“Bold, big hearted. Local but universal. A defiantly live experience, directed with empathy by Annie Rigby”
What if we let the kids cook up a storm? During the pandemic someone gave kids a food parcel with 10 cheese slices, a Frube and half a carrot. The kids are pretty outraged. They think people deserve better than that. So they’re taking over and turning the tables, dishing up delicious bites, brilliant beats and tastes of a better future.
The Future is a restaurant run by children. They’re serving up super fresh ingredients and a healthy portion of home truths. Will you book a table and digest what they have to say?
Free School Meals was inspired by Marcus Rashford’s campaign to end child food poverty. The show was co-created with over 50 children living in the Byker and Walker areas of Newcastle upon Tyne.
We wanted to make a show where children were powerful. Where children were in charge. Where they talk about the change they want to see in the world. This show is about believing that the world can be better. About not accepting the things we know are not good enough. Most of all, it is a show made with a remarkable group of children.
Free School Meals was a co-production between Unfolding Theatre and Northern Stage. The show premiered at Northern Stage in August 2021 and featured a cast of 16 children, rapper Kay Greyson and pot washer Alex Elliott.
“Free School Meals typifies the ability of theatre to be fully inclusive, entertaining and not afraid to make a point. But more than that, this show is tasty too!”
An Unfolding Theatre and Northern Stage Co-Production
Creative Team
Director
Annie Rigby
Performers and Co-creators
Daniela, Doaa, Finn, Harmony, Joshua, Jasmine M, Jasmine T, Lavender, Lexi, Mason, Melissa, Mohammed, Princess, Sarah, Tosin, Tally, Alex Elliott and Kay Greyson
Writer
Luca Rutherford
Designer
Simon Henderson
Songwriter
Kay Greyson
Sound Designers
Garry Lydon and Alex Elliott
Lighting Designer
Nick Rogerson
Dramaturg
Natalie Ibu
Choreographer
Patrick Ziza
Assistant Director
Liv Hunt
Stage Manager
Chloe Ribbens
Assistant Stage Manager
Grace Branch
Executive Producer
Michael Barrass
Photography
Luke Waddington
Graphic Design
Wayne Gamble
