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Family Half Term Fun

see pages 4 to 7

Join us during half term for a feast of fun activities acrossthe city, including many free drop-in events and anexciting programme of performances for all the family.

Partners

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online2

Funders

Proud to be part ofFestival Partner Equity

Media Partner Media Partner

Print Partner Festival’s Official HotelPaper Partner

Transport Partner Event Partner - Shiny

Media Partner

Community Partner

See pages 4 – 15

In & Out of SchoolThe Spark’s second week takes place during term timewith work touring to classrooms across the city andshows in theatres for schools audiences. But there isalso plenty to see and do outside of school hours foreveryone 0-13 years. See pages 16 – 19

WorkshopsAs well as performances to enjoy, there are plenty ofinteractive workshops offering opportunities to be hands-onand creative. Workshops need to be booked in advance. See pages 14 – 15

First SparkThe festival is the perfect opportunity to introduce babies and toddlers to the arts for the first time. First Spark events have been createdespecially for under-fives. Look out for the First Sparksymbol throughout the brochure. See pages 6, 11, 13 & 16

firstspark

We would like to thank the following for their support

Venue Information This can be found on page 29.

Welcome

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online 3

Tim Crouch, award-winning playwright, director, performer and Patron of The Spark

"The Spark does something of national importance. It treats young people as fullyentitled members of our culture, and gives them access to performing and visual artsas good as anywhere in the world. It is setting a standard. Every city needs a Spark;Leicester is lucky to have it."

Welcome to The Spark Festival 2013. This is our 11th festival and we are very excited to bepresenting an exceptional programme of high quality work for children and young people overtwelve terrific days from 29 May until 9 June. Come down to Curve and get involved in free family fun at The Play-ground, our festival hubduring half term. Or seek out the many events taking place at other venues across the city.There are magical shows for all ages from the stunning Snow Queen to groundbreaking work forchildren with learning disabilities, White Peacock. There is also plenty for under fives to enjoythrough our First Spark programme. At the heart of the festival are our schools and community programmes which bring performancesand workshops into classrooms, children’s centres, libraries and parks. There really is somethingfor everyone.Alongside the festival and tucked behind the scenes, The Spark will be rehearsing for a brandnew production of a newly commissioned show for children and families which will be touring intocity libraries over the summer holiday. From now on The Spark hopes to see a lot more of you allyear round!We hope you enjoy this year’s festival!

Director

The Play-ground at CurveWednesday 29 May - Saturday 1 June 10am - 4pm

The Play-ground is a treat for all the family in the heart of the city. Spend a day withus over half term – there will be plenty of shows to see and things to do.

All Play-ground activity is absolutely FREE so why not come down and play!

The Spark and Curve present

Suitable for: All the familyRunning Time: 10am - 4pm each dayTickets: Free events - workshops need to be bookedVenue: Curve 0116 242 3595

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Cardboard City: Help create a cardboard world which will grow and change overfour days.  Or make your own printed sun with Leicester Print Workshop.Workshops: Why not join our theatre and dance workshops for a range of ages, orhave a go at singing and sitar playing.

Dress Up in outfits from Curve's wonderful costume collection. Choose an elegantevening dress, a policeman's hat; add some shades and a feather boa perhaps?Spark Bites brings talented local artists to the foyer stage for short performances forchildren, twice a day.When it’s time to chill out, settle down with a book or enjoy some story-telling, tuckedaway in The Book Corner.A full listing of daily activity is available on our website.

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

Workshops

The workshops are free but have limited places so please call Curve on 0116 242 3595 to book.

A Thousand Suns – Leicester Print WorkshopThu 30 May & Sat 1 June 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 2pm, 3pmUse different techniques to make your own printed suns and suns for the Indian Summer A Thousand Suns installation (for 5+ and families).

Dance 2 Funky MusicWed 29 12.30pm, Thu 30 10.30am, Fri 31 May 1.30pm, Sat 1 June 1.30pmDance workshops for 5-8 years with a taste of hip hop, street dance and soca.

Young Arts Workshops Wed 29 May - Sat 1 June Come and join the fun with a series of exciting workshops for all ages, created by Curve’sYoung Arts Entrepreneurs. Workshops include drama, dance and poetry and give children theopportunity to learn in a fun and interactive way. For times and details please visit our websiteor drop in for daily listings.

A Day of Music with DarbarFriday 31 MayThis special event is aimed at all the family and is brought to you in partnership with renowned Indian classical music makers, Darbar.Singing with Tofail Ahmed10.30am (for under 7s) & 11.30am (for ages 7+) Explore voices from the different Indian traditions and join in making a chorus of sounds.Sitar with Roopa Panesar 1.30pm (for under 7s) & 2.15pm (for ages  7+)Discover the joy of handling the iconic Indian instrument, the sitar, and learn how to make sounds on it yourself.

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Tickets: £3 per child (Children must be accompanied by an adult, who goes free)Venue: Curve 0116 242 3595

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

Diversions

Leicester Arts & Museums present

Photo courtesy of Mark Burden

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Tickets: Free - drop in activitiesVenue: New Walk Museum & Art Gallery 0116 225 4900

Wednesday 29 May – Sunday 9 June

We invite you to explore New Walk Museum & Art Gallery in a totally different way.

You can run, jump, hide, bounce, climb, crawl and play your way through the galleries.Take a car for a drive, a balloon for a ride, or build a tunnel to reimagine your museumhelped by our creative team.

Come along and discover something new every day!

After each workshop has finished all the activities created will be available in thegallery for the public to use in free play sessions, whilst the museum is open.

All children must be accompanied by a parent/carer at all times. Please be aware we will bephotographing the activities.

