A howlingly good courtroom caper where pupils judge the “Big Bad Wolf” for themselves. Perfect to book for your Primary School all year round, especially for World Book Day, Book Weeks, Creative Enrichment Days, Arts Week or an end of term Post SAT treat!
Everyone knows the story of the Three Little Pigs. Or do they? Wolf on Trial is Bigfoot’s performance workshop for KS1 and KS2 that takes a much-loved traditional tale and turns it completely on its head – Some may call it a twisted tale! Pupils become the jury in a fully theatrical courtroom experience, hearing the Wolf’s side of the story for the very first time, before using drama, discussion and creative thinking to deliver their verdict.
The courtroom is in session. Judge Chief presides. Alexander T. Wolf takes the stand. And suddenly, the story your pupils thought they knew is not quite the story they are hearing. Was the Wolf really terrorising those pigs, or was he simply trying to borrow a cup of sugar for his Granny’s birthday cake? As witnesses are called, evidence is examined and the jury deliberates, pupils are drawn into a world of drama, comedy and genuine suspense. Characters from across the fairy tale world take to the stand, and nothing quite goes to plan in the way only the best live theatre can manage.
“Encourages children to link all their knowledge of a familiar traditional tale and apply it to an alternative context in the most fun, inclusive and engaging way.” — Helen Davies, John Scurr Primary School
You can also learn about our alternate twisted tale experience Goldilocks On Trial
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Engage imaginatively with a traditional tale and explore an alternative point of view
- Develop speaking and listening skills through structured discussion, debate and performance
- Build understanding of key vocabulary including jury, defendant, witness, evidence, guilty and not guilty
- Use drama techniques including freeze frame, hot seating, roleplay and improvisation to explore character and story
- Consider different perspectives and form and justify opinions
- Work collaboratively as a class to respond to live performance and contribute to shared creative outcomes
- Develop confidence in sharing ideas and performing in front of others
NATIONAL CURRICULUM LINKS
- English (Reading): Understanding and responding to traditional tales; exploring narrative, character and alternative viewpoints; retelling and reinterpreting familiar stories
- English (Speaking and Listening): Listening and responding to live performance; participating in structured debate and discussion; developing and presenting viewpoints clearly
- Drama: Character exploration and development; responding to and participating in live theatre
- PSHE: Fairness, right and wrong, and understanding different perspectives; listening respectfully to others and forming independent views
- SMSC: Moral development through exploring justice and point of view; social development through collaborative and shared creative response
FORMAT
Target Audience: KS1 and KS2 (Years 1 to 6)
Performance: 60 minutes (whole school or key stage group)
Capacity: Up to 120 pupils for the performance; one class per workshop session
Resource Pack: A comprehensive teacher resource pack is included with every booking, packed with pre and post workshop activities that extend the learning and bring Wolf on Trial into the classroom.
HOW TO ENQUIRE & BOOK
For us to quote your school and offer availability, please fill out the form below and tell us how many classes you have in each year, what year groups you want us to work with, and any specific dates that will work for you. We will respond to you within 24 hours. We promise we will not ignore your enquiry. Important: if you have not had a response from us, you may need to check your folder of doom (spam folder) as sometimes our emails may end up in there!
