Fundraiser at Garsington Opera

Words from our chair of trustees, Jim White, on a beautiful night at Garsington Studios

“What a brilliant event. I could have listened to Errol all night. He was absolutely amazing.”

That was the reaction from one of the guests at Kestrel’s fundraiser at Garsington Opera (November 2024). And it was typical of the response from the audience of more than 220, who were treated to performances that would not be out of place in a professional theatre. This was a night of drama, comedy and filmic excellence, held in the most elevated of surroundings.

*Keaton Ancona-Francis performing at Garsingon Studios, November 2024*

The new Garsington Opera Studio opened last summer. And Kestrel, together with our friends from BACO (Bucks Association for the Care of Offenders), were privileged to be the first charities invited to work there. It is some place, combining a fine performance space with elegant hospitality areas. Made up of friends and supporters of both charities, the audience was treated to a couple of films of Kestrel alumni talking about their experience of leaving prison. Directed by Dorothy Allen Pickard, these provide a powerful snapshot of the issues faced by those trying to reintegrate into society. We were also privileged to witness a live rendition of the playwright Simon Longman’s moving monologue After Time. Beautifully delivered by Keaton Ancona-Francis, who played the Genie in the 2023 Kestrel Pantomime at HMP Springhill, this is a moving exploration of how a former prisoner negotiates his way back into the outside world.

Things were rounded off by the performance poet and Kestrel veteran Errol McGlashan. Pacy, charming, hilarious, Errol’s livewire turn had the audience alternately roaring with laughter and choking back the tears.

To round off the evening, Errol and Keaton joined Marc Conway and Brian Murphy, two of those whose experiences had been explored in the films, in a question and answer session conducted by our artistic director El Henderson. Never less than fascinating and thought-provoking, it concluded with a question from the audience: if a movie was made of the panel’s life, who would they like to see play themselves? Marc reckoned Tom Hardy would be the most appropriate choice. To which Brian, to a huge swell of laughter that threatened the superstructure of the new building, said probably more suitable to play him would be Oliver Hardy.

Thanks to the generosity of our audience, more than £35,000 was raised on the night. £17,500 each will go a long way in helping the two charities continue in our work.

Jim White, January 2025