Dates & Times:Wednesday 29 May - Sunday 2 June 11.00am - 2.00pm Families Monday 3 - Thursday 6 June 10.30am - 12.00pm Crawlers - 2 yearsMonday 3 - Thursday 6 June 1.00pm - 3.00pm 3 - 5 yearsFriday 7 June 10.30am - 12.00pm Crawlers - 5 years

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 June 11.00am - 2.00pm 8 - 13 years

freeevent

firstspark

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Sparking the Imagination

Suitable for: 2+ yearsRunning Time: 10am - 5pm each dayTickets: Free activities - admission charges for screenings / eventsVenue: Phoenix 0116 242 2800

Wednesday 29 – Sunday 2 June 10am - 5pm

A programme packed full of amazing experiences, marvellous activities and family friendlyfilms handpicked for the digital generation.Come down and get involved with these interactive digital delights!

Book of WorldsThe Book of Worlds is no ordinary book. As you turn its pages, its tale comes to lifearound you with pictures, lights and sounds! This incredible interactive artwork takes youon a magical trip into a world where imagination can become real.

Graffit!See your own digital artworks appear before your eyes in this wonderful interactiveinstallation. Graffit! lets you spray colours and shapes across a huge virtual canvas withhighly realistic effects. All of the fun with nothing to clear up!

Book of Worlds and Graffit! have been devised by digital artist Luke Woodbury andcommissioned by Phoenix for The Spark Festival.

Boredbrands - The Digital FunfairA trio of original, imaginative and very funny interactive artworks. Be a superstar DJ withthe Beat Jigsaw, create awesome music and videos with the AV Arcade Table, and take aspin on the Pacbike to save the earth from Alien invaders!

See pages 12 & 14 for film screenings and other events.

Phoenix presents freeevent

7visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

Wednesday 29 May 11am & 2.30pmWorkshop 1pmA tropical storm, a wicked sorceress, a not-so-smart Prince and threetricky tasks to perform before midnight? Yikes! Luckily Maneki Neko, the waving cat, is on hand to try to help in thisvisually exciting new Japanese-style fantasy with actors, puppets,music and magic tricks. With fully-integrated sign language throughout.

Workshop A hands-on, moving about workshop - come and be anactor for a while, and learn some new fun communication skills withmime and movement. Free if booked with show (limited places).

Maas Theatre and Dance (Netherlands) presents

Wanted: RabbitWednesday 29 May 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pmThursday 30 May 10.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pmIn Wanted: Rabbit three police officers are looking for a rabbit that hasescaped from prison. You see, rabbits don’t play by the rules. They dig holes without askingpermission, eat carrots that they haven’t paid for, make a mess in thestreet and, even though they have big ears, don’t listen. During the chase, rabbits appear across the miniature city. Eventuallythe city is overrun by rabbits and even the police chief starts to growrabbit ears! Will you help us solve this case?

Suitable for: 3-7 years Running Time: 50 mins (workshop 45 mins)Tickets: £7 / party of four £25Venue: Embrace Arts 0116 252 2455

Suitable for: everyone from 3 to 13 and over! Running Time: 40 mins Tickets: £5 Venue: Curve 0116 242 3595

Krazy Kat Theatre presents

The Waving Cat of Japan

8 visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

Wednesday 29 May 1pm & 7pm Thursday 30 May 11am & 4pmAfter a freak snowstorm on the southern tip of India, Kumar is captured by theformidable Snow Queen.From the burning heat of southern India, through lush backwaters, glitzy Bollywoodand desolate bandit country Gowri, our brave heroine, sets out to rescue him. WillKumar be trapped forever in the deathly cold of everlasting winter? Or can his closest friend find a way of melting the Snow Queen’s frozen heart?A brand new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s magical tale by AnupamaChandrasekhar.After-show discussionWed 29 May after 1pm performance Family Workshop Thu 30 May 1.30 - 3.30pm £5 BSL Performance Thu 30 May 4pm

M6 Theatre Company presents

Mavis SparkleThursday 30 May 11.30am & 2.30pmWith a Magician for a dad and a Stargazer for a mum, no wonder there’smore to Mavis than meets the eye!With a feather duster in one hand and a few tricks up her sleeve, Mavis is ona journey north to see nature’s biggest light show with her own eyes. With alittle help from her cheeky cuckoo clock, mischievous mop bucket and a nicecup of tea, Mavis moves ever closer to making her dream come true.M6’s cosmic new production mixes illusion, animation and laughter inspiringus all to dust away doubts, follow our dreams and reach for the stars!

Suitable for: 6+ yearsRunning Time: 1 hour 50 mins (incl interval)Tickets: £8Venue: Curve 0116 242 3595

Suitable for: 5+ years Running Time: 45 minsTickets: £5 Venue: The Guildhall 0116 253 2569

Trestle Theatre presents

The Snow Queen

9visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

PW Productions Ltd & Nick Brooke LtdIn association with Haddock Productions

Spot's Birthday PartyFriday 31 May 1.30pm & 4.30pmSaturday 1 June 10am & 12.30pmAdapted & directed by David Wood, based on the books by Eric Hill.It's Spot's birthday, it's party time - and you're invited! All Spot's friendswill be here; Steve the Monkey, Helen the Hippo and Tom the Crocodileplus Spot's mum and dad, Sally and Sam. Special guest Marco theRabbit Magician will be here too, ensuring there's never a dull moment. Join in the fun as music, songs, games and stories create theatricalmagic to capture everyone's imagination."David Wood is simply the most popular children's dramatist there is"BBC Radio 4

Suitable for: 2+ yearsRunning Time: 55 minsTickets: £12 (£8.50 groups 10+, plus each group of 10 gets 1 ticket free) Venue: Curve 0116 242 3595

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Friday 31 May 11am & 2pmCloudia has always had her head in the clouds. She is a cloudexpert and all of her life she has dreamt of seeing a Cloud Man – an extremely rare creature who lives a quiet life high up in the sky.

Follow the clues to the very top of Cloud Mountain where the viewsare always surprising. If you are lucky, you may see something veryspecial indeed.

