Each performance begins with a presentation on a particular significant event in history - yes, a particular battle, we do portray Imperial Soldiers after all - very much in a warts-and-all vein, designed to strike as many chords of interest amongst the listeners as possible, and clearly not avoiding the more stark issues involved in combat. From there we move to the “unscripted” performance, where the Regiment first provides baseline workshops to give everyone the necessary “how to’s” of a live performance, as well as producing what might best be described as the Sinews and Materiéls of War or battle consumables – paper swords, flourbombs and the like.
And then we plunge on into the meat of the experience, providing expert leadership and direction to the forces at our disposal, to wit the student body, in the performance of a fully fledged Visual Extravaganza of Creative Spontaneity, otherwise known as a Pacifist Battle. We are constantly impressed by the creativity and effort the schools put into these events, and the willingness with which the students and staff throw themselves wholeheartedly into the experience. It is a joy to be a part of and we look forward to working co-operatively with the schools on each occasion.
At least one of the schools we work with has built a week of research and discovery into their curriculum, encouraging the children to explore all manner of questions regarding the relevant era, making use of the internet and library resources, writing reports, producing period costumes and generally having a rather hands on approach to learning that will certainly bear fruit in the future. Their military equipment is truly a beauty to behold, leaving many adult groups in the dust in terms of cohesive appearance and overall performance skills.