A taste of magic: Family dinner gets a touch of drama
Family dinners at The Girls & Boys Brigade are some of our most joyful and impactful events. Each month, children and youth gather with their families to enjoy a delicious meal together at our centre, creating cherished memories and enjoying a rare night off from cooking. But recently, Mr. Curly had a brilliant idea to make these dinners even more special by combining them with a magical night of live theatre.
“The thought of hosting a national theatre company to perform was both thrilling and ambitious,” said Mr. Curly. “Many of our families have never had the chance to witness quality theatre, especially not theatre tailored to children.”
Having worked with Bell Shakespeare in the past, Mr. Curly reached out to them to see if they would be willing to help bring his vision to life. Their production of Romeo & Juliet, adapted by Andy Griffiths and Joanna Erskine, felt like the perfect fit. Not only were many of the children familiar with Andy’s work from the homework room, but they were also studying Shakespeare, making this adaptation relatable and engaging.
The event required careful planning, promoted weeks in advance to help families arrange their schedules. The venue was adorned with fairy lights and other thoughtful touches, and a fantastic set was created in the basement.
On the night, we welcomed over 55 attendees, including many carers who don’t normally engage — an encouraging turnout. For our team, seeing families laugh and create lasting memories made all the effort worthwhile.
One memorable moment occurred during the climax when Romeo was about to drink the poison. A child shouted, “Don’t drink it!” This reaction highlighted how engaged he was with the story, grasping the complexities of Juliet’s feigned death. It was heartwarming to witness the narrative spark critical thinking and empathy.
“This experience reinforced my belief in the transformative power of performance and art on young lives. It can expand their imaginations, enabling them to dream beyond their current realities and envision brighter futures,” said Mr. Curly. “This journey into theatre was not just about putting on a show; it was about igniting joy, connection, and a sense of belonging in our community.”
