School children from two Belfast primary schools have accepted an invitation from the University of Ulster to attend a performance of a new theatre production for 6-8 year olds followed by an opportunity to meet some of the student cast members who previously attended their schools.

The Little Box of Wonders, an originally devised performance created by staff and students from the University’s School of Creative Arts, will be presented in the Crescent Arts Centre from the 27th to 29th May as part of the high profile Belfast Children’s Festival.  The performance uses storytelling, music and movement to create a zany adventure narrative, featuring the exploits of a mischievous protagonist called Spag.

The production cast features University of Ulster Drama students who were former students of St Aidan’s Primary School in Whiterock and Holy Trinity Primary School, Monagh Rd and they are now looking forward to personally greeting the young pupils from their old schools and answering any questions that might arise from the exciting production.

Liam Green, originally from New Barnsley and former pupil of St Aidan’s Primary School, said: “This whole process has been a great learning experience and we are thrilled to be performing as part of such a respected, international Festival.  It’s extra special to be able to come back to Belfast from Derry and share this great show with young pupils from my former school.”

Production Manager Alison Franklin, originally from Turf lodge, has had the important role of project managing the whole production.  Alison will be at Crescent Arts Centre on Friday 28th to welcome pupils from her former primary school, Holy Trinity Primary School.

The project evolved from work with two local primary schools in Derry and included workshops with Zoe Seaton of Big Telly and Paul McEneaney of Cahoots NI, two of Ireland’s leading directors, as well as the international director John Wright, founder of Told by an Idiot.

The project is funded by Ulster’s Access Agreement fund administered by the Cultural Development Office. The Little Box of Wonders runs from Thursday 27-Saturday 29 May at the Crescent Arts Centre, with a number of matinee and evening performances.

Special discounts are available for school and group bookings.  For booking information please contact the Belfast Children’s Festival Box Office on (028) 9033 4455 or log on to www.belfastchildrensfestival.com.  For further details on the overall project please contact the Cultural Development Office on (028) 7137 5658 or culture@ulster.ac.uk.