Published: 29 Oct 2026
We're back with our in-school programme to develop communication, confidence and performance skills...
In September and October, we kicked off the academic year by working with 113 students to devise, write, and perform their very own original theatre piece inspired by a PSHE theme chosen by their school…
Over the course of six weeks, Lead Facilitators Paul Andrew and Emily Haldane, and Assistant Facilitator Monique Eleanor guided four Year 5 classes from two schools (and three more to go!), to create their own performance, including an original song! One school devised a performance around the theme of kindness, safety and learning, while the other school chose the theme ‘Being Me in My World’. The young people then performed this final piece to their peers in their school setting, celebrating their creativity and voices.
As well as taking part in the weekly workshops, we aim to provide positive exposure to live theatre, so both schools have tickets to attend the schools-only relaxed performance of Disney’s The Lion King.
One of the schools has a Pupil Premium of 52% while the other has a Pupil Premium of 28% (national average 28%).
93% of students felt like they had fun on the programme
63% of students felt confident at expressing themselves creatively
60% of students felt confident in contributing their ideas to the group
The Go Create programme successfully enhanced the young people’s creative expression and increased their confidence and self-esteem. With 83% of students wanting to attend the theatre again and be involved in future theatre opportunities, it is clear this programme has provided the young people with positive exposure to watching and creating theatre.
We asked the students to share what they enjoyed across the six weeks:
“I enjoyed everything and it was a unique experience”
“Getting to act and make our own songs”
“I loved working together and making friends on this was fun”
“I liked sharing my ideas”
“I liked having a stage and performing something we made”
“I feel more confident”
We would like to thank our funders, John Lyon’s Charity and The Brown Rudnick Charitable Foundation, for making this programme possible.
Donate today to help ensure every child, regardless of background, has the chance to experience the transformative power of live theatre and open doors for the next generation.
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