A puppet company has pulled on the heart strings of young patients and staff and prompted thoughts and discussions around inclusivity at two Black Country NHS Trusts.
Nikki Charlesworth Productions visited Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust (WHT) and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) to perform its semi-autobiographical puppetry show called ‘What Happened to You?’
The story follows Little Red, Noodles and Bo, three raggedy puppets, just trying to get through the day. Ahead of them lies a mountain of challenges. They persevere and find creative ways to overcome their impassable surroundings. Each puppet’s story explores preconceptions about disability in a playful and humorous way and showcases the endless opportunities out there once barriers of all kinds are removed.
What Happened to You? also features creative use of Audio Description, embedded into the original score and integrated British Sign Language, introducing children to enhanced access.
Nikki Charlesworth, Puppeteer and Producer said: “The puppets use children’s walking aids or orthotics, some of which I used myself when growing up.
“We wanted to promote the social model of disability and underline the importance of access and inclusion – but most importantly to be proud of yourself no matter what disability you have.”
“We tour hospitals as we believe every little bit matters in here. Children come and go so every interaction is vital.
Izzy Hollis, Puppeteer said: “We love what we do; there’s nothing like it. It’s very rewarding.”
The crew visited various children’s clinics and wards at both Trusts.
Daniella, mum to seven-year-old Raisa said: “It’s a good way to distract from appointments. My daughter has enjoyed watching it while waiting.”
Andrew, dad to six-year-old Olivia, said: “She’s really enjoyed it, I think it’s good for all the kids to watch.”
Tina Worrall, Staff Nurse at WHT, said: “I think it’s great how the show displays all kinds of abilities and how to be accessible to children and families. It was great to see all the children and families engaging with the characters.”
Molly Lockley, Play Leader at RWT, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Nikki Charlesworth and company to the Children’s Ward.
“They were really enthusiastic and so good at engaging with the children. It was lovely to see so many smiling faces. The show was a big highlight of the day and enjoyed by all.”
Elinor Cole, Arts and Heritage Co-ordinator at RWT, and Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager at WHT, added: “A huge thank you to everyone at Nikki Charlesworth Productions for coming in and entertaining all the children at our Trusts. They delivered such an important message about the importance of being inclusive and mindful of everyone’s disabilities and abilities.”
The Nikki Charlesworth Productions Team consisted of:
- Nikki Charlesworth – Puppeteer/Producer
- Izzy Hollis – Puppeteer
- Hearns Sebuado – Puppeteer/Actor/BSL access
- Dom Murray – Company stage
- Kat Pearson – BSL Interpreter Manager
- Mark Chapman – Access Worker