Kids Fun at Marine Hall

My and my sister-in-law took our kids to see ‘How the Koala Learnt to Hug’ at Marine Hall this weekend, what a great show! It was really interactive, the kids loved it (especially when the cuddly koala and sweets made their way around the audience.) There was plenty of singing and laughter and some comedy for the grown ups too! More shows like this please!

A Trip to the Theatre

We went along to a packed out Thornton Little Theatre on Friday to watch Mike Kenny’s ‘The Scarecrow’.  It’s a play for children and their families and it was the first trip to the theatre for many of the little one’s there. They all loved it! Nothing like a bit of culture to end the half term week! The play was great and the performers took the time after the show to meet the children, let them have a go on some of the musical instruments and show them how to make the puppets used in the production. Definitely up for a family trip to the theatre again soon, starting with ‘How the Koala Leant to Hug at Marine Hall on 26 March!!

The Scarecrow at Thornton Little Theatre

Al fresco entertainment

Last Friday (23^rd July) I went to Wyre Estuary Country Park for a great evening out. Gambolling Arena Theatre  Company had taken up residence in the family field for the weekend. They performed ‘Blue Remembered Hills,’ a play by Dennis Potter. It’s about children playing in the Forest of Dean ( so the backdrop of hills sheltering the field were incorporated into the stage). It’s set just after World War 2, so The Harmony Belles entertained the audience while they got seated in blue and white deck chairs. Alison Boden, our Natutral Environment Officer got a fit of the giggles watching me open up my deckchair, but we were soon absorbed in the play.

It had been raining all week, but people had taken the opportunity of a dry evening to enjoy the acting, the music and the gorgeous view of our own Lakeland Hills. Some brought picnics and flasks. Lots of people were really surprised at how much activity goes on at the Country Park. The theatre company also did children’s workshops and performances on the Saturday and Sunday.

If you missed out on the fun, there’s more to come. The Country Park’s Open Day is on 22^nd August and there are free samba band workshops for 11-25 year olds so that they can join Baybeat in entertaining visitors to real summer music sounds. In October there’s a Family Sculpture Day with raku pottery firing and more band music. Hopefully we won’t disturb the wildlife too much- it’s the reason so many people already visit the park.

Jean Laurie, Arts Development Officer