Once Upon a Woodland.mp4
As a leading videographer in the North East, I was approached to document a storytelling project at Alnwick Playhouse.
The video was commissioned by Claire Newton to support the Explore Arts Award at the theatre. As a videographer in the North East who specialises in arts and heritage, I was drawn to this project for its focus on imagination, inclusion, and creative growth.
The project centred around the Mini Youth Theatre, a group of 14 young participants of mixed ability—some with learning or behavioural challenges, all with a desire to express themselves. “They all come because they want to be creative, express themselves, sing, dance, have fun,” says one of the facilitators. My role was to quietly observe and document this transformation—where confidence, joy, and community blossomed through storytelling.
At the core of the project was the creation of a Storytelling Chair—a unique, co-designed object that reflected the children’s own ideas and input. Working with artist Alison Ashton, the children’s suggestions were brought to life in a way that gave them full ownership of the process. “It was up to them to come up with all of the ideas,” one organiser explains, “and Alison was able to take those suggestions back into the design.”
This creative process culminated in a celebration event. The children performed songs learned with resident pianist Peter Brown, and their parents were able to see firsthand what they’d been working on. “What happens in that session is completely transformational for those children,” a team member shared. “They get to unlock their imaginations, to create new experiences, to make new friends.”
The event also welcomed local storytellers and author Gary Northfield, helping to create a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere and offering the venue a way to diversify its audience. It was more than a showcase—it was a testament to the value of storytelling, collaboration, and accessible arts engagement.
Why It Matters
As a videographer in the North East, I’m drawn to documenting the quieter, human stories behind arts initiatives like this one. Once Upon a Woodland exemplifies the potential of creative projects to build confidence and change lives—especially when delivered with care, inclusivity, and imagination.
At its heart, this project wasn’t about performance polish or artistic perfection—it was about process. About creating a space where every child, regardless of background or ability, could feel seen, heard, and encouraged to explore their creativity on their own terms. These are the kinds of stories that often go unnoticed—emerging in community halls, local theatres, and woodland paths—but they carry the deepest impact. They’re about belonging, discovery, and transformation.
One organiser captured this perfectly:
“If you’ve got young people willing to take part in the arts… artists that you’ve got exposure to… a venue… then all you need to do is overlay the criteria with your sessions… and it’ll change young people’s lives.”
What struck me most while filming was the trust placed in the children—not just to participate, but to lead, to contribute ideas, and to shape something lasting. The Storytelling Chair wasn’t handed to them—it was imagined by them, co-created with a professional artist, and made to endure for future generations.
My short video captures that ethos—an honest, observational portrait of creativity in action. It shows how the Explore Arts Award can be woven into meaningful, place-based learning that not only meets a curriculum but nurtures the individual. Projects like this remind us that the arts aren’t a luxury—they’re a lifeline. And storytelling? That’s where it all begins.
Explore more of my films about young people here