2018 › Newcastle

Past event

Patrick Benson Performance

How did it go?

700 children and teachers from Newcastle primary schools came to the beautiful Theatre Royal to hear Patrick Benson talk about his work as an illustrator of books from the much-loved Owl Babies to Roald Dahl’s last children’s book, The Minpins. The children were fascinated by the many stages in the process of illustration and of collaborating with an author to create a story, and their questions were insightful. A huge number of children also enjoyed speaking to Patrick individually after the performance, as he spent well over an hour talking and signing books.

What people said:

A fantastic event. As we come from one of the poorest areas in the country the children were overwhelmed to be given their own copy of The Minpins to take home - they couldn't quite believe it. Many of the children in our school don't have books at home so this was a real treasured gift for them.
Many thanks to all that were involved in the organisation of this event it was fantastic and has inspired many of our children to find their creativity.

St Paul's CE Primary School, Newcastle

Patrick Benson Workshop

Following his theatre performance, Patrick held workshops in 4 local primary schools. 125 children spent 90 minutes with Patrick learning about illustration techniques and the power of images in storytelling. What is more, they all received their own copy of The Minpins to take home!

What people said:

We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity we were given in having Patrick into our class. He is a very engaging character, who works well with children and we were all held in awe by his skills. He was generous with his time and expertise and opened children's eyes to what is involved in the career of an illustrator.

St Oswald's RC Primary, South Shields

Did you go to this performance or attend one of the related workshops? Send us your photos and feedback to be featured on this page

Venue:
Theatre Royal, Newcastle, NE1 6BR
Date:
Tuesday 6th November
Time:
11:00 am
Duration:
Approx. 1 hour
Age range:
Years 4, 5 and 6

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Patrick Benson

Patrick Benson was born in 1956 and educated at Eton College before studying classical drawing in Florence and attending Chelsea Art School and St Martin’s School of Art. He worked in the fashion business until a chance meeting with the sister of Walker Books’ founder, Sebastian Walker, led him into a career in illustration.
He is best known for illustrating two modern classics: Owl Babies, written by Martin Waddell, and The Minpins by Roald Dahl.

In praise of Owl Babies

Touchingly beautiful ... Drawn with exquisite delicacy ... The perfect picture book.

The Guardian


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