“..a deceptively simple story that will melt even the flintiest of hearts”The List, Edinburgh Fringe 2011

Suitable for: 4 - 7 years Running Time: 45 minsTickets: £6 children, £7 adultsVenue: Loughborough Town Hall 01509 231914

Ailie Cohen presents

Cloud Man

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

Tangere Arts and Royal Exchange Theatre present

A Thousand Slimy ThingsFriday 31 May 6.30pmSaturday 1 June 2.30pm & 6.30pmA wedding, a party, a perfect day. What could possibly go wrong?Beware! The Ancient Mariner is here and will be heard!Listen to his tale of doom and destruction, that takes you deep down tothe murky depths of your imagination. Will you dare to follow him? Andif you do, will you ever be the same again?Coleridge's classic poem is transformed into a gothic adventure, awashwith live music, songs and highly physical comedy by Tangere Arts."The excellent Tangere Arts... a distinctive mix of storytelling, physicaltheatre, and live music" **** The Guardian

Suitable for: everyone from 9 - 13 and over!Running Time: 50 mins Tickets: £8 Venue: Curve 0116 242 3595

Friday 31 May 11.30am & 1.30pmSaturday 1 June 10am, 11.30am & 1.30pmPaperbelle’s world is black and white and she likes it that way. She’s heardof colour; but would prefer things to stay as they are. The colours, on theother hand, want to play games and they want Paperbelle to join in.Paperbelle’s world is changing – will she try to stop it or might she find it’snot as bad as it first seemed…?Paperbelle is a gentle and playful exploration of colour set in a magicalworld of paper.Relaxed Performance Fri 31 May 1.30pm for children with disabilities and their families. Stay and play in the Arts Bar and create your own Paperbelle puppet,bunting and loads more.Suitable for: 2 - 5 yearsRunning Time: 45 minsTickets: £7 each / party of 4 £25Venue: Embrace Arts 0116 252 2455

Frozen Charlotte presents

Paperbelle

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firstspark

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Saturday 1 June 11am & 2pmFree Book Signing with Anne Fine 3.20pm-4pm.The Literature Lab is an exciting experience for thebudding storyteller, inspired by an opportunity to meetand talk to multi award winning author Anne Fine,who has written over 50 books for children includingGoogle-Eyes, Flour Babies and Bill’s New Frock.Charnwood Arts will follow up this talk with a creativewriting workshop with local storyteller Hema, whosimply makes telling tall tales extraordinarily fun!

Suitable for: 7+ yearsRunning Time: 1 hour 20 minsTickets: £6 children, £7 adults Children must be accompanied by an adult. Venue: Loughborough Town Hall 01509 231914

Loughborough Town Hall presents

Anne Fine’sLiterature Lab Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 June 11am and 2pm

When Rowan disappears, her father the Tinkersets off on a magical journey to find her,encountering many strange and wonderfulcreatures along the way!Bigmix Theatre are an emerging company inresidence at Phoenix. Their brilliant adaption ofthis charming story blends traditional theatrewith digital animation to create a delightfulperformance which is funny, wonderfully weirdand just a little bit scary!

Suitable for: 3 - 10 yearsRunning Time: 50 minsTickets: £3.50 Venue: Phoenix 0116 242 2800

Bigmix Theatre presents

The Lost Child

Friday 31 May 3.30pmShlomo is a world record-breaking humanbeatboxer, which means he can make all kinds ofmusic using just his mouth and a microphone.Come on a journey with this sonic superhero andbecome one of his sidekicks. This dynamic worldof funny sound effects, brilliant noises and coolmusic will make you smile whatever your age.“He's like a one-man Hollywood film soundtrack”The Times

Suitable for: 5+ yearsRunning Time: 1 hourTickets: £5 children, £7 adults Venue: The Y 0116 255 7066

Get Involved Limited presents

Shlomo’s Beat BoxAdventure for Kids

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

Saturday 1 June Hue Boy has a problem that everyone is talking about... he is small anddoesn’t seem to be growing “at all, at all”. His family and the villagers all havetheir opinion on what he should do and his school friends tease him. But stillhe does not grow. Until one day Hue Boy understands what it is to be talldespite his height.This heart-warming storytelling performance transports you to a Caribbeanvillage where tutti frutti bring to life this delightful book by Rita Phillips Mitchell.

Community Event Partner John Lewis, Leicester

Turned On Its Head presents

ShinySunday 2 June 10.30am & 2pmJoin dancers from Turned On Its Head for their new interactive show forchildren. Set in the 1940s, their journey takes us from a dusty cinema storeroom to the dazzling world of the movie stars... to a place where everythingshines and sparkles. Watch with amazement as all that glitters unfolds beforeyour very eyes. Suitable for babies sitting independently to children under 4 years.“A magical hour full of revelations. The children were delighted and engaged.”Mum of Jasmine aged 3.

Funded by ACE Grants for the Arts and supported by Dance4, Embrace Arts & The Spark

Photo: Teresa O’Neill

Suitable for: 6 months - 4 yearsRunning Time: 1 hourTickets: £7 / party of 4 £25Venue: Embrace Arts 0116 252 2455Shiny will also be touring to Leicester children’s centres see page 21.

tutti frutti productions presents

Hue Boy

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Suitable for: 3 - 7 yearsRunning Time: 40 mins

Saturday 1 June 10.30amVenue: John Lewis, LeicesterTickets: FREE Call: 0116 261 6893

Saturday 1 June 2.30pmVenue: African Caribbean CentreTickets: £1.50Call: 0116 221 1793

firstspark

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

Suitable for: 7+ yearsTickets: £25 Venue: Phoenix 0116 242 2800

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Suitable for: 8+ years Tickets: £5.90 adults £5.25 childrenVenue: Phoenix 0116 242 2800

workshop

Wednesday 29 May - Sunday 2 June Visit www.phoenix.org.uk for screening timesFrom up on Poppy Hill The story of two high school students, Umi and Shun, and the budding romance thatdevelops as they try to save their school’s ramshackle clubhouse from demolition. Wolf Children Hana must raise her two children, Ame and Yuki, whilst hiding a dark and magicalsecret – they are wolf children. One day Hana decides to retreat to the countrysidewhere her children can choose: do they want to grow up to be humans or wolves? The Day of the Crows Deep in the forest, a boy and his father lead a wild life, with the forest spirits theironly companions. One day, the boy discovers a village where he meets a young girland falls in love.

