M6 theatre Sunflowers and Sheds

I love taking my two to the theatre. Theatre is my thing, I studied it at uni and taught it in secondary school until I had kids. We have discovered some seriously clever children's theatre out there.

Today I took Miss L to see Sunflowers and Sheds by M6 theatre company at the Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham. It did us both the world of good.  Sitting in a darkened room for an hour while we both sat spellbound. I didn't realise how much I needed that.

Today, even though I say I love theatre, it was a real effort to leave the house.  I had a little Prosecco hangover after celebrating a good friend passing her driving test.  I also had a parenting hangover after a week on my own with the kids.  I was beginning to feel like I had lost myself in the mists of motherhood again.  But I am so glad we went.

The moment Miss L slipped her hand into mine in the car park and started bouncing with excitement I perked up. My head's been so full of those irrational niggling doubts about my parenting this week, but hearing her say 'We always go to the theatre it's exciting',  reminded me I am sharing something very special with her, my thing, my passion. (Mr A is currently sharing his with her, teaching her how to use the Nintendo DS).

She also told me a story in the car, and stories are another passion of mine. I'll admit, like many parents I am sure, I don't always have the patience to tell kid's ones. Those times where I have made up a story when I am trying to drive or make dinner, seem to be paying off though.  Miss L's was a good story, The Tiger Who Came for Tea meets the Alexander family meets Harry and his Bucketful of Dinosaurs.

So Sunflowers and Sheds. It was beautiful. Written for my mood today.  Full of reminders to appreciate beauty, magic and friendship. A old man befriends a Russian girl on the neighbouring allotment and the friendship gives him the courage he needs to make a change in his life. It really proved that children's theatre doesn't need to involve cartoon characters, puppets and silly songs. Although that can be fun, but nowhere near as nourishing to the soul. Miss L enjoyed it too, especially the music, friendship theme, the flowers growing in wellies, the russian dolls and the glitter ball.

Pictures by M6

Its heading to Runcorn, Brighton, London and Birmingham next.  Suitable for 4+.  Click to catch the magic!