During 2026 Speedwell Dance will work with children and families to co-create a new inclusive performance inspired by the relationship between children and trees. We will play, sing, dance with live cello/flute/clarinet and tell stories to each other during an extensive series of workshops taking place both in libraries and amongst trees. Library sessions will begin with families selecting books with stories, pictures, words about trees from the shelves. Outdoors we’ll ask children questions such as, ‘who do you think lives in this tree?’, ‘what do you think happened under its branches a long time ago’ and ‘what secrets does this tree keep?’
From these interactions the creative team behind Thumbelina and the Mountain Witch will then create a Dance, Music and Story performance for ages 3-8 years with live music and truly integrated playful participation at its heart, ready to tour theatres, schools and community settings in 2027.