These charming animations from Japan and France have been specially chosen forthe festival.

Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 & Friday 31 May 10am - 2.30pm dailyA media production course to give a taste of music-making, film andcomputer programming. The day will be split into three workshops:Music production: offering a ‘hands on' opportunity to produce yourown music track and using computers to manipulate sound. Film production: developing ideas using imagination and funperformance based methods. Digital Media: learning how to use basic programming tools toexperiment and play with film and sound.Throughout each workshop, the emphasis is on having fun andexpressing your own ideas.

Phoenix Films

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

1day workshopDigiKids

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Wednesday 29 May 11amLearn how to mix and scratch your favouritesongs, with Gra Roberts, a local musician and DJ. This workshop will use a variety of equipmentincluding vinyl on turntables and DJing software.Perfect for young aspiring DJs or children whojust want to have a go. (Limited places)

Suitable for: 8 - 13 yearsRunning Time: 2 hoursTickets: £6 from The Spark office 0116 261 6893Venue: The Workshop@Pedestrian

DJing&TurntablismWorkshop

Thursday 30 May 11amExplore how to draw graffiti art lettering usingprofessional paint pens and materials. Participants will create individual designs usinginspiration from other artists. They will thentransfer their favourite design on to a canvas totake away with them. Please come in suitable clothing for gettingmessy!

Suitable for: 8 - 13 yearsRunning Time: 2 hoursTickets: £10 including materials - from The Spark Office 0116 261 6893Venue: The Workshop@Pedestrian

Urban ArtWorkshop

Friday 31 May 11amCelebrate and create African rhythms with aninvigorating mix of drumming, percussion, singingand dance! The workshop is led by Zimbabweanpercussionist and choreographer Owen Ncube.Whether a complete beginner or experienced,this is a fun way for children and families to learn rhythms together to build confidence, co-ordination and creativity. Some drums andpercussion instruments will be provided, butplease bring your own if you have one!

Suitable for: 5+ and their adultsRunning Time: 2 hoursTickets: £5 children, £6 adultsVenue: The Y 0116 255 7066

Ju Ju Beats presents

Drumming and Dance Workshop

workshop workshop

Photo: Ketan Arya

workshop

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

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Birmingham Stage Company presents

James and the Giant PeachTuesday 4 June 7pm, Wednesday 5 & Thursday 6 June 10.30am & 1.30pm, Friday 7 June 10.30am & 7pm, Saturday 8 June 2.30pm & 7pmBy Roald Dahl, adapted by David Wood.James lives with Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, the most revolting Aunts in England. They make him work and slave and never let him play with other children. Then one day he meets a mystical old man who gives him a bag that containsthe strongest magic the world has ever known. When James accidentally spillsthe bag near an old peach tree, the most incredible things start to happen –and James embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with the most amazinggroup of characters you could ever meet!After-show discussion Thu 6 June after 1.30pm showRoald Dahl’s Peach Party Sat 8 June 12pm - 2pm £3Suitable for: 4+Running Time: 1 hour 50 mins including intervalTickets: £10.50, £12.50, £14.50 (£10 groups 10+, plus 2 free tickets for groups 20+) Venue: Curve 0116 242 3595

Monday 3 June 1pmTuesday 4 June 10.30am & 1pmI’m the yellow of the sun, the dark blue of the sea and the pale blue of thesky; I’m the red of a fire; I’m a brightly-lit street; I’m a party. Oh...now I’m dark! You can’t see me anymore! But you can listen to mybreathing... I am Spot and I tell stories. “Spot” is a very unusual stage light. It expresses itself by drawing shapesand colours on the floor. With lights, sounds, movement and simple words,this magical new show by innovative Italian company La Baracca is avisual treat for very young children.

Suitable for: 1-4 yearsRunning Time: 40 mins plus 10 mins stay & playTickets: £5 Venue: Curve 0116 242 3595

La Baracca (Italy) presents

My Bright Friend Spot

firstspark

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Wednesday 5 June 10.15am & 1pmThese aren’t just any old doors, they are Magic Doors that open toreveal fantastical worlds and surprising creatures. Imagination is thekey that unlocks the secrets behind these doors.

Bombastic specialises in creating fun-filled innovative theatricalexperiences for young people combining dance-theatre and animation.

School Workshop Package Dance workshops to complement theKey Stage 1 curriculum available Monday 3 & Tuesday 4 June. Please contact Tim Ford on 0116 242 3560 for more information.

Suitable for: 4 - 7 yearsRunning Time: 50 minsTickets: £5Venue: Curve 0116 242 3595

Bombastic Dance presents

The Magic DoorsFriday 7 June 1pm & 6.30pmThere was once only the sound of bees and the wind in the wiry grass,the low murmuring of moles in the cool dark earth, and the song of birdsin the high blue sky.

This exhilarating new dance-theatre show tells the poignant tale of onesmall creature’s struggle to preserve a world in danger of being lostforever. Every day the city grows larger and the noise grows louder,until there is so much noise that no-one can hear themselves think.

Based on the award-winning book by Helen Ward and Marc Craste,with the permission of Templar Publishing.

Suitable for: 8+ yearsRunning Time: 1 hourTickets: £8 Venue: Curve 0116 242 3595

Travelling Light Theatre Company presents an East London Dance,Sadler's Wells and Stratford Circus Production

Varmints

17visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

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Graffiti Classics presents

Graffiti ClassicsSaturday 8 June 11am16 strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices with 1 aim: to shake the dustoff classical music and enable kids to enjoy and develop their ownmusicality with fantastic flair, finesse and frivolity. Graffiti Classics bursts the boundaries of the traditional string quartet,making classical music fun for youngsters with its scintillating slap-stick, brilliant arrangements and mischievous humour.

