Place with the Jenny Lind Arts Project

Marie Cooper Actor performing as the Spirit of the Place in Norwich

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Marie Cooper performing as the ‘The Spirit of the Place’ in promenade street theatre with the Jenny Lind Arts Project and Slow Theatre Company, 2018

Slow Theatre Company, Norwich

8 – 9 June 2018

From Workshop to Playwriting

It all escalated quite fast. One evening I turned up for a free scriptwriting workshop being run by the Jenny Lind Arts Project and Danny O’Hara with the Slow Theatre Company. I thought it would be a great help to learn some new creative writing techniques and generate some ideas to kickstart my creative coursework.

It turned out that writers could submit a piece of their work to be part of the project’s performance in June 2018. The next thing I knew, my “Abandoned Places” script, with Megan and Josh, was included as part of the theatrical promenade piece. I performed as Saha, the ‘Spirit of the Place’ too. It felt odd, but exhilarating, seeing the words that I had written being performed. I had put my toes tentatively onto the edge of the path to becoming a playwright.

It was an immensely ambitious and unique piece of community theatre, a promenade piece composed entirely of local writer’s work which was then beautifully sewn together with the words of playwright Danusia Iwaszko, who created the Spirit of the Place as a guide, leading the audience around the stage, following the walkways, green areas and stairwells that make up the community space. There were many people working incredibly hard to bring the show together, both performing and behind the scenes,. It would not have been the same if even just one person had not been there.

I grew up, an artistic child, in an area of Norwich that was in the top 10% of the most deprived areas of the country. For poor families, this meant that opportunities to get involved in the arts were next to zero outside of the school curriculum. So, the opening up of provision of the arts for everyone, no matter what their background or income, is something very close to my heart. The work that the Jenny Lind Project does, bringing the arts into local communities is invaluable.

And I Saw my World From my Home

The short film, ‘And I saw my world from my Home’, is a collaboration between the Jenny Lind Arts Project, BBC Voices and the Suffolk Square community. The footage is composed of clips that we filmed around the area. The poetry and readings are by the local community. The poem I am reading between 2:09 and 2:58 is by writer and poet, Salah El Nagar. Other contributors to the movie include Cate Oliver and me.

It was a privilege to be part of the project. I have some wonderful new people in my life. People who I might never have even met if I’d not gone along to a little community scriptwriting workshop a few months ago. My life has been enriched for taking part. I hope the community feels the positive effects of the project long into the future.Wall of Feedback for Spirit of the Place

Review board for the show. 'Spirit of the Place'

Hellthy – Filming with IW Films in Norfolk

Marie Cooper Actor - filming a scene from Hellthy in Great Yarmouth with IW Films — In between filming

Marie Cooper and Paul Goldsmith - on the set of Hellthy, filmed in Great Yarmouth with IW Films — In between filming

Come into the Garden, Maud by Noel Coward

Photo of Marie Cooper actor as Anna Mary drinking bourbon on the rocks onstage during Come into the Garden, Maud

Photo of Marie Cooper Actor as Anna Mary tired and fed up of Verner onstage during Come into the Garden, Maud

Syncopated, Directed by Edward Heredia, with NUA

Marie Cooper Actor playing 'The Boss' character in the short film, Syncopated

NUA filmset - Marie Cooper Actor watching the girls

Lark Rise at Sewell Barn Theatre, Norwich

Photograph of Mrs Blaby (played by Marie Cooper actor) and Mrs Peverill (played by Ros Mace) talking about dresses

Candleford at Sewell Barn Theatre, Norwich

Photograph of Mrs Macey (played by Marie Cooper) and Mrs Gubbins (played by Rose Mace) Candleford at Sewell Barn Theatre — 32

Photograph of Mrs Lane, Mrs Macey and Laura Timms in the Post Office during Candleford at Sewell Barn Theatre — 32

Norfolk and Norwich Festival with Berlin’s TheatreFragile

Marie Cooper in a mask performing at the Forum at Norfolk and Norwich Festival with TheatreFragile — We Meet in Paradise, Norfolk and Norwich Festival

Norwich actor Marie Cooper with TheatreFragile at Norfolk and Norwich Festival — We Meet in Paradise, Norfolk and Norwich Festival

Norwich Halloween Spooky Parade, 2016

Image of Marie Cooper Actor at Norwich Spooky Parade taken by Wireloose Pix on Norwich's Halloween Spooky Parade in 2016

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Marie Cooper performing as a Halloween Rat in Norwich Halloween Spooky Parade

Something a little different from 2016. The Common Lot were asked to be ushers for Norwich’s Halloween Spooky Parade. It sounded fun so I went along to the initial ideas meet up, but I didn’t have the faintest idea of what I wanted to dress up as or perform on the night. In a serendipitous turn of events, Max had decided he wanted to play a creepy Pied Piper, but he didn’t have any rats so Harriet and I scurried to the rescue.

Masks, tails and a bag of stale bread later, speckled with food dye to make it look mouldy, and we were let loose on Norwich. It was great fun, running between the participants, guiding the way along the parade and trying to share our bready feast. Things didn’t always go to plan as I ended up being chased around the crowd by some of the braver children. Whilst others just peeked out from behind the legs of their parents, only daring to come out when daddy said it was ok.

Marie Cooper street theatre Halloween rat — Norwich City Council Halloween Spooky Parade

Apparently I make a very good rat. Lots of people stopped me to take photos that evening. This image above is just one of many photographs, taken at Spooky Parade by Wireless Pix.

The plastic bag that you can see me carrying in the photograph, was full of bread that I had bought fresh, just the day before. I had speckled it with green food dye to make it look mouldy. I was very generously offering my yummy colourful bread out to people who had come to watch the parade. Neither the large or small humans were impressed by my ratty generosity.