NURTURING, CELEBRATING AND
INTERROGATING EARLY CHILDHOOD
Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant 00787419
EXAMPLE MATERIAL
COUNTING SHEEPS
‘The Herd are managing to inspire and meaningfully demonstrate the unifying and inspiring powers of theatre. I saw first hand how parents and carers who haven’t ventured into the world of Early Years theatre before were bowled over. By taking this work outside of traditional theatre settings, The Herd are removing historic barriers around accessing performances for so many, and are doing the hard, vital graft of taking work to people in their comfort zones, rather than expecting them to turn up. It can only be a good thing for the sector, and for audiences alike.’
HELEN MATRAVERS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF POLKA THEATRE
'Perfect for tiny ones'
'My baby was mesmerised'
'Never been to anything like it - very innovative'
AUDIENCE RESPONSES
PAST EXAMPLES OF
CREATIVE PLAY SESSIONS
'Thank you so much for letting me join you at the end of April. The session was amazing – the extra dimension that you bring as artists enhances the opportunities for the families. The freedom that you have in your expression is so infectious and the work that you are doing is invaluable. The resources and provocations that you provide for the families enable amazing creativity which is not confined or restricted to conventions and norms. It really is a magical experience'
HELEN TAN, EARLY YEARS AREA LEAD, HULL & EAST YORKSHIRE
'We love the open ended play possibilities and
the use of recycled materials'
'It wasn't conventional toy stuff! Loved all the reclaimed materials. It makes you realise what you have at home that you could play with. The calming pastel colours and soundtrack was lovely too, so much nicer than the loud music in other settings'
AUDIENCE RESPONSES