A couple of weeks ago, Lucas and I were invited to watch Sponge, a Big Imaginations production at Z-arts in Manchester.
Z-arts was formed in 2000 as a ‘creative space for young people’ with a priority on providing participatory activity. Creative learning is still at the core of everything they do, both inside and outside the building. They pride themselves on providing a welcoming, vibrant and safe environment for the whole family to enjoy.
Sponge embraces all things spongy. Set against 1970s music, the performers danced and played with various spongy objects. The atmosphere was very relaxed and joyful. The children and parents sat on the floor at the side watching and interacting with the performers. There are also seats in the theatre but it was lovely to be sat down, fully embracing the experience with the performers.
Lucas isn’t one to sit and watch, he wants to be involved in everything and when he got up and wandered into the performance area, the male performer scooped him up and popped him in a trug dancing and swirling Lucas within the performance before dropping him off at the side. Lucas’ face was an absolute picture, he was so happy and not at all phased. However, it did make him want to keep getting up so I apologise now for those that witnessed his tantrums as I tried stopping him going back onto the stage. As we were sat at the front, it was easy to leave whilst he calmed down before re-entering without disturbing anyone.
I absolutely loved the performance, it is so refreshing to see a production that wants to involve the little ones and encourage their own creativity. After the performance, the children were invited to all play with the sponges before leaving.
LaaLaa
October 13, 2016 at 6:32 am (2 years ago)This looks like a lot of fun for little un’s, especially by sitting on the floor and kind of being on the performers level. x
Miracle Max
October 13, 2016 at 9:53 am (2 years ago)It’s great that Lucas got to take part in the performance, interactive shows like this are so good for Children. Jo x
Stephanie Merry
October 13, 2016 at 10:46 am (2 years ago)Oh wow this looks like a lot of fun! I know my niece and nephew would love this x
Sarah Bailey
October 13, 2016 at 6:05 pm (2 years ago)Haha now this looks like crazy fun for little ones! What a cool ideas. x
CHARLOTTE EVANS
October 13, 2016 at 6:31 pm (2 years ago)this is such a good idea, when my cousins were younger I wanted to get them into theatre and it was impossible to find somewhere kid friendly, this seems amazing! xx
nicol
October 13, 2016 at 9:02 pm (2 years ago)i can imagine the laughter this will bring! sounds great for little ones
Liz Mays
October 13, 2016 at 9:13 pm (2 years ago)Aww, this seems like such a cool show. I really like that it’s interactive and fun for the kids.
Claire
October 13, 2016 at 9:33 pm (2 years ago)What a lovely idea – small folk love joining in!
Rhian Westbury
October 13, 2016 at 9:35 pm (2 years ago)It’s good that he was able to wander into the performance and they were receptive to that x
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
October 14, 2016 at 10:51 am (2 years ago)That looks like so much fun! I bet little ones love it! I can’t wait to do things like this when my baby is born.
Christine Dodd
October 14, 2016 at 3:23 pm (2 years ago)I like your description ‘all things spongy’ – looks like a lot of fun
Kathryn Watson
October 14, 2016 at 4:39 pm (2 years ago)This looks such a fun show and experience! I love things that are interactive for children xx
Nayna Kanabar
October 14, 2016 at 8:10 pm (2 years ago)How sweet to involve you little one. It looks like a great interactive experience.
Fashion and Style Police
October 14, 2016 at 8:31 pm (2 years ago)This looks like fun. I bet it was a fab experience.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
October 14, 2016 at 8:57 pm (2 years ago)I bet my little boy would love something like this. It’s lovely that it’s interactive.
Harriet from Toby & Roo
October 15, 2016 at 2:05 pm (2 years ago)This looks really cool, my middle son would absolutely love this!
Hannah
October 15, 2016 at 3:11 pm (2 years ago)This is so cool and love how interactive it is for little ones x
Sally Akins
October 16, 2016 at 6:19 pm (2 years ago)What a fantastic performance, it looks like a huge amount of fun!
Melissa major
October 16, 2016 at 7:37 pm (2 years ago)Looks like a lot of fun and a great laugh for all the family 🙂