Kwame Alexander Performance

We are extremely pleased that our first live theatre show in almost two years was a resounding success! We were honoured to work with the extraordinary poet and writer Kwame Alexander, at the beautiful Theatre Royal in Newcastle. Over 770 children and their teachers from 10 local primary and secondary schools enjoyed a vibrant performance with lots of interaction and audience participation. Kwame started by giving a shout out to all the schools and then disclosing how he came to realise that he needed to use his words to empower himself and his community by writing poetry. The atmosphere was electric as Kwame recited chunks of his book The Crossover, and children were so excited to ask Kwame questions, for example - 'Who's your favourite poet?' (Langston Hughes, Pablo Neruda) and 'what's your favourite colour?' (black), and 'how many books have you written?' (37, with seven more on their way).

The Children's Bookshow has acquired funding to give every child attending a performance this year a free book, and it was so joyful to see each child clutching a copy of The Crossover graphic novel to take home and keep. One child was overheard saying 'this is my pride and joy!' as she held aloft her book in her hands like a precious jewel!