Immersive show promotes connection to wildlife

Performances of the show will be put on later in July

A new audio-immersive show "fosters a deep connection" to Manx wildlife, one of the people behind project has said.

The Let's Get Wild show has been designed to involve children aged between five and nine by getting them dancing and moving to complete challenges to "help nature".

Devised by theatre company Hello Little People for the Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT), the project launches on 20 July with the aim of promoting nature in a "creative and engaging way".

Artistic director Chloe Shimmin said by capturing the " thoughts, feelings and concerns" about local wildlife the show "fosters a deep connection" with nature.

'Driving seat'

The project, which has been one year in the making, was funded by Manx Lottery Trust.

Head of engagement at MWT Graham Makepeace-Warne said children were "bombarded with worrying information about climate change", but involvement in the show would enable them to "be part of a story that protects Manx wildlife".

While young people have "little agency at this stage in their lives" to change the current climate situation, the project had "put them in the driving seat and given them time to explore what is important to them", he added.

The creation of the show also involved composer David Kilgallon and pupils of Laxey and Kewaigue primary schools.

Initial performances of the production will take place on 20 and 21 July, with the show taking a tour of the island during the summer.