Arts in Education

This unique form of interactive Theatre in Education looks at life in London during Roman and Tudor times. Each production focuses on a separate historical period and support the National Curriculum in history and literacy. Children take on identities from the period to help them examine some of the characters and dilemmas of the time.

'Baited Hooks: Henry VIII's London'
This production focuses on London in the 1530s, just before Henry VIII's marriage to Anne Boleyn. The children become Tudor apprentices and citizens, encountering some of the characters and dilemmas of the time. A practical workshop enables them to experience the realities of life as a London apprentice, visit the historic Watermen’s Hall and help to prepare music and dance for Anne Boleyn's coronation.

'Ultima Britannia: Life on a Roman Frontier'
Set in first century Londinium, newly rebuilt after its destruction by Boudicca and notorious among Roman officials as a hardship posting, the south aisle of the church becomes the villa that occupied the site two thousand years ago, and children encounter some of the characters and dilemmas of the time. They are also able to walk at Roman street level through the crypt and handle artefacts of the period.

Teachers’ comments
"Excellent support – all class engaged. The complex drama took the children’s understanding to a far deeper level. Both the content and the acting were outstanding – breathtakingly good."

"Every child was engaged and enthusiastic. Some of my class have difficulty answering questions so I was very pleased to see how they participated. A great resource."

"I have been on many school trips, and nothing comes close to this. The acting is brilliant, and the story so complex and sophisticated. One might imagine 8-9 year-olds wouldn’t get it. In fact, they were engaged in a way I have NEVER seen them before. Absolutely brilliant, outstanding in every way."

"This is a wonderful project Very informative and so enjoyable for the adults as well as the children. This is a trip the children will remember for a long time."

"It was such a fantastic day – I’ve been amazed at how brilliant everyone was and really engaged the children. They have got so much out of it – we’ve all enjoyed it, me included!"

The Arts in Education project is dependent on grant funding and 'in kind' assistance, and has been supported in various ways by the Aldgate & Allhallows Barking Exhibition Foundation, Company of Watermen & Lightermen, Man Group Charitable Trust, Unilever plc, Coutts Charitable Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Museum of London, Charles French Charitable Trust, Ernest Cook Trust, Worshipful Company of World Traders, Tower Hill Trust, Worshipful Company of Mercers, Worshipful Company of Leathersellers, Worshipful Company of Vintners, Awards for All, Heritage Lottery Fund.
We are very grateful to all our funders and project partners for their help.