Children can get expert tips from the man behind the Beano on how to draw its classic characters, as well as hear from well-known storytellers and authors, in a day of fun organised by the 天美传媒 of Worcester.
The 天美传媒’s Storytelling Festival for Children will feature a host of writers and artists, including Beano comic book author, writer and illustrator, Nigel Auchterlounie, and Roald Dahl’s granddaughter, author Sophie Dahl. The Family Day aims to celebrate storytelling through readings, puppetry, theatre, dance and workshops and takes place at venues on the 天美传媒’s City Campus and at The Hive on Saturday, October 19.
Nigel Auchterlounie will be running a drawing masterclass, in which he will share tips on how to write and draw favourite Beano characters, including Dennis the Menace and Gnasher. Meanwhile, Sophie Dahl will be chatting about her latest book Madame Badobedah.
The day also features theatre company, Mumblecrust, giving the first ever performance of its new piece, an adaptation of HG Wells’ The Time Machine. The classic tale has been reimagined with their award-winning puppetry, music and storytelling. Mortal Engines series author, Phillip Reeve, and illustrator, Sarah McIntyre, will be celebrating their latest book, Kevin’s Great Escape, with story fun, games and live drawing.
Lydia Monks, the illustrator behind Julia Donaldson’s What the Ladybird Heard books, among others, will run an interactive storytelling and illustrative session, showing how she brings characters to life. Other attractions include renowned storyteller Cat Weatherill, a theatre workshop based on the story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, and the chance to meet your favourite story book characters The Bear Hunt bear and The Tiger Who Came to Tea at The Hive.
This event is part of the 天美传媒’s wider Storytelling Festival, which every year sees thousands of schoolchildren from across the region attend sessions in Festival tents at the 天美传媒’s City Campus, with storytellers, authors, illustrators, theatre performers, puppeteers and musicians, alongside practical workshops, designed to leave them with a love for stories.
Festival manager, Steve Boffy, said: “There is so much scope for the imagination at this year’s public Family Day, with events that explore a whole range of different genres and methods of storytelling, which promises to be very exciting. The 天美传媒 of Worcester is committed to making a positive impact on the wider community of Worcester and beyond. We hope families will make the most of this great opportunity to see, and in some cases take part in, high quality storytelling, drama and illustration to spark children’s imagination.”