The idea
We will create a new live show for libraries! Partnering with Lancashire Archives & Local History & library venues. The idea for the show will be inspired by staff, volunteers & local communities & a fascinating book that can be found in Lancashire Archives, 'Puppets Through Lancashire'.
Volunteers will research stories & history from the collections & families will be invited along to fun workshop days to share their stories & get creative with local history collections.
Our style of theatre connects to people of all ages from 4-104! Blending puppetry, mask, circus, music & play families will enjoy a performance right in the heart of their community.
Following each show, audiences can meet the performers & the puppets & explore the fascinating local history collections at the libraries. We will be creating a new interactive family 'case' that will remain at the libraries after the show for more families to enjoy.
Project research will form a new local history resource.
What we'll deliver
- Live theatre performances
- Family workshops
- Interactive Family Activity Cases
Why it's a great idea
Knowing more about your local history contributes to a sense of identity, community & pride in your town. Local studies collections hold all this information & more & is freely available to everyone to access.
Through this innovative & creative project, Lancashire Archives & Local History would like to encourage a wider audience of people to come into these spaces in their communities to discover and use the local studies collections.
By bringing free family theatre into community spaces we provide opportunities for audiences who may not otherwise engage with local history collections to learn more about this resource and encourage future visits.
Benefits will include:
- More local people will enjoy a shared experience
- more opportunities for children & families to enjoy theatre & find out about their local history
-increased awareness & use of local history collections
- a platform for sharing stories with other generations
- new volunteering opportunities
Steps to get it done
- 10 Sept - Partnership project meeting - agree timeline/activities/ plan for creation of cases
- 16 Sept-22 Dec - Volunteer recruitment / training / research period (dates tbc)
- 14-21 October - Family/Community Workshop week
- 4-8 Dec - Volunteer, Staff, show development days (collating research/stories)
- 8 Jan-23 Feb - script development, performer recruitment / creation of library interactive cases
- 4 March - 22 March - performance devising/rehearsals
- 17-25 March (tbc) library performance linking with Lancashire Literature Festival
- 26 March (tbc) Chorley library performance linking with What's Your Story, Chorley
- 4 April (tbc) Fleetwood Library performance linking with Easter School holidays
- 15 June (tbc) Burnely Library performance linking with Burnley Words Festival
- 17 -28 June - final project evaluation / sharing event
We will also be applying to the Heritage Lottery fund to support with the costs of our project.
