It is this self-sufficient modus operandi that is C&T’s ingenious masterstroke. Their self-contained mobile unit is free from the constraints of fixed cables or phone networks, allowing them to travel to wherever they are needed. From inner-city schools to rural-based community groups, this ICT solution supports their strategy of widening participation in the performing arts.

When travelling theatre company C&T arrives at a local school, it’s not immediately obvious that something out-of-the ordinary is about to happen. But when the roof of its van glides open, akin to Thunderbirds, to reveal a large satellite dish that begins silently tracking for an uplink connection somewhere in space, this indicates that a truly state-of-the art experience is imminent.

The central role that technology plays sets this highly original form of theatre apart from traditional styles. Mr. Paul Sutton, Director at C&T and the brainchild behind the project, explains why pupils are responding well to this reality-based drama: "Our programmes are designed to inspire individuals from every background to learn about the world around them, and thus express their views with confidence. With our ‘Living Newspaper’ project – a theatre form originally popularised in the 1920s – learning is brought to life by re-enacting real events of the day; students become actively engaged as they discover breaking news and create drama scenes around this," he continues. "I’ve witnessed thought-provoking performances from youngsters portraying topics as diverse as asylum-seekers and football results. Naturally, within the new Citizenship Curriculum, this learning style has huge potential."

Inside C&T’s vehicle is a suite of cable-free laptops alongside a sophisticated wireless system, offering instantaneous on-line connection to the Internet. And it is this technology that forms the crux of C&T’s unique and increasingly popular approach to drama studies, now being embraced by schools in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and into Europe. Using Toshiba laptops to access the rich content freely available on the Internet, pupils are empowered to create topical plays and improvisations about issues close to their heart. Their on-line research can be done in the classroom, drama studio or even in the playground, as the WiFi®-enabled laptops can normally be used up to a 100-metre radius of the van. A wireless bridge located on the bonnet links into a server and satellite dish housed inside the vehicle, giving teachers and pupils uninterrupted, high-speed broadband access via their laptops.

What is today a successful and popular venture was once a pipedream Paul Sutton struggled to muster support for. Accessing the Internet formed the framework of his concept but trying to secure a high-speed connection in a rural area with little or no GPRS, ISDN or broadband coverage was proving difficult. Paul says, "Several of the suppliers we approached felt unable to provide everything we needed. XMA, however, was prepared to take up the challenge in full." Kevin Evans, Solutions Account Manager at XMA – an authorised Toshiba reseller – admits that C&T’s brief was not an everyday request. "This interesting project has involved designing a hi-tech, wireless network with satellite technology, sourcing and customising a vehicle that can safely store essential hardware such as lighting and sound equipment, portable PCs, projectors, video and digital cameras, and of course, the satellite dish." XMA also provides C&T with a 24/7 fault repair service, managed from its own offices. "If the worst should happen, we can remedy the problem remotely, saving on time and costs," adds Kevin. C&T opted for Toshiba’s Satellite 1400 – a PC renowned for its hardiness and reliability. Mr. Len Daniels, Business Development Manager at Toshiba, says, "These wireless-enabled PCs are a popular choice in education because they deliver value for money with lasting performance. The laptops used here serve multiple users with varying ICT skills – like in schools and colleges – so a robust build is very important."