Greenwich Theatre takes schoolchildren on a magical journey (From News Shopper)

Greenwich Theatre takes schoolchildren on a magical journey

3:03pm Friday 16th March 2012 in Leisure By Nikki Jarvis

Hundreds of children were taken on a magical adventure when they were given the rare opportunity to see a free piece of touring theatre.

Last Friday 350 children from schools in the borough got to watch The Phoenix and the Carpet at Greenwich Theatre.

Based on Edith Nesbit’s classic children’s book and performed by New Forest company Forest Forge, the show tells the story of four children and the adventures they have when they come across a glowing golden egg.

When it hatches, the bird that emerges is so magnificent and magical their lives are transformed forever.

With the phoenix as guide and a carpet that flies, the children are whisked off on adventures and escapades that they could scarcely dream of.

The children critics loved the show.

Edie Cakebread, nine, from Greenslade Primary said: “It was so exciting and fun.

“The actors were so good we really felt like we were there.”

Beulah Roberts, 10, also from Greenslade, said: “It was great to use our imagination, and it was really funny with only five actors changing costumes all the time for all the different characters.”

Alfie Bird, eight, from Gordons Primary, said: “I really liked all the different accents the actors used.

“This was different to other types of show I’ve seen.

“It was very clever how they all used the props to make different things in the story.”

And eight-year-old David Adesanwoo from Marvels Lane Primary School said: “It was outstanding.

“My favourite bit was when the phoenix was getting hotter and hotter.

“I have never been to the theatre before but I would definitely come back to this one.”

The production was presented as part of Greenwich Theatre’s regular commitment to bringing high quality children’s theatre to the area.

James Haddrell, Director of Greenwich Theatre, said: “Theatre is all about using your imagination, and you don’t get a more imaginative audience than children.

“There is something magical about transporting a theatre full of children off on an adventure which they can share, and talk about afterwards.

“Lots of the children today had never been to see a live performance like this before, and introducing them to the wonders of live theatre is part of what Greenwich Theatre exists for.”