Bungle actor boosts Shropshire students' stagecraft

Malcolm was the voice behind Bungle, the giant brown bear who was one of the three main characters on the 1970s show.

He also helped operate George, a shy, pink slightly camp hippo.

Malcom is a friend of musical director and Shrewsbury College's voice and performing arts lecturer, Michael Jenkins.

And he has been spending time with students as they prepare for their latest production, The Insect Play.

The actor, who in recent years has performed on stage in Aladdin, Dick Whittington and Calendar Girls, was asked if he would work with the HND Performing Arts students to give them an insight into working with industry professionals.

He said he loved playing the characters in the long-running children's show Rainbow, but that helping inspiring actors was hugely rewarding.

He said the higher education performing arts students are getting a real taste of life in the theatre as they will not be told what parts they will be playing until two weeks before the first show.

He added: "Having worked in theatre for 30 odd years, it is normal to only receive the script of a play a couple of weeks prior to the production, so I wanted the HND students to get a taste of real theatre and the time pressures that are involved," Mr Lord added.

"It is good practice for the students to work out of their comfort zones and to get involved with all aspects of theatre, including making their own costumes."

Natasha Plant, HND performing arts student, said: "I am really excited about working with a professional director and a great musical director. Hopefully this amazing experience will give me a greater insight into the industry. As a group we all feel very lucky to be given this opportunity."

There will be two performances of the play at the college's London Road campus,on April 10 and April 11 both at 7.30pm.