Year 1 didn’t go to the panto. Oh yes they did!

On a gloomy first day of term Year 1 (21 children) and five members of staff ventured out on a truly fantastic adventure to Canterbury on the local bus. Tickets purchased and seats found on the top deck. The children spotted local landmarks including the Wildlife Park, Canterbury Cathedral and familiar supermarkets! We passed the time on the bus playing eye spy and sharing our Christmas holiday experiences.

A brisk walk through the city, with the children being complimented on their exceptional behaviour and smart appearance, led us to The Marlowe Theatre. The excitement grew as we took our seats in the stalls, surrounded by other school parties waiting for the show to begin. Some children were nervous with excitement and anticipation but once the show began, every child was drawn in to the interactive performance. From Snappy the crocodile, acrobats, fire jugglers, Peter Pan flying into the auditorium and the ghosts terrified by the pantomime Dame on the Marlowe wooden bench, the children sat in awe of the experience from beginning to end. Many questions were asked and answered throughout the performance!

‘Is that really a lady?’

‘Is Peter Pan really flying?’

‘Why is the crocodile ticking?’

‘That lady lives in my television, how did she get here?’

‘Is that real fire?’

Interval lollies enjoyed, the action continued with the show concluding with everyone on their feet singing ‘Reach For The Stars!’.

Back through the City our crocodile of children walked. For some, weariness started to set in with aching legs and croaky voices (from the interactive action) but everyone showed determination getting back to the bus ready for our return to Ash.

This shared learning adventure is one that we won’t forget in a hurry. For some it was the first time on the public bus, for others a first visit to the theatre without parents or to a pantomime. For all it was a pleasure and a valuable learning experience spending time outside the classroom in the wider community. We stretched our knowledge and understanding of the wider world and safely returned to tell of our adventure to all those who weren’t lucky enough to share our experience ‘Can we go again?!’