Michael Rosen is a national treasure. We are proud to say that he is also a Patron of Finding the Will. On 7 May, he was 80 but, as those of us over 60 can testify, age is merely a number and not relevant. Nonetheless, for such a notably prolific author, poet and broadcaster, Michael Rosen at 80 is something to be celebrated.
His ascent to the ninth decade is all the more remarkable following his near-death experience from Covid-19 in 2020. Six weeks in a coma and on a ventilator, followed by intense physio to learn to walk again, would be enough for most people in their mid-seventies, but not Michael. His books, Many Different Kinds of Love and Michael Rosen’s Sticky McStickStick are an absolute joy and a tribute to all those who looked after him and brought him back from the brink. And he has not stopped writing since.
How did Michael Rosen become our Patron?
Having always been a fan, in March 2019, I cheekily sent Michael Rosen an email telling him about Finding the Will and inviting him to become a Patron. I had no expectation of any kind of response, much less an “I’d be happy to be your Patron” response. I was, as you might imagine, over the moon. A year later, with Michael lying in a coma, we joined the millions around the world, hoping against hope that he would pull through. Thankfully he did of course and then, in 2023, at the Merthyr Tydfil Children’s Literature Festival, we finally met. It was a fleeting meeting due to the nature of the event – he was being whisked off to various venues and we were working with a class of 7&8 year olds on a scene from MACBETH. Seven years after lending his name to us, Michael continues to be brilliant at supporting us on social media and sharing our news. And the effect on the children we work with is heartwarming – this from Twitter in 2024 (NB we are no longer on Twitter but on BlueSky @findingthewill.bsky.social).
Thank you Michael – Happy Birthday!
Moulsecoomb Primary, Brighton
At the beginning of May, I returned to Moulsecoomb Primary for the third year running. This time, Years 4 & 5 joined me in Greece for A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.
Year 5 kicked off the day with some knowledge of the play, so I was able to tap into their imaginations a little to consider some less plot-focused aspects, such as what they might be shopping for in the market. I’ll be honest, I didn’t really have baby oil and a cardboard cut-out statue of Zeus in my sights, but who am I to argue? It was a relief, however, to hear someone shopping for ”necessities” (fruit and veg in case you’re wondering). Lunchtime logistics and warm sunshine meant that we finished the workshop outside. How lovely it was to watch the fairies demand to sit by a bush because “it’s like the wood”.
In the afternoon, a small class of Year 4s came completely fresh to the story. After Hippolyta disclosed she’d be wearing a long white dress and flowers in her hair for her wedding (and don’t quote me, but I think Duke Theseus was planning to wear blue shorts), she turned herself into Puck. For any budding directors out there, this is actually a very successful doubling of characters! Alongside the Hip/Puck double, there were some fine performances and, more importantly, a lot of laughter. 8 year olds discovering a Shakespeare comedy together – never let anyone tell you children can’t understand Shakespeare!
Huge thanks to Miss Prior-Shooter and Mr Hickey for such a warm welcome and the lovely feedback too.
“Seeing the children from my class immersing themselves in the story was a really unique experience for them.”
Montpelier Primary, Ealing
Just before half term, Fay and I returned for the seventh year to Montpelier Primary, Ealing. This is a warm and nurturing school that is a firm favourite with Finding the Will. Every year we work with Y4 alone. As this is a three form entry school, that’s 90 actors aged 8 to 9. This year we tackled MACBETH.
Spontaneous Applause
Spoiler alert! The climax of MACBETH is the decapitation of the tyrant King following a one to one fight between old enemies, Macduff and Macbeth. It’s not often that this results in spontaneous applause from the adult audience. However, such was the effort and vigour in the final sword fight, that when Macduff dealt the final blow, the school hall erupted! And when Macduff held Macbeth’s severed head aloft (see the brilliant prop head above), there was even more cheering!
Alongside the obviously fabulous, loud and energised performances, there were some equally outstanding ones from actors with small voices, actors standing in for others at the last minute, actors who suddenly understood the meaning of ‘focus’, actors who made no fuss but turned in consistently good performances. In a Shakespeare Project Week, it’s certainly not all about Shakespeare. Life skills like focusing, working as a team, dealing with disappointment all come into play. Most importantly, helping children to find a voice – whether that’s overcoming shyness or speaking out loud in an additional language – is a huge part of what we do. So take another bow Y4 because you nailed it!
Enormous thanks as always to Mrs Connett (inhouse DJ); Miss Gilfrin and Miss Mepham in Y4, and Ms Garofalo and Ms Bracken for inviting us back again.
Finally…..
June is shaping up to be a busy one. So busy in fact, I might not have time to write another one of these until just before we all break up for summer.
So, stay cool, keep the sun cream handy and join me, once more, in wishing Michael Rosen a very Happy Birthday!