Families across Staffordshire are set to enjoy free storytelling adventures, theatre workshops and opportunities to discover the joy of reading thanks to a £30,000 funding boost from JCB.

The Staffordshire-based manufacturer has pledged the funding to support the New Vic Theatre’s three-year Tale Blazers storytelling programme, alongside a series of school and community theatre workshops.

The free events will take place at libraries, community venues and the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme, bringing professional storytelling and theatre experiences to children and families across the region.

The initiative forms part of the theatre-in-the-round’s 40th anniversary celebrations and also supports JCB’s involvement in the National Year of Reading and Queen’s Reading Room projects during the company’s 80th anniversary year.

The programme launched this week at Leek Library, where children and parents were treated to Rats’ Tales, a fresh and imaginative retelling of the Brothers Grimm classic, The Pied Piper of Hamelin.

Directed by New Vic Staff Director Polly Wain and performed by local father-and-daughter actors Howard Chadwick and Isobel Chadwick, the interactive production encouraged families to take part in a lively theatrical storytelling experience.

A spokesperson for JCB said the company was proud to support a project that brings theatre and storytelling to local communities, adding that such experiences can inspire children, broaden horizons and encourage a lifelong interest in the arts.

Jill Rezzano, Head of Education at the New Vic Theatre, said: “Tale Blazers is a wonderful opportunity to bring the joy of storytelling directly into communities across Staffordshire. We know how powerful stories can be in helping children to build confidence, develop their imaginations and express themselves and we’re delighted to be able to offer these free sessions to local families.

“We’re incredibly grateful to JCB for their support, which is making it possible for us to reach even more children and families across the next three years.”

For more information about upcoming Tale Blazers events and the New Vic Education programme, visit newvictheatre.org.uk.

Photo credit: Mark Scott