POIGNANT PRODUCTION IN MEMORY OF AMBASSADOR, ELLEN-GAYLE HAREWOOD

The most recent live stage production from the teen section of Swindon-based Revolution Performing Arts (RPA), RPA Rapport CIC was Oliver Lansley’s The Terrible Infants – a real visual and musical feast based on the original story Les Enfants Terribles.

A collection of cautionary tales, The Terrible Infants is told through puppetry, dance and pure old-fashioned storytelling and saw young people from RPA Rapport CIC involved in every aspect of the production process – from the acting and the set design to the tech and stage management.

The performances, which took place from November 21-23 at The Swindon Arts Centre in Devizes Road, were held in memory of RPA’s Ellen-Gayle Harewood, who recently passed away from Covid19 at the age of 44.

Fi Da Silva Adams, founder of Revolution Performing Arts, said: “Ellen was the very first RPA ambassador and was working very hard to spread the joy of RPA to the young people of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. Sadly, Ellen passed away very suddenly on 7th November. She was dearly loved by us all at RPA.”

Ellen-Gayle was a self-employed actress, writer and drama tutor, who had worked on several creative projects across the UK, South Africa, Dubai and Uganda. As an independent artist, she had also directed shows, founded youth groups, hosted events and had been part of the history-making female stand-up comedy troupe, Funny Girls UAE.

Fi and Ellen were brought together during the Covid pandemic lockdowns through The Export Department’s, Andrea Collins-Clifton.  Andrea throught Fi could help Ellen with her own business  but on meeting they discovered they had such a similar synergy and ethos they decided to work together.  They both felt very grateful to find each other.

Passionate about the Arts, Ellen-Gayle had consistently pursued the opportunity to perform and share her experience with the next generation. She brought warm, outgoing enthusiasm and energy to her classes – ensuring students remained engaged and inspired to learn.

“Ellen reached into your heart and just squeezed it a little tighter,” said Fi. “She was a joyous beacon of light and championed all young people to be the amazing vibrant people they are. Just like the amazing vibrant flourish of humanity that was our dear friend, Ellen.”

Revolution Performing Arts is one of the South West’s leading performing arts companies for children and young people. It was founded in 2007 by Fi Da Silva Adams and specialises in empowering young people to celebrate their individuality through the power of performing arts. 

RPA is based in Swindon and has classes across the town including Shrivenham, as well as having venues in North Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. RPA is Ofsted registered and all the teachers are DBS checked, trained in first aid and receive training in safeguarding protocols. For more information, visit: https://revolutionpa.co.uk