Half-term WayWord children's festival at Chester Storyhouse
The WayWord Festival for children returns to Chester Storyhouse this autumn half-term (October 22-November 1), promising creative energy, rollercoaster reads and terrific tales.
Writer and illustrator Oliver Jeffers, best-selling young-adult author Andy Darcy Theo and award winner Emma Carroll are among the line-up for an annual festival that aims to excite, inspire and celebrate the power of the imagination. Several of the events offer free or "pay what you can" participation.
Touring theatre company Horrible Histories arrives October 22-25 with two shows based on Terry Deary’s famed Horrible Histories series – Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians - which are packed with outrageous facts and larger-than-life characters, as well as spectacular 3D special effects.
Romeo and Juliet (for Kids) is the latest Storyhouse show (October24-30) aimed at introducing Shakespeare to the young. See the legendary tale of the two star-crossed lovers in an abridged retelling from Kay Dekker, who also adapted last
year’s Twelfth Night.
On October 25 join Ratty, Mole, Badger and the irrepressible Toad for The Wind in the Willows from award-winning theatre company Box Tale Soup.
Aardman in Concert (October 26), celebrates 50 years of Wallace and Gromit, and Shaun the Sheep and Friends. Described as a cinematic and musical celebration of "clay, comedy and creativity", Carrot Productions’ new show - presented with famous "Claymation" studio Aardman, is a journey through half a century of classic japes involving classic characters, culminating in a full performance of The Wrong Trousers with a live orchestra.
Giggle and guffaw at Funny Fest in the main theatre on October 27 and meet the Beano’s directors of mischief and mayhem, who will arrive in Chester to tell The World’s Funniest Story. There will also be activities such as face painting, scavenger hunts and book signings. And every child gets a free Beano comic!
On October 28, enter The World of Oliver Jeffers. The hugely popular artist, illustrator and writer will be at Storyhouse with his latest book, A Day Off School, and the new paperback edition of There’s a Ghost in This House.
On October 29, join bestselling young-adult author Andy Darcy Theo as he talks about his epic Descent into Darkness series.
Award-winning, bestselling children’s author Emma Carroll visits on October 30 with her new book Dracula and Daughters: School for Slayers.
On October 31 Joss Arnott Dance presents the family-friendly Meet the Hatter in the main theatre, promising a cinematic dance and multimedia spectacle retelling the story of the Mad Hatter from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland… but with a twist!
The festival ends on November 1 with Stars and Stones from Goofus Theatre, telling a story of ancient magic with puppetry, play and music.
Both weekends of the festival will also feature free crafting sessions for children of all ages.
“WayWord is now in its fifth year and I’m delighted it continues to go from strength to strength," said Storyhouse creative director Suzie Henderson. "We started it to fire our young visitors’ amazing imaginations and it’s always exciting to see the enthusiasm and creativity they bring to the festival."
More info and tickets here
