The author Michael Morpurgo is a brilliant story teller and his Farm Boy story is no exception. This production has at its core a story that hooks you in and keeps you captivated. A grandfather and his grandson talk you through stories from their family that intertwine with the history of World War One and life on a farm. This play had parts that made me smile and chuckle but more parts that gave me goosebumps and a ripple of emotion. When grandfather made a confession and called on his grandson to help him, I was hooked waiting to hear the burden that he had born for his entire life. No spoilers though, come and see the play for yourself. The music in Farm Boy is an original score written by Matt Marks. It enhanced the story telling evoking memories and pictures in my mind. This combined with the strength of the story is clearly the reason the show has been at the Edinburgh Fringe and 'off Broadway' in New York. Throughout the show, there are just two actors on the stage: Gran
My youngest daughter is not deterred by rain, wind or cold. She is happy out side in all weathers and I just have to wrap her and myself up warm. Even then, she often tries to discard gloves, hats and scarves. If you have a free range child who loves being outdoors, here are my Top 5 suggestions for outdoor family activities this February half term. 1. Wild Families Nature Wonder Hunt and Crafts at The Wolsley Centre on 13th February between 10am and 12 noon. £7.50 for the first child, then others are £4.50. https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/events/2024-02-13-wildfamilies-survival-skills-wolseley-centre 2. Crafts, story telling and Stick Man screenings are on from 12th to 16th February to complement their excellent Stick Man trail at The National Memorial Arboretum. This means that you can warm up before heading outside again. All activities are free. https://www.thenma.org.uk/what's-on/events/february-half-term 3. Campfire fun and Hot Chocolate at The Parkridge WWT centre in Sol