Simon Wilkinson is our newest member and was introduced to our little group by Graham Warren. They both work together as science teachers at Woodchurch High School. Graham only moved to the school this year and soon found out about Simon's drama interests, which go back 20 years. He was only nine when he took part in the "Pied Piper of Hamlin" at Misterton Primary School in Nottinghamshire. He continued to act in plays at Secondary School and University where he played in both "Hamlet" and "Macbeth" but he has to admit he is not a fan of The Bard. Since becoming a teacher in 1996 Simon has always been involved in school drama, mostly on the technical side (lighting, sound and special effects) but he does keep up his acting skills by taking part in the Staff Christmas Show at Woodchurch. His last memorable performance was in the Monty Python 'Parrot' sketch. Graham was there in the audience and says it was "very good"; but then he would say that wouldn't he? Teachers have to stick together these days! Despite all the demands of working as a teacher, Simon still finds the time to help run the school drama club and also helps with the science club. In addition he helps to run the girls' football team. When Simon first joined the "Out and About Theatre Co" earlier this year he was intending to work back stage in his familiar technical role, but he couldn't resist the challenge of an acting role as well and is now being broken in slowly as the policeman in "That Old Black Magic". It's only a small part; we would have offered him a bigger one, but we couldn't afford his fee!
