Primary Pupils Explore Antarctica Through Theatre

January 2026

Children from Chew Magna Primary School near Bristol explored the South Pole last week (8 January) through a visit to Bristol Old Vic theatre.  Pupils from Key Stage One (Years 1-3) watched a performance of Antarctica by the Olivier Award-winning Little Bulb company.

The play explores the southernmost continent and the primary school children became immersed in its landscape and nature as they followed explorers who wanted to take photographs of the creatures that live there.

Some of the children said:

“I really liked where they were sailing on a boat”

 “I liked it when the walruses were fighting. It was really funny.”

“I liked it when a baby penguin hatched out of an egg”

Janine Blackmore, teacher for Kestrel Class (Reception) said:

“It was captivating, we all loved it.”

Annie Spencer, Headteacher at Chew Magna Primary School said:

“Theatre trips are a wonderful way to enrich the school’s curriculum and bring learning to life through fun, engaging experiences. Last term pupils from Key Stage Two visited Bristol Old Vic to see Treasure Island and we’re delighted that the younger pupils were able to experience a production there too.”