twist and shout to a healthier lifestyle

On Tuesday 15 November 2005, the Queen's Theatre's Education Department held a Healthy Living Forum to launch our exciting new theatre-in-education tour of Olivia Twist. This interactive show, written and directed by Jim Bywater, has been touring primary schools throughout Havering, Essex and East London and addresses the topical issue of healthy eating in schools.

Celebrity chef Steven Walpole, originally from Upminster, delivered the keynote speech to an attentive gathering of Healthy Schools’ Coordinators, Teachers, and school Governors which included lots of hints and tips on encouraging children to choose healthier options.

Steven talked about his passion for cooking and his experiences in encouraging children to try new and healthier food options.

Talking about the project Steven said “it will always be difficult to get children to eat the foods they should. If we can get them eating a good diet 75% of the time then we’re on to a good thing! By educating children about different foods and how eating the right things can help them to have more energy, learn more and stay looking great, then we’re giving them the tools to make their own informed choice about what they put into their bodies.”

After Steven's speech, guests were treated to the recipes Steven created for Olivia Twist. These recipes are prepared during Olivia Twist and the children have an opportunity to try them; something which is proving to be extremely popular.

Tracey Wraight, Healthy Schools’ Co-ordinator for Havering also spoke at the event and answered questions from the audience. Talking about Olivia Twist, Tracey said “it’s a really great idea and the feedback from teachers and children has been extremely positive. I hope we can get as many of Havering’s children to see it as possible!”

Various companies and charities aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle offered advice at the forum. These included FoodFitness, Lush, Esporta Romford, Pickled Pepper Deli and Stubbers Outdoor Activity Centre.

Olivia Twist, which features the Queen’s professional company cut to the chase…, tours again between 23 January and 10 February 2006. The production explores the important issues of healthy eating; the perceptions children have about food and what it means to be part of a healthy school.

The story follows Olivia, a young orphan girl who wants more excitement and energy in her life. She is the new student at a boarding school where the dinner menu makes it difficult for her and her fellow students to concentrate. A frustrated and disheartened Olivia sets out on a journey of discovery and with the help of a host of interesting characters, she learns there is more to life than junk food.