SOUTH TYNESIDE

On July 22nd 2023, I attended the Children’s Writers & illustrators’ social event at the Gala Theatre, Durham. This was the bright spot on an otherwise forgettable wet weekend. The endless rain outside didn’t dampen the mood or atmosphere, as I entered the function room to a warm welcome from host artist/ illustrator Gill O’Mara, and cohosts author Victoria Downes, and creator of specialist sensory stories Pete Wells. There were balloons, cake, gift bags, tea & coffee, and did I mention cake?

Those of us who attended this relaxed, informal gathering of like-minded people with a passion for creating stories for children were able to mingle and swap contact details, discuss our individual backgrounds, network and share tips and hints. This was very useful for me as a budding author. Sharing my book project ideas and receiving positive feedback from complete strangers was a confidence boost in a very competitive market. I now have extra contacts to share ideas, ask for support and offer reciprocal support to them, which can only be a good thing.

After this, it was time for the presentations and a chance to hear from the co-hosts. First up was the ineffable Pete Wells and his sensory stories for those with additional needs. A multi-award winning teacher and specialist in using inclusive technology, he shared with the group an example of one of his amazing multi-sensory stories called ‘DON’T PLAY WITH HEDGEHOGS’ – a story to teach the PREVENT strategy to people with SEND. Literacy should be accessible for all, including those with additional needs and sensory & cognitive impairments. Pete uses his unique skills to advocate and promote literacy for all.

Following on from Pete, we heard from Victoria Downes, and her experience of publishing her popular ‘explorer’ books. It was brilliant to hear from someone who has first-hand experience of publishing books, and she was able to highlight some of the pros and cons for anyone wanting to follow in her footsteps. She discussed key points including the publishing process, marketing and promotion, use of social media, dealing with local and national book shops, contracts, and working with her illustrator (Kathryn Gander), who joined Victoria to discuss the author/ illustrator partnership.

Next up, it was the turn of artist/ illustrator, costume and prop designer Kim McDermottroe. Kim shared with us examples of some of her amazing ink artwork, and she introduced Lockie – a puppet used in stop animation stories, which has his own fanbase.

To wrap up the event, host Gill O’Mara discussed her journey as an artist – commissioned to illustrate for some of the most well-known publishing houses. A further chance for questions and more discussions/networking followed before goodbyes all round and waterproof coats donned. Like I said, this was the bright spot on a miserable weekend.

For anyone who missed this event and want to join a community of writers/illustrators from the North-East – a Facebook group has now been set up called Caterpillar Collective: County Durham Children’s Lit.

Firstly, could you tell us a little bit about how Jurassic Earth first come about?

A young, brave explorer was on an expedition in South America and discovered an unusual looking egg. She placed it in her backpack and as she was returning to camp with the hot afternoon sun beating on her back, she suddenly heard a noise! TAP TAP TAP! She quickly opened up her backpack and realised the unusual rock she had found was not a rock at all! In fact, it was an EGG that was hatching right before her very eyes! Before long, she was cradling a baby dinosaur, squawking loudly. This brave explorer learnt how to raise and train the new hatchling and went on to become a leading Professor – Doctor Bones - and you can meet her at Jurassic Earth!

We were one of the first UK Companies to begin working with animatronic Dinosaurs back in 2015 and their popularity, along with our collection, has grown year on year! We expanded quickly with professional puppeteers, actors and crew to become the largest touring Dinosaur Company performing Arena Shows and Dino Takeovers throughout the UK. We now have 45 Dinosaurs of different breeds, alongside props and activities! The idea for Jurassic Earth Theatre Show was borne out of Covid! I wanted to create a Covid-safe show that people could enjoy in a Socially Distanced environment. The script and cast rehearsed during 2020 and so Jurassic Earth was born!

Jurassic Earth is not the only dinosaur experience operating in the UK, but what sets it apart from other dinosaur shows? We were the first Dinosaur Theatre Show, and we are flattered that a number have copied the idea! However, no one else has a cast as large, we tour with 15 actors, puppeteers, Operators and crew. Hundreds of genuine reviews speak for themselves, and our show features the UK’s most realistic Dinosaurs – we really bring these extinct creatures to life (just ask Holly Willoughby and Ashley Banjo who both were scared witless by our Raptor on Dancing on Ice! https://youtu. be/nOa_pGqQTbs ). This is not just a show – it’s an experience that starts as soon as you enter the Theatre, with our cast roaming the foyer on arrival! We have animatronics, props and giant Dinosaur Eggs for photo opportunities.

While pretty heavy on props and equipment, you manage to tour Jurassic Earth around the country, with one-night-only performances in various venues. How do you manage to stay so agile?

You have to be nimble on your feet when surrounded by Dinosaurs! Have you ever been chased by a Raptor?

The locations you perform in range from traditional theatres, to outdoor parks. How does the experience differ depending on where you’re performing it? The Theatre Show is a compact, high-impact 75 minute performance featuring our biggest Dinosaurs and their babies, crazy Ranger characters and an incredible adventure. When we do outdoor shows and arenas, these tend to be more interactive and educational with walkabout activities; we tailor each performance according to the venue or event, so 2 shows are rarely the same!

Thinking of traditional theatres, does the stage-facing-seats layout put a barrier up between the drama of the dinosaurs and the audience?

How do you overcome that?

Not at all. There is a lot of fun, engagement and call and response throughout the show (think Pantomime with Dinosaurs!). We keep the audience fully involved throughout the show and the Dinosaurs come as close up to the audience as allowed and the thrill is tremendous! Children’s faces light up!

Dinosaurs have been one of the chief fascinations of children for generations. What makes them so timelessly interesting? They were the original ‘monsters’ that walked the planet! Our children have never seen these extinct creatures, so a realistic Dinosaur show such as Jurassic Earth allows children to imagine what it would be like if they existed today!

Lastly, what do you hope audiences take away from seeing the current Jurassic Earth tour? Wonderment & excitement

– Jurassic Earth is a magical experience for children and adults alike!

Can you recommend any survival tips?

Don’t put your hand in a dinosaur’s mouth. Say hello, take a photo, then run for your lives. Bring meat to distract the flesh- eating predators.

N.B. Please do not feed your children to our dinosaurs. This is not a service we provide. Although we have been inundated with enquiries.