Paddleboat Theatre Company 'Margo and Mr Whatsit'

Last term we had the absolute pleasure and privilege of working with the Paddleboat Theatre Company here at Rydon.  Paddleboat Theatre is a local professional theatre company who specialise in creating work with children for families.

Every child across key stage one and two took part in drama workshops with Paddleboat during the first half of the summer term.  Year Two were then lucky enough to work with them every Tuesday morning during the second half of term, learning drama skills and creating short plays and stories.   The workshops helped Paddleboat to develop their new show “Margo and Mr.Whatsit” about imaginary friends, growing up and a sense of home.  All of Paddleboat theatre’s work is created directly with children, and the final show is a direct result of the creative input from Year 2.

We were very fortunate to watch Paddleboat’s first ever performance of ‘Margo and Mr Whatsit’ at school one day and very pleased to think that our children had contributed so much to the final piece, including ideas for the props and scenery!

The project culminated in a very special performance at the Phoenix Centre in Exeter.  Rydon Children had the opportunity to perform in a professional theatre alongside children from Exeter Deaf Academy.  Children from both schools blew the audience of specially invited guests (including Ben Bradshaw MP and the Lord Mayor of Exeter) away with their confidence and creativity.  The children also impressed with their behaviour and attitude throughout the project and the Year Two teachers felt very proud of them and what they had achieved.

Thank you so much to Katy, Michael, Stuart and Hattie from Paddleboat for inviting us to share in this magical journey and all your hard work for the children here at Rydon.  We can’t wait to work with you again soon!

A mention must also go to Rydon PTA who work tirelessly to raise funds so that we can offer the children here at Rydon this kind of amazing opportunity.  Thank you for supporting this project and helping to make it possible.

Finally a big thank you to ‘The Helen Foundation’, a local charity who by providing prizes in schools, subsidised arts-based workshops and bursaries the Foundation  encourages and support young people to develop their talents and pursue their ambitions.   We were fortunate enough to be awarded a Helen Foundation subsidy towards this project and very much appreciate it.