RANGER RICK'S ANIMAL ADVENTURE!

John Robertson Photography

What is the show about?

"Ranger Rick's Animal Adventure" is a 30 minute fun fact-filled interactive family show that was commissioned by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire (BCN) in 2018 to highlight some of the animals that live in the Nene Wetlands. Ranger Rick (or sometimes Ranger Rita) needs help from the audience to look after the animals he meets, including Owl, Otter, Spider, Heron and Bat. We have performed the show at Rushden Lakes to shoppers of all ages, who laughed, joined in and learnt our show motto:

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Why do we want to put on a show?

We believe that it is our responsibility to look after our planet, the wildlife that lives alongside us and their natural habitats. We have created "Ranger Rick's Animal Adventure" to help educate, spread the word and be proactive about looking after the wildlife that's right on our doorstep. We are so lucky to have these green spaces and it's our job - all of our jobs - to look after them. Will you help Ranger Rick protect the animals and their natural habitats?

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20,000 waterbirds use the wetlands every year, for breeding, for their winter homes, or as vital stop-off points during their long migrations. Some travel from as far as Arctic Russia or Southern Africa! (Source: Wildlife Trust BCN)

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Why are we fundraising?

The show was originally funded through the Wildlife Trust BCN by a National Lottery Grant. This money has, unfortunately, run out. We are fundraising to try and get at least one, out of the four days that we hope to run the show on, funded through our crowdfunding campaign. We need all the help we can get to achieve this, so even if you can't give any money at this time we'd really appreciate you sharing the campaign and getting the word out to as many people as possible.

We are also applying for local grants to fund the other dates so that we can perform as many shows as possible for FREE for the local community to enjoy on a Summer's day out in our glorious green spaces.

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Where will your money go?

Each show requires 3 professional actors who will need to rehearse the show before they perform to the public, so this will also require a director to oversee things and ensure that the show is top-notch and ready to go. On top of this there are admin fees, insurance costs, food and drink expenses, writers fee, directors fee, costumes, props and advertising costs. Phew! Who knew a production could be so expensive?! People often don't realise what goes in to making a theatrical performance. We hope we've shed some light on that and that you can see there are lots of elements to think about when putting together a budget for a show.

Each performance day costs around £461 to produce, plus we will need 'contingency' money just in case hidden costs occur! If we reach our fundraising target of £500 we will be able to fund one day's worth of shows that the local community can enjoy for FREE. As we are a non-profit organisation, any excess money we raise will go into another day of performances or another project for the local community to enjoy.

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When do we want to perform the show?

We'd love to return this Summer if we can fund the production. As people start to come out of lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions lift, we feel that this outdoor street theatre performance would be the perfect remedy to the past year. It's full of laughs and interactive fun for all the family to get involved in - even your grandparents! We also think it's the best way to combat social anxiety that has been a major factor in so many people's lives over the last 17 months. We are hoping to put on 5 performances a day on four separate dates across different locations in Northamptonshire in August 2021.

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Where do we want to perform the show?

We have permission from the Wildlife Trust BCN to return to the Nene Wetlands at Rushden Lakes so we are hoping to do two full days of shows there this August. We are also keen to perform at a couple of other locations which are also managed by the Wildlife Trust BCN. These are 'Summer Leys Nature Reserve' in Wollaston and 'Bradlaugh Fields' in Northampton.

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What do you get out of giving us money?

In summary, you will be helping us to produce "Ranger Rick's Animal Adventure" for one day of performances (5 shows in total) which will be FREE for the local community to attend at the Nene Wetlands, Rushden Lakes in August this year.

On top of this, as a huge 'thank you' from all of us at Laugh Out Loud Theatre, the first one hundred people to donate £10 or more will get a personal video message from one of the characters from the show. Just email us at enquiries@loltheatre.co.uk to tell us where to send your video.

So, what are you waiting for? Get donating and sharing our page and let's bring the show to life once more.

John Robertson Photography