theatre
in education tour to schools |
5
- 23 November 2007
by Jim Bywater
Put healthy eating centre stage!
This interactive production uses theatre to explore the issue of healthy eating. It is designed to support schools in their efforts to challenge childrens’ perceptions about food and develop their confidence with new food.
Olivia is a young orphan girl who wants more excitement and energy in her life. She is the new student at a 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 about the benefits of healthy eating.
Returning to her school with renewed energy and enthusiasm, Olivia seeks to teach others what it means to be part of a healthy school and enjoy the ‘event’ of eating.
The production addresses
the following curriculum areas:
English/Literacy – drama, speaking and listening skills, group discussion
and interaction.
Citizenship – developing a healthy, safer lifestyle and developing
confidence and responsibility.
| cut to the chase... in a Queen's Theatre production | ||||
 Nancy Jessica Dennis |
 Zak Gary Faulkener |
 Mr Glover/Bill Paul Moorcroft |
Mrs Fry Victoria Stadler |
 Olivia Twist Hanna Zapala |
Production
Photographs
from the 2005 tour
| what you thought “The whole school really enjoyed the show! The children all want to cook more in school now. It also made the children think more about their lifestyle.” – Class Teacher, St Peter’s Catholic School “We enjoyed the enthusiasm and versatility of the performers. It also showed how easy it can be to produce good quality food.” – Class Teacher, Squirrels Heath Junior School “A thoroughly enjoyable production, relevant, child friendly, highly amusing and educational. Superb acting. Hands on Cookery involving children and allowing them to taste went down very well. Many thanks, would love to see it again.” – Class Teacher, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School “I loved watching the cooking and the chance to eat! The dance and exercise was great! We will eat and choose different food types.” – Child’s Response “We were entertained and we all got to join in and enjoyed the cooking demo.” – Class Teacher, Drew Primary School “We really enjoyed the way the children were involved with the show. It linked well with the work we are doing on healthy eating.” – Class Teacher, Upminster Infants School “We enjoyed the interaction with the audience and the live cooking demo. The children were overheard saying “that was the best show ever.” – Class Teacher, Holy Cross Catholic School “We enjoyed the fact that the children were engaged throughout the show. Effective links of drama/nutrition/exercise. The whole production was excellent.” – Class Teacher, Dr Walker's Primary School Dr Walker's Primary School, Children’s Responses I liked the show and I really liked the fajitas and the dancing it was really fun. I want some more fajitas because you were really good and I asked my mum to make some fajitas. I really enjoyed it because it was good how they encouraged us to eat healthy and to keep fit and well. I enjoyed the fitness routine when we did to the music. I think that the play was very amazing and enjoyable. I loved the basic storyline and how it tied into the fact that not enough of us use and eat healthy fruit and veg. I really liked the play and I also liked the fajitas. I got the message that it was very important to eat five a day. |
