This December, young people from eight Hippodrome Education Network primary and SEN schools participated in our showcase week in the Patrick Studio.

Inspired by a trip to Disney’s Aladdin at the Hippodrome in October, the schools worked with our HEN Artist-Facilitators over the last half term to create either their own scenes based on the spectacular musical or a Winter theme, which they would then share on our Patrick Studio stage.

When working in our HEN schools, our Artist-Facilitators use their expertise in different areas of theatre and performance to develop work with young people over a number of weeks in which the children feel included and have opportunities to shine.

With the help from our Artist-Facilitators: Anna, Jhanee, Charlie and Cheryl, the participants created thrilling performances with dance, song and drama elements, and wowed audiences with their talent and confidence. For many, this was the first time they had stepped onto a professional stage.

Speaking about the showcase, Caroline Beaven, Education Manager (Primary & SEN) said: “HEN is committed to providing goosebumps experiences for young people both as audience members and participants. The showcase really allowed the young performers to see that theatre is a place where they are welcome and can have fun.”

“We are always delighted with the variety and quality of the work the young people produce with our Artist-Facilitators; it’s fantastic that they have opportunities like these to enrich and inspire them.”

Find out more about our Hippodrome Education Network here.