Fantastic fairytales this spring

For our Learning and Engagement team, a new term means a new series of LHT Unwrapped events! Learning and Engagement Officer Imogen is here to tell us all about the power of fantastical storytelling – as well as a quick look back at all things magical and mysterious from the previous batch of Unwrapped…

Written by Imogen Hinchliffe

This April, 9 to 11-year-olds will have the opportunity to create a play in a week (well, five days!) all around fairytales. Fairytales are a brilliant jumping off point for drama; there are stock characters everyone recognises – from the evil witch/wizard to the wise parent or hero/heroine. Fairytales are recognised by all; teachings include to be better people from a young age, that actions have consequences, hard work will get you far, and to never to judge a book by its cover.

I grew up watching Disney films, my favourite films being Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. Fairytales shaped my childhood and built the foundation for me to be an avid reader. I love using drama to tell stories!

Across the week, the participants will explore different fairytales. We’ll look at where they come from and modern adaptations of classic tales, as well as exploring the themes, characters and teachings. Participants will then have the opportunity to decide what their play will be. In groups, they can re-tell classic tales with a modern twist, merge different fairytales or even make up their very own story – we will be guided by what they want. They will work as a team with our Learning and Engagement Officers to create a performance shared with family and friends.

I’m really looking forward to the challenge of pulling together a play in only five days. I hope that the group decide to re-tell classics with a modern spin – perhaps Cinderella could work in an office with a mean boss, or the three little pigs could be builders trying to build the perfect house? If I were in the play, I would want to be a modern day Ariel – who loses her phone instead of her voice!

For those who can’t commit to a whole five days over the school holidays, we are running three days of Playing with Puppets for ages 6-14. Participants will explore different types of puppets, how to make them, and how puppets can enhance performance.

This April’s Unwrapped activities form part of our upcoming season, Explore – a playful programme of film, performance and hands-on activities created primarily for children aged 5-12.

For more information on our school holiday activities please email learning@leedsheritagetheatres.com