A truly interactive show where the children simply can’t resist joining in,singing, dancing and making music.

Suitable for: 5+ yearsRunning Time: 75 mins Tickets: £5 children, £7 adultsVenue: The Y 0116 255 7066

Nottingham Playhouse Roundabout presents

White PeacockSaturday 8 June 10.15am & 1.30pmIn the moonlit garden, dip your feet in the pond, lie under Sam’s favouritetree, shelter in his den from the storm. Share the tingle of excitement of afirst kiss, and discover something amazing about the white peacock.White Peacock is a participatory play for audiences of just six young peoplewith learning disabilities and six companions. It is performed in a purpose-built micro-theatre, and offers a unique experience rich in action, colour,sound, touch and emotion.

Suitable for: 11+ years with profound learning disabilities and autismRunning Time: 50 minsTickets: £5 (Max 2 adults per child)Venue: Embrace Arts 0116 252 2455

Schools PerformancesThu 6 June 1.30pm & Fri 7 June 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm Call 0116 252 3037 for more information.

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

Saturday 8 June 11am & 3pmWritten by Noel Greig“Mother’s place is safe and sound”“Yes” thought little Red,” but sometimes very boring too!”Granny’s house deep in the middle of the woods seemed far moreenticing - but what about the dangers that lurked there? The darkness?The creatures of the night? And the famous wolf? Did he really exist?Join us for an exciting storytelling performance, an adventure with livemusic, lots of laughs (and some scary moments too!).

Suitable for: 7 - 11 yearsRunning Time: 45 minsTickets: £2 (Library members: adults free, children £1)

Saturday 8 June 11amVenue: Beaumont Leys LibraryCall: 0116 299 5460

Saturday 8 June 3pmVenue: Hamilton LibraryCall: 0116 221 2790

Tangere Arts presents

Hood in the WoodSaturday 8 & Sunday 9 June 11am, 11.45am, 2.15pm & 3pmJourney into bee reality! Enthusiastic bee guides Bombus and Borageinvite you on an unforgettable trip into their giant bee hive… witness thebirth of the Queen Bee, see giant pollen and fly deep into the heart of aflower. There’s only one problem: where are the bees? Will Bombus’s mechanical inventions save the day or will Borage be ableto convince him that we need to nurture nature?Performed in a special ‘hive’ in the park, the show blends puppetry, song,dance, crazy mechanical pollination machines, and animation in anintimate interactive performance for bee explorers of all ages.

Waggle Dance Workshop at 12.30pmJoin us to explore the intricacies of bee communication.

Suitable for: 3+ yearsRunning Time: 35 minsTickets: Free event - limited places (first come first served).Venue: Saturday 8 Abbey Park & Sunday 9 June Knighton Park

Pif-Paf presents

Honey

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freeevent

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

The Spark’s programme for schools is at theheart of the festival. We bring performances andworkshops into Leicester’s schools and we offerspecial shows in the city’s theatres just forschools audiences.As well as being a lot of fun, these performancesare a powerful teaching tool, stimulating awealth of classroom activity across thecurriculum. The productions presented as partof the festival are supported by resources forteachers. Some also offer practical workshopsled by the performers themselves.

Adopt a School

Local businesses can help by adopting a schooland ensuring that children can access thefestival by subsidising theatre trips for children.Adopt a School is designed to encouragepartnerships between local businesses andschools and a range of packages are available.

We would like to thank Kirby & West for adoptingour first school, King Richard III Infants.

Please call 0116 261 6893 for more information.

Transport Subsidy

For the second year Woods Coaches is thefestival’s transport partner and will be offering adiscount of £50 to schools in Leicester andLeicestershire travelling to Spark shows.Established in Leicester in 1950, WoodsCoaches has grown in size and reputation overthe years to become the leading coach operatorin the area.Please call The Spark office on 0116 261 6893for your discount code.

Take them on a trip!

As well as performances in schools weencourage school groups to visit festivalvenues. This year’s shows can be found onpages 16 - 18.To support schools and make these visits asaccessible as possible, venues offer one freeticket for every ten pupils, for most shows.Venues can also provide a designated space forschool parties to eat packed lunches.

Schools Programme

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The Spark presents

Monday 3 - Friday 7 June

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

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This year schools will be visited by Hood inthe Wood, Hue Boy, Graffiti Classics andRumpelstiltskin.

Schools include:Alderman Richard Hallam Primary SchoolFolville Junior SchoolHoly Cross Catholic Primary SchoolHumberstone Infant SchoolMellor Community Primary SchoolMontrose Primary SchoolMowmacre Hill Primary SchoolNorthfield House Primary SchoolSandfield Close Primary SchoolSir Jonathan North Community College

At Your SchoolFollow the troubled Miller’s daughter as she triesto outwit the greatest trickster of them all…He's sneaky,  He's cheeky, He's… Rumpelstiltskin!Straw turns to gold, and magic and mayhem arein the air. Before the sun rises will our braveheroine be able to solve the riddle and save theday or will rotten Rumpel double cross her?Hiccup Theatre spin live music, puppetry andmischievous storytelling into a golden newversion of this classic fairytale by acclaimed,Olivier award winning writer Mike Kenny.

Venue: Rumpelstiltskin will beperforming in schools as part of the“At Your School” programme

Hiccup Theatre presents

RumpelstiltskinTurned On Its Head presents

ShinyWednesday 5 - Friday 7 JuneThis new interactive dance show set in the 1940stakes us from a dusty cinema store room to thedazzling world of the movie stars... where everythingshines and sparkles. Watch with amazement as allthat glitters unfolds before your very eyes. Suitable for babies sitting independently to childrenaged 4 years.Event Partner: Western Power Distribution

Free performances for families registered at thefollowing Sure Start children’s centres; pleasecontact your centre for more information. Beaumont Leys & Stocking FarmNorthfields & West HumberstoneRowley Fields Saffron, Lansdowne & Eyres Monsell St Saviours

Photo: Teresa O’Neill

firstspark

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Get in touch

We love to hear all about what you’regetting up to during the festival.Please share your photos, comments,reviews and suggestions with us:Email us: admin@sparkfestival.co.uk

SparkArtsFestivalLike our page to find out more aboutthe festival and to get updates.

