Testimonials
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'Monster cat is such a great space for young actors to develop amazing skills. I really feel that they let your creativity flourish. Like it's not just you go, there, you go, there, say your line, bing, bam, boom here's your show. It's more of a family, like you get to input on what you would like to do, on how you would like to deliver the line. It's great. I mean, I've been going there since I was five, and now I'm at a performing arts school. I would not be where I am today without it. I highly recommend Monster Cat as a club and a holiday camp.'
Nirvani (11 years old, Past Pupil)
'Monster Cat is an amazing club! It is full of fun, joy and imagination (as well as lots of giggles). My daughter has been brilliantly cared for, nurtured and encouraged by Erica and Rich, and she has developed so many skills since going to Monster Cat.'
Esther Brown (Parent)
'All 3 of my children have loved attending Monster Cat Theatre after school and holiday clubs since year 1. Richard and Erica have supported every child to feel that they can be themselves and are valued for their contribution. This has given them the freedom to use their imaginations to create wonderfully unique pieces of theatre. Attending Monster Cat Theatre has been instrumental in developing their creative skills and building their confidence. A great foundation for them as they move through their school years.'
Kate Adams (Parent)
I went to Monster Cat Theatre (MCT) as a child throughout primary school and it provided a safe and fun environment to grow and nurture many important life skills.
Developing key skills like teamworking and communication starts as early as childhood and indeed if learnt early on, make a person appear to be ‘naturally’ confident and a good team player.
Whilst some people have a proclivity for being out-going others may have not had a chance to express themselves differently.
Unless an environment for developing these skills is provided, they may not be able to reach their full potential.
I believe that for a person to be the best version of themselves, the sooner they learn these skills the better, no matter what occupation they choose in later life!
The skills children can learn from Monster Cat can be applied throughout life no matter what you eventually end up doing, and above all it’s just great fun!
Ravi (Past pupil now an NHS Doctor)
I can honestly say that Monster Cats has been a key part of my daughter's development, a place she grew in confidence as well as a place she had so much fun. She started in the after-school club in reception and I couldn’t stop her from going every year after that, she enjoyed it so much. All the time I felt she was in such solid and safe hands, gaining invaluable experienced of acting and staging whilst also being challenged and inspired.
I believe a key factor is the open, free spirited way Erica and Richard deliver drama, with just the right amount of training and guidance, which fosters growth as well as curiosity and teamwork.
I have no doubt that this organic, kind-hearted drama club played a huge part in her succeeding in being accepted into Arts Ed performing arts school in Chiswick in year 7.
If you're lucky enough to have Monster Cat in your school I highly recommend it.
My daughter was also part of the Easter & Summer clubs, which was a ridiculous amount of fun, with witty scripts and included all ages, which worked brilliantly as the older ones help the little ones. Fun family vibes indeed. We will all cherish the memories of these shows for many years to come and our home is still full of the stage sets! Also, she is delighted to go back as a volunteer as she has since built her own relationship with Erica and Richard, no surprise to me, since they such lovely humans. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart.
Mary Saha (Parent)
I’ve known Erica and Rich since I was 5 and can confidently say Monster Cat was a hugely significant part of my childhood and upbringing. I remember it as the highlight of my week in primary school, and quickly became a passion of mine, completing LAMDA exams and volunteering with Monster Cat in my teenage and adulthood. I was quite a quiet shy child - although Erica would definitely disagree - but monster cat has really made me the person I am today. I distinctly remember the shift in confidence between being scared to put my hand up in class, to being cast in school productions, all because of years of Monster Cat after school and holiday club.
As an NHS psychologist, you’ve got to be confident in yourself and your ability, Monster Cat gave me that confidence that has helped me into adulthood and I cannot thank Erica and Rich enough for their positivity, energy, humour and belief in me that has been a huge presence in my life for nearly 20 years. I would recommend Monster Cat to anyone.
Sophie (Past Pupil, now an NHS Psychologist)
My two daughters went to Monster Cat all throughout primary school and I can’t express how highly I would recommend Monster Cat to other parents for the development of confidence, creativity and social skills that Monster Cat gives. My children gained so much from Monster Cat and we cannot thank Erica and Rich for being such a huge part of our children’s life both throughout their years attending Monster Cat, and into their adult life.
