Bus journeys, sandwiches and play: young children and the theatre event

Abstract

ABSTRACTTheatre for Early Years (TEY) audiences is a relatively new and growing area of practice. This article arises from empirical research with a group of children aged three and four, who made repeat visits to watch TEY performances at Polka Theatre in London. Drawing on literature from education studies, theatre studies and cultural geography, this article explores the pedagogy of TEY beyond the performance in isolation. By reflecting on our journeys to and activities at the theatre, I propose a contextually embedded understanding of the wider TEY event, as well as some of the ways that researchers and educators might seek to better comprehend or enhance this.