Manx Wildlife Trust | Chamber Charity of Choice 2023-2025 | Let’s Get Wild! ‘The best show of shows in the whole wild world’ launches this summer! | July 2024
03 July 2024
Children will be invited to join the adventure through silent disco style headphones as they enter the wildlife training academy and move, dance and participate to complete challenges to help nature.
Let’s Get Wild! has been commissioned by Manx Wildlife Trust and co-created by theatre company Hello Little People, composer David Kilgallon, pupils from Laxey & Kewaigue schools and young collaborators. The project is funded by a grant from Manx Lottery Trust’s 2023 Community Awards Thematic Fund, ‘Empowering Young People’.
The show aims to educate and inspire children about wildlife in the Isle of Man and empower them to become part of the solution to the challenges it faces. What makes this project truly special is its unique devising approach. Young people have been part of every aspect of the show’s creation, from the storyline, to the music and artwork. Even one school class’s declaration that this is ‘the best show of shows in the whole wild world’ has been recognised in the naming of the production.
Graham Makepeace-Warne, Head of Engagement at MWT said:
‘We know that hundreds of children in the Isle of Man will have a fantastic time taking part in the show when we launch this summer. This has been an excellent opportunity to listen to young people and their concerns and hopes for wildlife in the Isle of Man in a creative way. Children are bombarded with worrying information about climate change and biodiversity loss, with little agency at this stage in their lives to change the story. This project has put them in the driving seat and given them time to explore what is important to them. Children taking part in the show will have chance to be part of a story that protects Manx Wildlife for the future’.
Chloe Shimmin, Artistic Director at Hello Little People adds:
"We are thrilled to launch 'Let's Get Wild!' after months of dedicated effort behind the scenes. This audio-immersive show is uniquely crafted for young people, and by young people. Over the past year, we've collaborated with young people from across the Isle of Man to capture their thoughts, feelings, and concerns about Manx Wildlife. Their insights were invaluable! Together, we created this show to not only entertain but also to foster a deep connection with Manx Wildlife in an engaging and creative way."
The show adds another dimension to Manx Wildlife Trust’s education programme which includes regular sessions with school students and a children’s club ‘Wildlife Watch’ that both offer children the opportunity to get up close to wildlife with activities like rock-pooling, bug hunting and pond dipping.
Let’s Get Wild! will launch with two days of free performances led by Hello Little People 20-21st July, before being passed to specially trained young actors to take the show on tour over the school summer holidays.
To find out more and book tickets for the launch events or summer tour visit www.mwt.im/letsgetwild