The Pop Up Panto #CrowdfundLiverpool

The local economy

Employing local freelancers who have been hit by recent issues relating to unemployment and lack of opportunities, we were able to give work during a difficult time in their chosen field. We provided a free service to local communities meaning that money saved on such initiatives can be spent elsewhere such as on a Training Assistant or new equipment, as was pointed out to us on our school visits.

Volunteering, jobs & education

At the end of many of our performances, young students approached the team with real enthusiasm; saying they want to be like us one day. A large portion of our audience had never experienced live theatre before, so we were able to provide an insight into a new genre of entertainment; which was engaging, fun and relevant to them personally. In terms of education, we offered a message of inclusion, diversity and self appreciation with the themes of our show, and our story's message helped to instil this message in the minds of all those who saw it. We demonstrated that we are all different, we celebrated that difference, and that it is important to respect anyone for who they truly are.

Arts, culture & heritage

We provided feedback forms to every school, to be filled in by a member of staff on behalf of the students, and a lot of schools commented that this is the first introduction to live theatre to a lot of their students. We introduced the students to the arts, in a familiar setting such as their school hall or playground, demonstrating that the arts is in reach for them personally and a potential aspiration for them to take part one day. Our grass roots level approach meant that we were contacted by many schools far and wide in the Liverpool City Region, and we travelled to every school that expressed an interest. A spreadsheet was created that allowed us to map out the most efficient route for our teams to travel to, every day performing to 2 schools in any given area at a time. With initiatives such as this, schools were able to save what they would typically spend on such an experience (quotes provided by the schools ranged from £600-£1700 per trip for similar companies) so this saving meant that these funds can be spent elsewhere for the benefit of the schools' needs. Adapting a well known story and making it relevant and current meant that the young students saw 'themselves' on stage, and 'their' story being told. Again on the feedback forms, many students commented that they loved that the story was modern and up to date- which created an engaging and relevant story for them to follow and interact with.

Activity, health and leisure

Within our show, the original concept was to create an immersive experience that the students participated in also in the form of dancing and moving to promote an active lifestyle. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, students needed to remain sat down in their social bubbles in line with Government legislation. We had to adapt our approach and make all actions and dance moves ones that were able to be performed whilst still sat down- but, in many cases, in the fresh air. Songs were chosen that the students knew, that had arm actions, that could enable them to participate but continue to be separate in keeping with regulations. Many headteachers informed us that this show was the first time that the school had all been together since March 2020. In keeping with our forecast, the students were given a much needed release, and the community and mental wellbeing was bettered for our audience, whilst also providing a safe space in doing so. One teacher said that they had missed the sound of laughter in the corridors, and it was an emotional experience for anyone who took part. It brought the school together.