@thesparkartsFollow the excitement during thefestival and tweet us with yourthoughts and feedback.Drop us a line: The Spark Festival, LCB Depot, 31Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE.

Share Your Spark Experience

Strike a pose Win aprize!Take a photo of your youngsters withtheir 2013 Spark brochure for a chanceto win a fab family prize. The Spark andthe Leicester Mercury are running anInstagram competition to build up agallery of Spark fans and the best photowill win a fantastic prize package. Upload your pictures to Instagram andtag your photos #mercuryspark. To find out more visitwww.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/mercuryspark

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

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For the second year running, young reportersfrom Takeover Radio join forces with BBC RadioLeicester to bring you daily Spark bulletins.They'll be out and about recording shows,talking to audiences, visiting venues and artists.They want to hear your views, share yourfestival experiences and keep you up to datewith forthcoming events. Thanks to our media partners Takeover Radioand BBC Radio Leicester for supporting thisproject.

The SparkNewsroom 15 July - 2 August

This spring The Spark commissionedplaywright and poet Joseph Coelho to create anew piece of theatre for the children andfamilies of Leicester. Created in collaborationwith young people from Spinney Hill and HazelPrimary Schools, this play will be professionallyproduced and will visit city libraries over thesummer holiday.

This new performance will form part of thesummer reading programme. To find out moreabout dates, venues and ways to get involvedvisit our website.

More information at www.thesparkarts.co.uk

Libraries Tour The Mighty Creatives is the Arts Council’s EastMidlands Bridge organisation. They arededicated to helping more children access moregreat creative opportunities more of the time. 

The Spark is a fantastic opportunity for childrenand young people to explore the richness anddiversity of art and culture and an easy way forschools to kick start their engagement with twonew Arts Award qualifications for beginners.   

Discover and Explore programmes are fun,flexible and self-assessed by your school’s ArtsAward Adviser.  If you would like to know howThe Mighty Creatives can support your schoolplease email bridge@themightycreatives.com.

www.artsaward.org.uk

Arts Award

www.takeoverradio.comwww.bbc.co.uk/radioleicester

Tune in to BBC Radio Leicester on104.9FM and Takeover Radio on 103.2FMListen online at

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

0116 232 1444leicester@stagecoach.co.ukwww.stagecoach.co.uk/leicester

The original, largest and still thebest network of performing artsschools in the world.Nurturing and developing youngpeoples potential through dance,drama and singing.For 4-18 year olds, after school, atweekends and holiday workshops.

The original, largest and still thebest network of performing artsschools in the world.Nurturing and developing youngpeople’s potential through dance,drama and singing.For 4-18 year olds, after school, atweekends and holiday workshops.

24 visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

25visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

We couldn’t do it without you

Together with the support of generousindividuals, businesses and grant makerswho gave their time, expertise and moneywe are able to bring The Spark tothousands of children and their familieseach year. 

As The Spark is a registered charity weneed you to keep supporting us.

Getting involved is child's play. Here are some ways that you oryour business can protect vital arts experiences for children.

Shine for The SparkFill in and return the standing order form (opposite). Ourfriends at Boden have offered £50 in clothing vouchers to alucky prize draw winner if you return the form by 31 July 2013. Or you can donate by text to 70070 with the words SPAR10and the amount £5 or £10.

Adopt a SchoolWork in or around Leicester? Your company can sponsor aschool from £450 to ensure children can access the magic ofthe theatre through a school trip.

Join Our Young Business NetworkThis year we launched The Spark’s Young Business Networkwith maber architects. This offers young businesses achance to take part in creative networking events and accessa range of unique member benefits.

Challenge Take part in a personal challenge and raise money for TheSpark. Shave your head or run the London Marathon (or both).We can help you with the sponsorship and have a number ofhelpful suggestions to get you started. 

Get in touch If you're not sure where to start or have your own ideas abouthow you'd like to help, please get in touch with us. Emailfundraiser@sparkfestival.co.uk or call 0116 261 6893.

• Joanna McKenna• J.P. Boden• Kathleen Patterson• Kirby & West• MAS architecture Ltd• Mellor Community Primary School• Next PLC• Provincial Grand Chapter of • Leicestershire and Rutland• Upstage Theatre Supplies Ltd• Wyvern Primary School

Thank you to all businesses, organisationsand individuals who have made donationsto support this year’s festival, including:

A big thank youto our donors...

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Fundraising is Vital to The Spark

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

Support The SparkStanding Order Form Please give a regular gift to The Sparkand make a difference throughout the year.

To set up a regular standing order donation pleasecomplete this form and return to: The Spark LCB Depot, 31 Rutland St, Leicester, LE1 1RE

Please do not send this form to your bank.

Title: First name:

Surname:

Address

Postcode

I would like to make a regular gift via standing orderof:

£3 £5 £10 Other £ monthly

OR £50 £100 Other £ annually

Instruction to your bank or building society to pay standing orders.

Bank Details

To: The Manager(name of bank/building society)

Address(address of bank/building society)

Postcode

Branch sort code:

Bank or Building Society Account No:

Name(s) of account holder(s)

Signature(s)

Signature(s)

Date:And thereafter the same sum instalments to Santander, BootleBranch, bank account 74135189 sort code 09-01-55 in the name of The Spark Children’s Arts Festival.

Data Protection The information provided is for the use of The Sparkfor the purpose of charitable activities and, whenappropriate, marketing in accordance with the DataProtection Act 1998. Information will not be shared withany third party without your consent for us to do so.We would like to keep you up to date with informationabout our fund raising appeals and our charitable work.

