Stuck for ideas on how to entertain the kids this summer? A new interactive theatrical experience with games, mysteries, puzzles and activities may be just the ticket!
The Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield has collaborated with The Dukes arts venue in Lancaster and theatre producers The Big Tiny to create the Charlotte Holmes Adventure Box.
Charlotte Holmes is an interactive theatrical experience for families to enjoy at home, courtesy of an Adventure Box, delivered straight to your door. Unfolding over seven fun-filled days, the Adventure Box is packed with games, recorded performances from actors, activities, mysteries, clues, puzzles and online content.
Set in 1940, Charlotte Holmes follows the story of a young girl who has been evacuated to Yorkshire during World War II. The idea has been developed out of an urgent need for creative activities for young people stuck at home, and follows in the steps of legendary super-sleuth Sherlock Holmes.
The Adventure Box offers an alternative to summer schools, which in many cases have been cancelled. It’s an alternative artistic and educational invention to get children out and about during the holidays, promising more than 10 hours of play time.
At a time when many arts organisations went dark, the Lawrence Batley Theatre has been at the forefront of digital innovation during the cultural shift caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and has risen above many other organisations while continuing to adapt and bring original online theatre to the world, at a time when the theatre industry faces ongoing struggles.
Within days of lockdown, the theatre had launched their completely free online channel, LBTV, filled with workshops and masterclasses, storytelling sessions and backstage videos, attaining more than 17,500 views.
Alongside their free programme, the theatre has also produced two online plays; The Understudy and Nigel Slater’s Toast, which have welcomed digital audiences from more than 40 countries.
The Dukes has also played a huge part during the COVID-19 Pandemic with their channel the Digital Dukes. They launched five participatory online creative programmes reaching an audience of 43,000.
When: Available now
Where: Delivered to your door
£: The Adventure Box costs £25 and is ideal for families with children aged 7 – 12 years
More info: charlotte-holmes.thelbt.org and dukeslancaster.org/charlotte-holmes-adventure-box