Following the success of a national call-out in September 2021 Making & Believing has selected two theatre companies to tour their high-quality shows specially designed for audiences aged 2-5 years old. Lyngo Theatre and Flibbertigibbet Theatre started the 29-day tour in April, and they're continuing visiting early years settings and theatres across Somerset, Surrey and Derby throughout June-July.
Lyngo Theatre brought their first early years piece, Egg & Spoon, to early years settings across Somerset before Easter, and captivated the children’s imagination with their interactive romp through nature.
Quotes from audience members of Egg & Spoon include:
“The bird in the egg was my favourite”
“My favourite part was the birds. I liked the Mummy crow and Daddy crow on my head”
“The children were engaged from the moment they walked in and mesmerized by the sounds and sights of the seasons being portrayed.”
Flibbertigibbet Theatre will bring their new intimate, interactive theatrical experience Babble to Somerset in June and July and we look forward to celebrating children’s voices in whatever language they speak.
Alongside the performance aspect of the project, Making & Believing has also seen eight artists across Somerset, Derby, and Surrey work collaboratively in pairs in 12 early years settings, offering 10 half-day multi-art-form participation sessions.
These creative sessions are delivered in collaboration with both children and staff and fuel the action research learning programme evaluated by Dr. Susan Young. Our artists are also taking on the role of researcher assisted and mentored by Jane Parker, SW Network Project Leader.
Making & Believing will continue to tour to early years settings and offer creative residencies during the Autumn 2022 and 2023. We are on the lookout for settings who would be interested in being part of this rich action research programme.
This could be collaborating with artists as part of the multi-art-form sessions or hosting a show. For more information, please contact Jennie Loader, Making & Believing Project Manager via jennie@takeart.org.