The audience gathers. The music swells.  The mist swirls.  Anticipation.  Then arriving in the playground the full-grown Firebird.  Its five-metre wingspan hovers above the audience, circling, swooping and diving.

Based on the myths and legends of the Phoenix, this spectacular new production promises to bring an unforgettable experience into your school grounds or outdoor space. If you’d like to arrange a visit full of unique Bamboozle puppetry, comic characters and live music – including a chicken jazz band! – please get in touch.

Watch our Firebird trailer:

Which of my students will the show be suitable for and how many can access it?

Who is it suitable for? This show is devised for a wide range of learning-disabled students, including those sometimes described as SLD, MLD and some students on the autistic spectrum.  While it is not specifically designed for those described as PMLD there will be Bamboozle’s customary mix of sensory possibilities, this will be more suitable for PMLD students who respond to sound, as there will be a lot of live and recorded music.

Who is it not suitable for? We will be working within Covid restriction guidance, so will not be able to offer close-up interactions in person.  This will limit the possibilities for students described as PMLD who are visually impaired, though, as above, it will suit those who respond to sound. It is not suitable for those on the Autistic Spectrum who need to be able to move around freely nor for those with the sort of challenging behaviour that makes it difficult to guarantee calm observance of boundaries.  This is because the actors will need to remain socially distanced from the audience. In addition: The Firebird and other puppets/props cannot be touched in the way Bamboozle shows normally accommodate for both Covid secure reasons and to avoid any unintentional damage.

How many can experience it? The show is designed to play to four class bubbles of any size.  The climax of the production takes place outdoors, with all four class bubbles watching at the same time, so there must be a suitable outdoor space, large enough for you to safely distance the class bubbles.

What happens if it rains?

The performance will go ahead unless the Bamboozle team judge the weather to be so severe that it poses a safety risk. Therefore the school will need to ensure pupils have warm clothing, wet weather gear and umbrellas available to cope with the British summer!  If you have a covered outdoor area, then we can also work with you to see how we could stage the performance such that the audience can stand under cover if the rains come.

This sounds great, what else do I need to know?

This experience is a unique one and will be different in each school, we will need to work closely with you to plan where and when each part of the action will unfold, please read The Firebird in your School to understand more about how the experience is likely to work across a school day.

More information

Download the Firebird – Companion Pack for Teachers Summer 2022

If you’d like to book this show for one-off performance or event, please email our Project Manager Jennifer at jennifer@bamboozletheatre.co.uk.

Join Betty, Doris and Arthur as they explore the textures, smells and tastes of their World War II allotment. You’ll be visited by a mischievous mole and will escape to a magical and relaxing forest, where you’ll encounter bees buzzing around their hives.

Made especially for young audiences described as having profound and multiple learning disabilities, this multi sensory show creates a welcoming and enchanting world with music, puppetry and lots of invitations to take part in immersive interaction.

Bamboozle are delighted to be touring this especially adapted show, which ensures that individual attention is given to every audience member. The production has been carefully designed to fully accommodate social distancing and make sure that all interactive elements are delivered in a Covid-safe way.

“A magical, relaxing experience” Andrea, parent

“A lovely experience to bring us together in such strange times. Safe, inclusive and such a pleasure” Sam, parent

“Ingenious, refreshing, uplifting” Kate, parent

Running time 45-55 mins

Age recommendation: We usually recommend an age range of 6 to 14 years for the show, though it has often been enjoyed by older teenagers and young adults and may be suitable for some younger audience members, we think families are best able to judge this themselves.

More information

Down to Earth Outdoor – Belgrave Hall – Guide and FAQs

Down to Earth Companion Pack for Teachers and Support Staff

If you’d like to book this show for one-off performance or event, please email our Project Manager Jennifer at jennifer@bamboozletheatre.co.uk.