In 2007, Half Moon ran two programmes for early years children and their parents to explore, learn and play together. These were part of a commitment by the company to make interactive and immersive experiences for very young children.
Journey Together offered a series of drama play sessions for pre-school children and their parents and carers and was a unique opportunity for parents and carers of different backgrounds to play and learn alongside their children in a creative, structured and supportive environment.
Sensory Journey was an interactive installation piece that guided children through a series of experiences that explored light, sound, space and texture.
Paula Manning was Associate Director at Half Moon Theatre in the late 2000s, with a particular responsibility for the early years and special needs work. She talks about the multi-sensory outreach programmes which accompanied the professional theatre productions for early years audiences and the broader social impact this had. Interviewed by Toni Tsaera.
Justin Allder is a drama facilitator and film-maker who has worked on a range participatory projects with Half Moon Theatre on White Horse Road from the early 2000s. He talks about the child-centred approach to the outreach programme which accompanied productions for early years audiences. Interviewed by Rosie Vincent.
Jayne Seago and her twin daughters, Sophie and Mia talk about Half Moon Theatre. Jayne was in the Youth Theatre at Mile End Road in the 1980s and Sophie and Mia became involved at White Horse Road when they were two and still attend Youth Theatre each week. Interviewed by Rosie Vincent.
Paula Manning also talks about how the company moved towards immersive theatre experiences for the very young and those with special needs, by placing the participant at the centre of the experience. Interviewed by Toni Tsaera.
Chris Elwell has been the Director of Half Moon Theatre on White Horse Road since 1997. He talks about creating work for very young audiences and the importance of engaging children in theatre at a very early age. Interviewed by Kavana Joyett.
Have you got a memory you’d like to share? Or perhaps you have a programme or poster from one of our shows that we're currently missing? Then we want to hear from you! The website is a living archive and we will continue to add information as it comes to light.
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