Full House Theatre breathes new life into an old story with a brand new interactive museum theatre experience for Bedfordshire’s school children.

Nationally recognised children’s theatre specialists, Full House, in partnership with John Bunyan Museum, are set to bring hundreds of children across the county together to join in a dynamic performance of, Pulpits and Prison Doors. This exciting and engaging new production will enable children as young as four to learn more about Bedford’s very own historical hero, John Bunyan and his world famous book The Pilgrim’s Progress.

The project has been made in partnership with John Bunyan Museum and runs from 16th – 27th March. Each day school children will arrive at the museum and will be met by a band of zany modern day characters all with their own quirky reason for visiting Bedford and eager to discover more about the famous writer. The actors will then guide the children through various creative activities as they discover more about life in Bedford in years gone by.

The interactive performance coincides with World Theatre for children and Young People Day on 20th March. The message this year is 'Take a Child to the Theatre Today'. Full House and John Bunyan Museum are playing their part by making the case for children's entitlement to theatre and the arts.

Full House Creative Director Ben Miles, says, “We can’t wait for this project to begin! I still have fond memories of sitting on the carpet at Lower school and being read Bunyan’s famous story. I think it’s really important for local children to have pride in Bedford and realise John Bunyan’s legacy and the significance of his writing over the years. His book is still in print all over the world, 400 years later, that’s pretty amazing. Developing an accessible and interactive performance for children allows them to be inspired and truly relate to the history of their town.”

Many of the children taking part will also be working towards their Discover Arts Award. The arts award is the first step on cultural journey that can follow them throughout their school career and eventually assist with further education and employment within the arts. The Pulpits and Prison Doors experience has been subsidised through funding from Arts Council England making it affordable and accessible for all schools involved.  

For more information on how to get your school involved with Full House please contact Sophie Loosemore sophie@fullhouse.org.uk or visit www.fullhouse.org.uk

For more information on school visits to John Bunyan Museum please contact Nicola Sherhod curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk or visit www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk