01 February 2002
Anyone forced to witness the flouncing and pouting of members during the average council meeting will deem it entirely unnecessary. Nevertheless, councillors are set to receive training in the finer points of stagecraft from Britain's leading drama school.
The commercial arm of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, launch pad for stars such as Sir John Gielgud, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Dame Diana Rigg, has signed a deal with the Improvement and Development Agency. It will offer two-day courses providing coaching to members in presentation and public speaking skills.
The aim is to put an end to the familiar sight of councillors holding their audience hostage while droning on endlessly about a subject close to their heart. Instead, they will be taught to use their voice, personality and presence to speak authoritatively, persuasively and, most ambitiously of all, concisely.
Paul Wheeler, director of IDA member development, said the courses, which are due to be launched in March, would help councillors meet their responsibilities more effectively.
`Good politics can be like good theatre,' he said. `I welcome the professional skills of Rada to bring out the best in our leading politicians and enable them to do an even better job.'
But the IDA's desire to borrow from theatrical tradition only goes so far. The public will not be encouraged to throw cabbages during council meetings if members' performances fail to please.
PFfeb2002