Kate Nicholls (Parent)
I’ve gone to Monster Cat ever since I was in primary school, and it has remained an important part of my life even though I’m now in my 20’s! It was always my favourite extra-curricular growing up, nurturing my natural dramatic nature and helping me grow, from the after-school clubs to the holiday workshops. I’ve always felt a sense of community here, a feeling that sticks with me to this day as I’ve moved from acting in the plays to helping out in my older age, and I couldn’t recommend it enough to anyone with a passion for performance, or who just wants to have fun!
Lolly (Past Pupil)
Monster Cat Theatre was an amazing experience, and I made many friends. The shows we took part in helped me to build confidence. I was always looking forward to the sessions because I really enjoyed the club. I was sad when I had to leave in Year 6.
This year in high school, when we had drama class, I felt that I had a good level and achieved well. I am grateful to the club, as it helped me to improve my English. Don’t hesitate to be part of it; Erica is an amazing person and a great teacher!
Yasmine (Past Pupil)
It is a very good experience. I am very happy during the drama club and like my sister I always look forward to every Tuesday to enjoy my time during the session. Monster Cat Theatre is the best.
‘S’ (Current Pupil)
Monster Cat Theatre is such an amazing club for kids. I had a great experience with it through my two children, and they made lots of wonderful memories. They enjoyed preparing their end-of-term shows and performing in front of all the parents. We can't thank Erica enough - she is a wonderful person.
Olfa Aidi (Parent)
Hi Erica!
Tom showed me the video of the end of year performance, but even if he hadn’t, I’d have practically felt like I’d watched it just from how much I heard about it from ‘B’, who clearly had a fantastic time and I think would happily have been a sheep for most of the run-up to Christmas. We all commented on how comfortable and happy the kids were, how well they seemed to work together and watch each other, and how lovely it was to see so many little personalities out to play. Reminded me of the old ‘Another Drama Provider’ stuff I used to drag ‘A’ through when she was tiny, and how all the kids were somehow subsumed by the performance they were expected to slot into. This felt like the very opposite— the children made the performance, and that’s got to be down to you. Thanks for crafting this clearly special little space, Erica.
See you soon no doubt,
Maria (Parent)
Hi Both,
A massive thank you to all the support you have given 'T' to develop her confidence and skills. She would absolutely love to continue on in the next term so please do advise me of the next steps to take and the start date etc.
Kindest Regards
Harminder (T's mum)
Hi Erica,
I wanted to say a big thank you to you both for having ‘C’ this term. What a change in a man! When he started, he told me there was no way he was performing in a show… I told him to wait and see how he felt and I didn’t hear a word of resistance in the lead up, he got up confidently, looked so proud and like he was enjoying it!
It’s been a great thing for him to do so thank you.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Best Wishes,
Jo x (Parent)
Heard really good things about Moster Cat from friends- even today my friends, whose kids are in high school now, were praising that how Monster Cat helped them and they are so good at public speaking etc!
Regards,
Sonal (Parent)
Hello Richard,
I hope you and Erica are well and your group is going strong. I'm ‘A’s’ mother, he was in Monster Cat from around 2009 and 2016.
You encouraged him to start taking LAMDA classes when he was in year 6 and he continued throughout secondary school. ‘A’ then went to the Brit school for 6th form and he will be starting at Central School of Speech and Drama in October to pursue a BA in Acting.
I just wanted you to know that your group was instrumental in allowing him to explore his creativity and eventually choose to pursue a career in Acting.
Thank you so much and all the best,
Andrea (Past Parent)
Hi Erica,
I would really like to thank you both, as since she has been taking part, and I’m sure that Rich will agree, ‘L’ has really grown in confidence since her first session, and it has been a real joy to see that development.
What they achieve under Rich’s watchful guidance is great, and most entertainingly, occasionally mind boggling; I have occasionally wondered if psychedelics would help to keep up with one or two of the kids’ self-directed shows! But in between the entertainment, the confidence they grow and the social mechanics being learnt are undoubtable. And I’m really glad to have seen this at work with ‘L’, so many thanks to you both
Tom x (Past Parent)
Hello,
A huge thank you as well for giving ‘D’ an experience he thoroughly enjoys and cherishes. He cried big tears when he discovered he couldn’t join your Easter workshop as we’ll be away (Spain, a beach and his favourite cousin cannot compete!). Even suggested postponing the (until then) longed-for holiday. You are clearly doing lots of things right.
He is very much looking forward to next term.
With thanks and best wishes,
Aisling (Parent)