All the world’s a stage, especially for children

Friday 21 September 2018

Your first visit to the theatre is something you never forget, like when you learn to ride a bicycle without stabilisers – a mixture of excitement and trepidation, not quite sure what might happen.

As for many children, pantomime was my introduction to the theatre, and I vividly recall wearing my ‘Sunday best’ to go and see Babes in the Woods. I was transported to another world, captivated by the characters and costumes and relishing the call and response of the actors.

Thus began a family tradition to see the pantomime at our local theatre in Harrogate, an annual joy which has improved with age and one that my teenage daughter looks forward to with the same excitement I did over 40 years ago. She relishes the opportunity to spend a couple of hours away from the distractions of Snapchat, WhatsApp and other 21st century paraphernalia, to immerse herself in an art form that traces its history back hundreds of years.

A survey by the Globe Theatre found over half of teenagers have never been to the theatre. Young people are missing out on a wonderful experience and the chance to discover a love of the theatre, or even, a potential career. At a time when funding of the arts is being reduced it has never been more important to enable young people to witness first-hand the wonders of the theatre and experience the thrill of appearing on stage.

We launched our partnership with Harrogate Theatre five years ago, aiming to introduce as many local children as possible to the magic of theatre. While the link between an independent school and a theatre may not be an obvious partnership, we share a common goal in trying to enrich the lives and experiences of young people. As a school we are committed to providing opportunities for children and young people way beyond our school gates.

Through our partnership we have funded Harrogate Theatre to deliver after-school drama workshops in a number of state primary schools. Nine and 10-year-old pupils write their own script, manage a production and stage their grand performance at Harrogate Theatre. It’s been wonderful to see the transformation in the children. Some start the programme barely able to speak out loud as they are so self-conscious, but just six weeks later can recite their lines to an audience in a real theatre.

Inspired by this success, we extended our partnership with Harrogate Theatre to work with looked after children through the Child Friendly Leeds initiative. These children are some of the most vulnerable people in our society, with complex and challenging needs. Working with them must be sensitively managed, from the choice of venue and production to the right staff. Planning is crucial, taking a lead from the professionals and carers who dedicate their time to improving the children’s lives.

The children slowly grow in confidence – and volume – before the bravo performance of a child-created, directed and delivered show in front of a proud and very emotional audience.

Everyone is exhausted by the whole experience but delighted that children who previously struggled to speak out loud have found their voice. Often the children cannot stop talking about their first experience of performing! Surely this is an opportunity that every child should have?