TheatreQuest 2007 gave 1,300 UK children the chance to engage with their local theatre and study a brand new play (”A Singer from the Desert Came”), specially commissioned by Children & the Arts, and written by award-winning author Jamila Gavin. The play contains strong environmental and social themes and is set in the future when the world as we know it has been destroyed by our current way of life, encouraging children to think about environmental issues.
Children involved in the project saw performances at their local theatre, got to know the people behind the scenes and worked on set design and costume making, working with recycled materials, as well as developing their own productions of the play. One teacher said:
The whole project has been brilliant from start to finish. Can’t say enough good things about it - it is one of those rare projects. The kids have got so much out of it.
TheatreQuest 2007 was developed with the support of Land Securities Group PLC and at a local level saw 13 Land Securities’ owned shopping centres working with 13 theatres and 13 secondary schools to build community links and inspire local children.
The project culminated in a grand, national finale at the Unicorn Theatre in London on Monday 28th January 2008. The finale was attended by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales (President of Children & the Arts) and Duchess of Conrwall (Paron of Unicorn Theatre). The work of all schools involved in the project was showcased in a variety show which included performances of sections of the play, a fashion show of costumes and a short film. The children were joined on stage by professional actor Harry Lloyd, who recently played Will Scarlett in the BBC’s adaptation of Robin Hood, as he took on the role of Robin, the oldest character in the play.
View the TheatreQuest play and teacher materials
Read diary entries from participating schools.