As part of Splatt Theatre’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of cast members and audiences, over the summer I took the time to make changes to our WW2 Immersive Theatre production, so that it is in line with the Health Authority’s information and guidelines.
I am aware that most schools have made the decision not to take their children off site for school trips, therefore I have created an experience that can come directly to you. Due to the introduction of staggered break times, I know that the Hall is not always available for external companies to use. With this in mind, I have made it possible for WW2 to be performed inside a classroom.
Due to Covid 19 guidelines, the experience will run slightly differently to what you are used to as we are implementing preventative measures, such as social distancing , but please be assured that feedback from schools so far has all been positive.
Please see below a guide of what the experience now includes:
- Content designed and written by SPLATT Theatre Company to cover curriculum thematically through Literacy, Drama, Speaking & Listening, History and SMSC.
- SPLATT Theatre will arrive at your school at 8am to set up. All we require is access to the School Hall or classroom for a morning.
- Children would be met and registered by Billeting Officers who will immerse the children and take them on a journey, where they will experience the life of a WW2 child. Here they will be given a brief medical check and learn the WW2 drills.
- War time memories performed by professionally trained actors with child interaction.
- The children will watch and take part in a war time cookery show, where they will learn about ration book cooking; children will learn about foods and nutrition during the war.
- The children will also get to participate in a make-do-and-mend lesson where they will embroider their own bookmarks/bunting, which they will get to keep.
- The children will meet with a young evacuee and hear about her story.
- The experience is led by professional actors, who remain in character throughout the performance, constantly incorporating elements of drama and fun to enhance the learning environment. This is a real-life adventure where the children will be immersed in the spirit of the 1940’s, experiencing stories and historical facts delivered through carefully designed theatre, original war-time audio extracts and war time music.
- We encourage everyone attending the performance to where 1940’s style dress.
- We work with the children in their individual form groups.
- The experience lasts for approximately 80 minutes.
What teachers have said…
“Thank you for coming. The children absolutely loved the workshop and they got a great deal out of it. A great way to emerge them into the topic of WW2.”
(Horsenden Primary)
“Thank you SO much for Friday, the children absolutely loved it. We definitely thought it was better doing it as a WOW day to introduce the topic as they had very little knowledge beforehand! Our new Y6 teacher told me how engrossed she was as she hadn’t seen it before. Thank you so much again, See you next year!”
(Downsview Primary)
We will continue to adjust our way of working in schools according to the recommendations of Health Authorities as the situation develops.