Grandma on the Moon – 3.10.23

We have been informed of an amazing opportunity which we are keen to explore with a group of our children. Loss is such a tricky subject to explore with children and we know of many families who have experienced recent bereavements, there will also be many families experiencing bereavement who we do not know about.

On Tuesday 3rd October, there is a free performance of ‘Grandma on the Moon’ by Belinda Lazenby between 10.30 and 1.00 at St Austell Art Centre. It would be great to be able to take a group of children from Threemilestone who we feel would benefit from this experience. The production  is suitable for children aged 7-11 years.

“Creative, heartwarming & incredibly funny” to support conversations about grief and loss – through family bereavement, a pet dying; moving home and leaving your country; a parent in prison.

Grandma on the Moon

The death of a close family member is the most devastating loss a child will ever face. Every half hour a child in Britain loses a parent and the rate at which they lose either a grandparent, close school friend or mentor is higher still.

Our research partners identified a clear need within Britain to promote conversations around death and dying and a need to challenge taboos. Children also grieve differently to adults leading to misunderstandings and lost opportunities of support.

To address this, we wanted to create a beautiful, high-quality piece of theatre exploring death & bereavement from a child’s perspective – which was also fun! We wanted to use movement, music and drama to engage our audiences and create a rhythm which mirrored a child being “in and out of grief”.

We also wanted to show the importance of memories, keeping those we have loved alive within our hearts and minds even though they are no longer with us.

Research began in 2017 in partnership with Penhaligon’s Friends, a Cornish charity supporting bereaved children, young people, parents and carers throughout Cornwall. A successful Creation Space grant from Hall for Cornwall began the exploration process and Research & Development took place in January 2018 supported by grants from the Arts Council, FEAST, Smartline & Cultivator.

If you are interested in your child watching this production, please do not hesitate to contact the school – either the office, Mrs Ewart, Mrs Thomas or Ms Teagle by Friday. We can then book tickets and liaise with you about transport.