Darlington’s children’s theatre company Theatre Hullabaloo is to tour Tees Valley with an immersive show for 7- to 11-year-olds about children’s mental health.
Spirits of the Sea has been specifically developed as a creative entry point into issues of mental health for children aged 7 to 11, particularly around ways to tackle anxiety and depression.
A 2018 survey by the Mental Health Foundation revealed that 1 in 10 schoolchildren have a diagnosable mental health condition. 75% of young people who are experiencing mental health problems aren’t receiving treatment.
An old Japanese story tells how, in ancient times, people bundled their worries and nightmares into sacks and cast them into the sea. The sea felt burdened by people’s sorrows and soon the waves began to feel angry and grew into demons.
Children are invited to enter a mystical mariner’s hut to meet a storyteller and musician for an “unforgettable” storytelling experience.
“Even for experienced theatre-goers, Spirits of the Sea is a hugely memorable experience for audiences as they enter into a beautifully built fisherman’s hut and hear a tale whilst a storm rages outside”, explains Miranda Thain, Artistic Producer. “As well as being a wonderful theatre experience, the show also touches on important themes of how we deal with our worries and anxieties and was made because of the growing seriousness of these issues in the lives of children.”
Having played at The Hullabaloo earlier this month, the show will tour to:
- Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 July – CECA, Hartlepool
- Wednesday 10 to Friday 12 July – North Ormesby Hub, Middlesbrough
- Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 July – Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar
- Thursday 18 to Friday 19 July – Inspire2Learn, Middlesbrough
There will also be schools performances during this period and schools should contact [email protected] to find out more.
Tickets for the public performances are £7 / family ticket £24 and are available from theatrehullabaloo.org.uk or by calling the box office on 01325 405 405.
Spirits of the Sea is a Great Place Tees Valley project.