Please tick here if you would prefer for us not to contact you by post.

Enter the PRIZE DRAW Fill in and return this form to The Spark by 31 July 2013to be entered in the draw for £50 Boden voucher.

Gift Aid Make your donation worth almost a third more at noextra cost to you.If you are a taxpayer, you can make your donationworth more with Gift Aid. For every pound you giveto us, we get an extra 28p from the Inland Revenue.All you need to do is check the statement below andtick the box.To qualify for Gift Aid, what you pay in income tax orcapital gains tax must at least equal the amount wewill claim in the tax year.

I declare all gifts of money that I’ve made to The Spark in the past 6 years and all future

gifts of money that I make from the date of thisdeclaration are Gift Aid donationsPlease notify us if you want to cancel this declaration, changeyour name or home address or no longer pay sufficient tax onyour income and/or capital gains.

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&

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

28 visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

Abbey Park

Abbey Park RoadLeicester LE4 5AQ

African Caribbean Centre

Maidstone RoadLeicester LE2 0QA To book call: 0116 221 1793 or visit the centre

Beaumont Leys Library

Beaumont WayLeicester LE4 1DSTo book call: 0116 299 5460or visit the library

Curve

Ticket office: 0116 242 3595Rutland StreetLeicester LE1 1SB www.curveonline.co.uk

Embrace Arts

Ticket office: 0116 252 2455Richard Attenborough centreLancaster RoadLeicester LE1 7HA www.embracearts.co.uk

Hamilton Library

Maidenwell AvenueLeicester LE5 1BLTo book call: 0116 221 2790or visit the library

The Guildhall

Ticket office: 0116 253 2569Guildhall LaneLeicester LE1 5FQ

John Lewis, Leicester

Highcross Shopping CentreLeicester LE1 4SA Call 0116 242 7182 for more information

Knighton Park

Palmerston Way Leicester LE2 3RR

Loughborough Town Hall

Ticket Office: 01509 231914Market Place, LoughboroughLeicestershire LE11 3EBwww.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk

New Walk Museum and Art Gallery

53 New WalkLeicester LE1 7EA Tel No. 0116 225 4900

Phoenix

Ticket office: 0116 242 28004 Midland StreetLeicester LE1 1TG www.phoenix.org.uk

The Workshop@Pedestrian

LCB Depot31 Rutland StreetLeicester LE1 1RE To book call: The Spark 0116 261 6893

The Y

Ticket office: 0116 255 70667 East StreetLeicester LE1 6EY www.ytheatre.co.uk

Visit Leicester Information Centre51 Gallowtree Gate, Leicester LE1 5ADTelephone: 0844 888 5181 or0116 299 4444www.visitleicester.info

Getting to the Venue:Directions to each venue are available from thevenue themselves. They are also able to adviseabout car parking and any special requirementsyou may have.

Or visit www.sparkfestival.co.ukto see map links for each venue.Travel Line: 0871 200 2233National Rail Enquiries: 0845 748 4950

Park & RideMeynell’s Gorse (Leicester Forest East),Enderby and Birstall.Special family rate £3.50 for a Group Ticket(up to 5 people), under 5s travel for free.www.quicksilverbus.co.uk

Somewhere to stayContact the Festival’s Official Hotel forinformation about their family deal. The Belmont Hotel De Montfort Street, Leicester LE1 7GR0116 254 4773

More Information

Venues

29visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

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Thanks to:

All at Curve, Embrace Arts, The Y,Phoenix, Loughborough Town Hall and The Guildhall. Sarah Levitt, Maggie Shutt,Sarah Harrison, Paul Gobey, Stewart Doughty, Samantha Whelan, Lisa Jacques, Hugo Worthy, Lucy Phillips,Shona Powell, 2Funky Arts, Lucy Hammond, Chris Maughan & Richard Fletcher, Sue Thorn, Tim Ford and the Curve Young Arts Entrepreneurs,Charnwood Arts, Foundation forCommunity Dance, The Mighty Creativesand all our local promoters, teachers andHead Teachers.

The Spark would like to give a specialthanks to Tricia Kelly for her work asDevelopment Manager over many years.

Volunteers:

We would like to thank all our volunteersfor their support throughout the year andespecially during the festival.To become a Spark volunteer email admin@sparkfestival.co.ukor call 0116 261 6893.

Design by:Keith Turner at Mooli. Cover Illustration © Umay Duru Eksioglu

The Spark Arts For Children:

Director – Adel Al-SalloumGeneral Manager – Harriet RoyPress & Marketing ManagerFrancesca Wright 07926 359 546Development ManagerStephanie Robinson 07513 432 639Marketing & Events Support – Maya Biswas Arts Administration Intern – Verity BarteschStudent Placements – Lauren Brinkworth,Nicole Smith & Jennifer Cross

Board of Trustees:Stephan Aal Lucy BaniDavid Bell (Chair) Mitch de Faria Mahmood Reza John TownsendJeremy WaterfieldPatron: Tim Crouch

Festival Office:

LCB Depot, 31 Rutland St, Leicester, LE1 1REEmail: admin@sparkfestival.co.ukCall us on 0116 261 6893www.sparkfestival.co.ukwww.thesparkarts.co.uk

The Spark Children’s Arts Festival is a registered charitynumber: 1106952. Company Limited by guarantee 5254229

We reserve the right to make any changes that may benecessary where unavoidable.This brochure is printed on Regency Gloss with 10%recycled pre-consumer content, Regency is now CarbonBalanced, making it a leading sustainable woodfree coated sheet available today.

For more information about all festival events please contact The Spark on 0116 261 6893, or go to www.sparkfestival.co.uk

Age RecommendationsTo ensure everyone has the best possible experience please follow thesuggested age suitability guidelines. Also it’s usual for everyone to need aticket or have a place reserved but if you are unsure please check with thevenues when booking.

