David Yip joins Outside In Theatre to support children’s mental wellbeing in their new digital production of Finding Robin’s Rainbow.
Finding Robin’s Rainbow is an interactive digital adventure for four to eight-year-olds and their families, exploring mindfulness through storytelling, drama and craft activities.
It takes place online and at home from 1st April to 8th May 2022. This interactive experience helps children connect with themselves and their environment through a multi-sensory and inclusive approach, designed for children of all abilities to participate.
Through a powerful narrative dealing with the anxieties of modern life, Finding Robin’s Rainbow aims to give children imaginative tools to help them self-care and enable them to support their mental wellbeing.
Film and television actor, David Yip makes a guest appearance in this production playing the role of Grandpa Tom, ‘Storytelling is the very core of what we do and whether you are in front of a class of children or in front of a full house at the National Theatre or Royal Shakespeare Company the same applies. Being truthful, honest, inspiring, entertaining and hopefully finding that little sprinkling of magic too, is what we are about. Working with Outside In on Finding Robin’s Rainbow had all these elements in abundance.’ says David.
Finding Robin’s Rainbow is the brainchild of Hazel Barnes and Helen Crevel, Co-Artistic Directors of Outside In Theatre. ‘We’re passionate about creating innovative projects that promote health and wellbeing through the arts, and we’ve enjoyed the challenge of discovering how we can make immersive and interactive theatre work in a digital format for this production’ says Hazel. ‘Our young people are going through a mental health crisis right now and we wanted to create work that supports them to deal with that, so this project is designed to help children as young as four, take charge of their mental wellbeing.’ says Helen.
The adventure comprises five short films and five activities for children to take part in each chapter of the adventure at home. Throughout the story, the audience learns about mindfulness and self-care techniques they can use to help them feel calmer, braver and more resilient. In chapter one, the children are invited to make a ‘Teddy Toolbox’, a decorated box to collect mementoes from the adventure, which serves as a reminder of the activities that can help them feel better, and becomes a self-care resource to use after the adventure. Families can take part for free, thanks to the support using public funding by Arts Council England.
For families experiencing digital poverty, Outside In Theatre is publishing their first storybook. In partnership with The Core Theatre and Corby Library, families in Corby can pick up the storybook version of the project, along with a craft pack so that they can take part in the adventure, and join in the activities.
Families can access the videos and activity sheets through Eventbrite, go to outsideintheatre.eventbrite.co.uk to book your free ticket
