Introduction
This Summer Term, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre presents an epic stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild.
Bringing the Indonesian rainforest to Regent’s Park, including a tiger, orang-utans, and a full size elephant, the production is created by directors Timothy Sheader and Dale Rooks, with puppetry designed and directed by Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié, both previous Associate Puppetry Directors on War Horse.
With a cast of over 50, this is the largest-scale production ever to be presented at the Open Air Theatre, and we have partnered with ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo to further augment the student experience through tailored education modules.
Story behind the story
Through the education modules created by ZSL, students will have the opportunity to explore the themes within Running Wild:
- how wildlife crime continues to endanger species;
- how the rapid expansion of unsustainable palm oil demand (found in half of packaged supermarket products,
and increasingly used as a biofuel) is devastating natural habitats; - how ecosystems are affected by changes in the environment; and
- how ZSL is seeking solutions
Module 1
Wildlife Under Threat
Venue | ZSL London Zoo
Age group | Years 7-8 (KS3, Ages 11-12),
Capacity | 15 - 35 students
Delve into the illegal world of wildlife crime as we use real Customs seizures to reveal the damaging impact of hunting on animal populations, and find out how ZSL is helping. After a discussion of the main threats to animals, the Wildlife Under Threat session (45 minutes) will focus on hunting and the illegal wildlife trade, vividly depicted in Running Wild.
This module includes entrance to ZSL London Zoo and a self-guided trail.
Module 2
Ecosystems
Venue | ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Age group | Years 7-8 (KS3, Ages 11-12),
Capacity | 15 - 35 students
In Running Wild, as poachers invade the rainforest, we open a discussion on the balance of life with ecosystems, including food webs and the importance of a balanced ecosystem for food security, and what affect changes have on that balance. Using ZSL case studies, in Ecosystems (45 minutes) students will investigate the fragile ecosystems that scientists are working to protect.
This module includes entrance to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and a self-guided trail.
Booking information
Running wild performances
13 May – 12 June 2016
Tue – Sun 7.45pm (gates open 6.15pm)
Wed, Sat & Sun 2.15pm (gates open 1.15pm)
Tickets
Student rates are available for all Tuesday – Friday performances of Running Wild.
Running Wild ticket only: £16.50 per student/teacher
Running Wild ticket + Education Module £24.00 per student/teacher
(one free teacher for every 10 students booked)
Education modules
Modules can be taken on the same day as seeing Running Wild, or on a different day. Modules are available during the summer term, between the 11 April-15 July.
Teachers may wish to book the Modules ahead of the theatre visit, as an introduction to the themes behind Running Wild, or afterwards as a follow-up session.
Module 1 (ZSL London Zoo) and 2 (ZSL Whipsnade Zoo) are available weekdays at: 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm
Module 1 (ZSL London Zoo) is also available at 2.30pm and 3.30pm
How to book
For more information, contact education@openairtheatre.com, or call our Education Hotline: 0845 673 2151*
(Mon-Fri, 11am – 5pm)
*calls cost 2p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge
Some FAQs
Is the theatre accessible by coach?
Yes, but you will need a free permit to access Regent’s Park which can be ordered when you make your booking. Please note that there is no coach parking in Regent’s Park.
Do you have a risk assessment we can use?
Whilst we are not able to supply individual risk assessments for your visit, we can help answer your questions and even arrange a site visit if required. As you would expect, the theatre has its own risk assessments as required by health and safety regulations which are available at the theatre for the relevant enforcement bodies to inspect.
Do I need to tell parents that the theatre is outdoors?
You should ensure that children are prepared for all weather conditions, including waterproof clothing and sun hats.