More than 60 adults who use Norwood’s services enjoyed a fun-packed trip to The Bloomsbury Theatre last Wednesday to see hit musical Bugsy Malone, thanks to the generosity of the show’s producer. The group were given free tickets by impresario Joel Kern, 21, of Make Believe Productions, who will also donate some of the proceeds to the Charity.
The group was made up of adults from Norwood’s residential services in London and Ravenswood in Berkshire. The visit follows a similar trip to The Shaw Theatre last year to see Joel’s production of Annie.
Joel set up Make Believe Productions in 2004 with the aim of giving young people the opportunity to fulfil their dreams and ambitions within the performing industry. He produced his first show the previous year using £4,000 he received following his Barmitzvah. The hugely successful production raised £10,000 and he donated the profits to The Parry Charitable Foundation. The charity, which provided accommodation for adults with learning disabilities, had close links with Norwood and the two organisations eventually merged in 2007.
“Make Believe has always tried to teach others that helping individuals less fortunate than ourselves is very important,” said Joel, whose beneficiary charities this year were Norwood, The Guide Dogs Association, Fight for Life and Great Ormond Street Hospital. “These are four wonderful organisations who give people a chance that they truly deserve.” Meanwhile, first-time performer Kyron Greenwood, 12, from Willeseden, who played Fat Sam, said he was ‘proud to be a part of helping charities’.
Aside from his productions, Joel, whose mother fostered through Norwood’s fostering services, also runs a part-time acting school for children up to the age of 18. One of his pupils, 11-year-old James Anderson, has just landed a lead role in the new West End musical Thriller. Next year, Joel and Make Believe are set to turn their attention to a production of Fame, and will also continue a London tour of Annie.
Adele Breslauer, Norwood’s Head of Fundraising, said: “There are not many young people like Joel – building a business in the entertainment industry and still taking time to support charities that mean a great deal to him. We couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome – a wonderful evening at the theatre for our service users and a generous donation from the proceeds. A huge thank you to Joel and everyone involved in this production of Bugsy Malone for their support.”
