A Magical Theatre Trip to Warwick Arts Centre: The Smeds and the Smoos
On a crisp day in November all learners from Rainforest and Lower Safari classes set off on an exciting adventure to Warwick Arts Centre to see a captivating performance of The Smeds and the Smoos. The excitement was palpable as the students boarded the coach for the journey through Coventry which culminated in their arrival at the Warwick Arts Centre at 1pm ready for an afternoon of theatre.
The show The Smeds and the Smoos brought to life the imagination of renowned children’s author Julia Donaldson whose books have inspired children around the world. This particular production was a wonderfully whimsical reimagining of the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet. Instead of star-crossed lovers from feuding families the story featured two alien species, the Smeds and the Smoos, who are forbidden to interact. However, true love defies all boundaries and the two young aliens fall for one another despite the rules. They run away, sparking an intergalactic search by their frantic parents who travel across the solar system meeting a variety of friendly alien species along the way.
From the very first moment the performers took to the stage the learners were mesmerised by the vibrant set, the stunning puppetry and the brilliant acting and singing. The performance was a seamless blend of storytelling, live music and interactive puppetry that kept the children on the edge of their seats throughout. The characters were brought to life with such energy and charm that the students could not look away. The performance was not just entertaining but educational, offering numerous connections to our school’s curriculum.
One of the highlights of the visit was the way the play linked to many of the skills our learners are developing in the classroom. As part of our literacy and storytelling focus the themes of The Smeds and the Smoos reinforced important lessons about reading, writing, and the power of imagination. The story sparked discussions about creativity and storytelling, encouraging our young learners to think about how narratives unfold, how characters develop and how different forms of media can be used to tell a story.
Additionally, the trip to the theatre perfectly aligned with our school’s commitment to cultural development. Exposing our learners to live art, especially theatre, is an essential part of their educational journey. It allows them to engage with the world in a way that reading alone cannot. The immersive nature of the performance brought the concept of cultural expression to life leaving our students with a deeper appreciation of the arts and their potential impact.
After the show the learners were buzzing with excitement discussing their favourite moments and recounting the adventures of the Smeds and the Smoos. The trip was a huge success offering not only a fun and inspiring afternoon but also a meaningful educational experience that linked seamlessly with our curriculum.
In the end, the visit to Warwick Arts Centre wasn’t just about watching a play, it was about fostering a love for storytelling, nurturing creativity and giving our learners the chance to experience the magic of live theatre. A special thank you to the teachers and staff who made this possible and to all the students for their enthusiasm and respectful behaviour. We look forward to many more cultural outings in the future!
