Relaxed Performances at the Festival and King's Theatres Edinburgh
Here at Cash for Kids we were delighted to be able to fund relaxed panto experiences for so many local young children. The Festival and King's Theatres have described how your fundraising has made a positive difference to these kids' lives.
On 12 January 2017 the King’s Theatre hosted the third Cash for Kids Relaxed Panto and it was another roaring success. Cash for Kids made it possible for 1056 children with additional needs and their carers and teachers to attend either Cinderella or Polar Bears Go Up – a smaller scale production in our Studio more suitable for younger children. And they had an amazing time!
Below you’ll find some case studies and feedback demonstrating the huge impact your support has had on these individual children and on the schools as a whole. It was so wonderful to be able to give this opportunity to children who wouldn’t usually be able to access the theatre and it is now something they look forward to each year.
Case Studies
Pupil A, Braidburn School –is both blind and deaf and prior to coming to the Panto comes on a supported visit to the Kings to have a touch tour of the stage. Here she can feel the set, props, feel the costumes and build up a picture in her mind of how the Panto looks. Her support worker signs on her hand so she knows what she is feeling. During the performance, she sits directly by one of the speakers so that she can feel the vibrations of the music and sound effects. Also during the show, her support worker signs for her on her hand and introduces props and textures to help support her understanding of what is happening on stage. We have been told she absolutely loves the Panto and looks forward to it all year!
Pupil B, Braidburn School - has severe Autism and is a wheelchair user. He has never been brought to the Panto before as his carers felt it would be too much for him, so he usually stays at school. This year they decided that they should give it a try. He was very anxious and upset on arrival and refused to come into the theatre. The noise and other sensory experience was overwhelming for him. Very gently, with support, he slowly gained confidence and was wheeled nearer to the auditorium, and we gave him a programme so he could look at some of the characters who were on stage. He still screamed when his carers tried to take him into the auditorium but we noticed him gradually becoming more curious about what was happening inside, particularly when he could hear his classmates laughing at the jokes. He eventually managed to come and join the others. He sat near the back but was engaged and at one point was seen rocking gently in time with the music and clapping fiercely. His carers explained that this was an extraordinary achievement for him and they were amazed he had been so engaged with the Panto.
Oaklands School Feedback
‘It was great fun!’
‘All the modern songs make it more relatable for pupils’.
‘Once again a fantastic opportunity for our young people. Getting involved in these community events is not always easy for pupils with ASN and takes careful planning but the staff at the theatre and the relaxed performance itself support everyone to be included and really enjoy the show.’
‘A special event that we look forward to each year’
‘Many thanks for all that you do in providing our pupils with the Panto experience at the Kings. For some of our pupils going into an unknown environment can be hugely challenging but the fact that they all stayed (and with a smile on their faces) is the biggest compliment of all!’
‘On behalf of the Primary and Nursery departments at Oaklands School, I would like to thank you very much for inviting us to the performance of Polar Bears Are Up!. As always the theatre staff were extremely welcoming and accommodating and did their best to ensure all the pupils were comfortable and supported in seeing the show. The cushions on the floor enabled some of our youngest children to be involved and the withdrawal space was a big hit with our more mobile pupils! These shows are always very positive experiences for our children; it was lovely to see lots of smiles and hear wonderful vocalisations from the pupils and we are very grateful for the opportunity to be involved.’
Morna Phillips
Head Teacher
Braidburn School Feedback
‘I cannot go far enough in expressing my gratitude for welcoming us to the King’s Theatre today to enjoy the relaxed performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. The anticipation had been building in Braidburn for many, many weeks and our experience today lived up to everything our children and young people imagined.’
This incredible opportunity allows pupils from across the school to come together as friends and enjoy something that would not be possible without the amazing effort of you and your team. Their reactions to the performance were wonderful; I think that our staff team spent more time marvelling at their faces, their laugher, ooo’s and aaa’s than anything else.
Our experience today will live with them for such a long time. I know this as they were re-living Snow White from last year just this week. The smiles, jokes and laughs this afternoon in school was magical.’
Euan Alexander
Acting Head Teacher, Braidburn
Pilrig Park School Feedback
‘Charlotte Chiswick (Depute) has just said to me how wonderful this morning was for all our pupils – all thanks to the team at the Kings Theatre. She said that you looked after our pupils so well, and that the staff were attentive and understanding in every way. Our pupils enjoyed the production immensely and were telling me all about it at lunchtime!
Our staff thought that the ‘pitch’ was just right; all the effects etc. were such that the needs of our pupils had been taken into consideration and everything was very appropriate. Thank you also for the transport up to the theatre – all went according to plan. One of our groups even met ‘Jack’ in the foyer on the way out, which made their day complete!!
Thank you so much from us all at Pilrig Park.’
Principal Teacher
Catriona Ferguson
If you would like to help us to continue to support local children then please, donate here: https://www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/donate/radio-forth-cash-for-kids-donation