Unaccompanied ChildrenAll shows, events and workshops are designed for children under 13 to be accompanied by an adult, unless otherwise stated.

Booking TicketsPhone: contact numbers for all venues on page 29.On the Web: visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk for links to venues that offeronline bookings or to buy tickets via PayPal for selected performances.In person: venue addresses on page 29.FREE events: please check if you need to reserve a place with the venue.

SchoolsPlease contact individual venues (page 29) to book for school groups. Mostvenues offer 1 FREE teacher ticket for every 10 purchased. Transportsubsidy is available to help with coach hire costs – please contact The Sparkon 0116 261 6893.

AccessWe want everyone to enjoy their experience of the festival so if you or anyonein your party have any special requirements please let the venue know whenbooking or call The Spark on 0116 261 6893 for more information.

iPhone AppThe Spark Festival App can be downloaded from the Apple store – a quickand easy way to keep festival information at your fingertips.

iPhone App developed by

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

Diary

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FAMILY HALF TERM FUNWed 29 May 10am The Play-ground Curve 4

10am Sparking the Imagination / Films Phoenix 710am DigiKids Phoenix 1411am Diversions New Walk Museum 611am The Waving Cat of Japan Embrace Arts 811am Djing & Turntabalism Pedestrian 15

11.30am Wanted: Rabbit Curve 81pm Waving Cat Workshop Embrace Arts 81pm The Snow Queen Curve 9

1.30pm Wanted: Rabbit Curve 82.30pm The Waving Cat of Japan Embrace Arts 83.30pm Wanted: Rabbit Curve 8

7pm The Snow Queen Curve 9Thu 30 May 10am The Play-ground Curve 4

10am Sparking the Imagination / Films Phoenix 710am DigiKids Phoenix 14

10.30am Wanted: Rabbit Curve 811am Diversions New Walk Museum 611am The Snow Queen Curve 911am Urban Art Workshop @Pedestrian 15

11.30am Mavis Sparkle The Guildhall 91.30pm The Snow Queen Family Workshop Curve 91.30pm Wanted: Rabbit Curve 82.30pm Mavis Sparkle The Guildhall 93.30pm Wanted: Rabbit Curve 8

4pm The Snow Queen Curve 9Fri 31 May 10am The Play-ground Curve 4

10am Sparking the Imagination / Films Phoenix 710am DigiKids Phoenix 1411am Diversions New Walk Museum 611am Cloud Man Loughborough Town Hall 1011am Drumming and Dance Workshop The Y 15

11.30am Paperbelle Embrace Arts 111.30pm Spot's Birthday Party Curve 101.30pm Paperbelle Embrace Arts 11

Wed 5 June 10.15am The Magic Doors Curve 1710.30am Diversions New Walk Museum 610.30am James and the Giant Peach Curve 16

1pm Diversions New Walk Museum 61pm The Magic Doors Curve 17

1.30pm James and the Giant Peach Curve 16Thu 6 June 10.30am Diversions New Walk Museum 6

10.30am James and the Giant Peach Curve 161pm Diversions New Walk Museum 6

1.30pm James and the Giant Peach Curve 16Fri 7 June 10.30am Diversions New Walk Museum 6

10.30am James and the Giant Peach Curve 161pm Varmints Curve 17

6.30pm Varmints Curve 177pm James and the Giant Peach Curve 16

Sat 8 June 10.15am White Peacock Embrace Arts 1811am Diversions New Walk Museum 611am Hood in the Wood Beaumont Leys Library 1911am Honey Abbey Park 1911am Graffiti Classics The Y 18

11.45am Honey Abbey Park 1912pm Roald Dahl’s Peach Party Curve 16

12.30pm Waggle Dance Abbey Park 191.30pm White Peacock Embrace Arts 182.15pm Honey Abbey Park 192.30pm James and the Giant Peach Curve 16

3pm Hood in the Wood Hamilton Library 193pm Honey Abbey Park 197pm James and the Giant Peach Curve 16

Sun 9 June 11am Diversions New Walk Museum 611am Honey Knighton Park 19

11.45am Honey Knighton Park 1912.30pm Waggle Dance Knighton Park 192.15pm Honey Knighton Park 19

3pm Honey Knighton Park 19

2pm Cloud Man Loughborough Town Hall 103.30pm Shlomo's Beat Box Adventure The Y 124.30pm Spot's Birthday Party Curve 106.30pm A Thousand Slimy Things Curve 11

Sat 1 June 10am The Play-ground Curve 410am Sparking the Imagination /Films Phoenix 710am Spot's Birthday Party Curve 1010am Paperbelle Embrace Arts 11

10.30am Hue Boy John Lewis, Leicester 1311am Diversions New Walk Museum 611am Anne Fine's Literature Lab L’boro Town Hall 1211am The Lost Child Phoenix 12

11.30am Paperbelle Embrace Arts 1112.30pm Spot's Birthday Party Curve 101.30pm Paperbelle Embrace Arts 11

2pm Anne Fine's Literature Lab L’boro Town Hall 122pm The Lost Child Phoenix 12

2.30pm A Thousand Slimy Things Curve 112.30pm Hue Boy African Caribbean Centre 136.30pm A Thousand Slimy Things Curve 11

Sun 2 June 10am Sparking the Imagination / Films Phoenix 710.30am Shiny Embrace Arts 13

11am Diversions New Walk Museum 611am The Lost Child Phoenix 122pm The Lost Child Phoenix 122pm Shiny Embrace Arts 13

IN AND OUT OF SCHOOLMon 3 June 10.30am Diversions New Walk Museum 6

1pm Diversions New Walk Museum 61pm My Bright Friend Spot Curve 16

Tue 4 June 10.30am Diversions New Walk Museum 610.30am My Bright Friend Spot Curve 16

1pm Diversions New Walk Museum 61pm My Bright Friend Spot Curve 167pm James and the Giant Peach Curve 16

visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk to book online

http://www.visitleicester.info/visitleicester.aspx