The year nine children of Pennfields Special School were studying 'Spooky Stories' for one of their English projects. The teacher involved felt that in order for them to have a complete understanding of creating mood and atmosphere, they should some sort of theatrical experience along this theme. Urban Voice felt that this really should be an experience in which they should be actively involved, rather than passive audience members. An interactive piece of site specific theatre was created especially for pupils with special needs.
The piece takes the form of a ghost-walk/murder mystery in which the young people are lead around the attic rooms of the Mansion House in Sherwsbury by an actor in role as a ghost. The children meet characters of the past and solve an ancient murder enquiry, using various clues and maps. the piece was very successful and has been repeated in other schools.
"In October 2002, myself and fourteen of my pupils visited Urban Voice Theatre Company at the Mansion House in Shrewsbury. The pupils, all with special educational needs and between the ages of twelve and fourteen, participated in a Halloween 'Murder mystery' event. The pupils were entirely enthused by the event and still, over a month later are desperate to repeat the experience. The three actors that worked with the children were both professional and considerate to the specific needs of the pupils. The pupils all participated fully in the drama and were extremely pleased when 'Baroness Pimplybottom' was found guilty, as they had suspected. The day was well structured and organised with act ivies appropriate to the needs of the pupils. Overall, an excellent day. I would recommend Urban voice without reservation."
Eve Charlton Pennfields School
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