KIDSFEST SINGAPORE 2015 IS SET TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER BEFORE WE TALK TO KIDSFEST FOUNDER, MATTHEW GREGORY
After the first KidsFest event took place in January 2012, KidsFest has seen growing audiences and a huge increase in the popularity of kids’ theatre. KidsFest Singapore 2015 will be bigger and better, with even more excellent shows and something to entertain and delight children of all ages and their families.
We caught up with Mr Matthew Gregory, Executive Producer of ABA Productions and Founder of KidsFest to learn a little more about the KidsFest event. He also shares with us some tips on how we can best ensure bubba gets the most enjoyable experience during his time in the theatre audience, as well as prepare him, and the whole family, for a wonderful KidsFest Singapore 2015:-
Mr Matthew Gregory, Founder of KidsFest
- What influenced you to create KidsFest?
We had been bringing theatre to Asia for a number of years when one year we brought The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child at the same time, so that people could see both in the same day. This was a tremendous success and so we thought, what’s next? How about three performances at the same time? And thus KidsFest was born and the first event took place in January 2012.
- How has the theatre scene for children in Singapore evolved in recent years?
The great news is that there is lots going on, more than ever in Singapore, which is great news for children, parents and teachers. KidsFest has grown from around 10,000 audience members to nearly 30,000 in less than three years, which shows that there is a very strong appetite for great quality world-class theatre for young people.
- What influences you to choose the shows that will attend KidsFest each year?
We look at many shows every year, mainly from the UK and Australia and assess them for quality, appeal to the audience in a particular city, scale, critics reviews, etc. We are very strict with ourselves regarding the production we choose as we need to be honest and loyal to our audience base. If we bring good work, the audience will keep coming to watch. So many more of the production we see do not get picked!
- Why should parents take their children to the theatre?
It is a wonderful opportunity for a shared experience. The excitement of arriving at the theatre, the fun of reading the book together before the event at home, the first look at the set and stage, the moment the characters appear onstage, the moment when something is funnier, cleverer, more entertaining than you expected, and that glance between parent and child, when the realisation is clear: both parties are enjoying themselves, the parent as well as the child. It is also a wonderful springboard for further discussion after the event: was it as you expected, did you enjoy it? What would you do differently? Was it better than the book? Why? What would you say about it to your friends who have not seen it?
- How can parents prepare their child for their first visit to the theatre?
Be positive and excited about it yourself. Share your experiences of going to the theatre. Read the book. Arrive early, go to the toilet! Talk about how you book tickets, collect tickets, show your tickets, how you know where to sit. Talk about remembering to turn off your own phone so it doesn’t disturb others. Talk about respecting the performers and the space, but at the same time it is absolutely fine and important that you have fun!
With shows including The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Horrible Histories, The Snail and the Whale, The Princess and the Pea, Hugless Douglas, the ever popular The Gruffalo and an exciting show called Erth’s Zoo, KidsFest Singapore 2015 will start in January through February 2015.
Tickets are on sale now from SISTIC outlets and from the website www.sistic.com.
For more information, check out KidsFest at www.kidsfest.com.sg and do LIKE the official KidsFestSingapore Facebook page.
More about KidsFest Singapore 2015 – Look out for our interview with Executive Director and Artistic Director and Host from the theatre company, Erth, who will bring Erth’s Zoo to KidsFest Singapore 2015.
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