What People Say
About Us…
A small selection of the fabulous feedback we’ve received!
ABOUT CHAIN REACTION THEATRE COMPANY
“A real example of where the use of drama and the use of humour can convey powerful messages in an accessible and engaging way.”
Robin Tuddenham, Assistant Chief Executive, London Borough of Waltham Forest
‘”A theatre company who are able to take a germ of an idea and develop it
to become the central learning point of a dynamic show.”
to become the central learning point of a dynamic show.”
Inspector J. Cheer, Head of Youth and Drugs,
Community Safety department, Essex Police
Community Safety department, Essex Police
“My favourite bit was everything!”
Pupil, age 7, Windsor Primary School, London Borough of Newham
“The best theatre company production I have seen in secondary schools in my PSHE experience”
Gail Peters, Axton Chase School, Kent
“What sets Chain Reaction apart, is their ability to deliver a health message to the target audience at exactly the right pitch. Chain Reaction’s productions are known by many of the schools…
the demands for their work are constantly increasing which is a testament to
their benefit within the local community.”
the demands for their work are constantly increasing which is a testament to
their benefit within the local community.”
Melissa Wright, Young Persons Co-ordinator,
Barking & Dagenham Primary Care Trust
Barking & Dagenham Primary Care Trust
“Everything was excellent. I would award you with one million pounds.
Make sure you come back and show different things.”
Make sure you come back and show different things.”
Pupil, St. Helen’s Primary, London Borough of Newham
“After having tried every sort of novel PSHE communication, I can honestly say that
the power, imagination and skill of Chain Reaction is one of the most effective methods of
getting young people to think for themselves. Our pupils became instant fans and
it takes a lot to prompt spontaneous praise and thanks from 14 year old boys!”
the power, imagination and skill of Chain Reaction is one of the most effective methods of
getting young people to think for themselves. Our pupils became instant fans and
it takes a lot to prompt spontaneous praise and thanks from 14 year old boys!”
Dr. Simon Thorn, Head of Biology, Radley College, Oxford
“Always willing to have back to the school again, great performance,
great workshops and a very professional manner. Thank you.”
great workshops and a very professional manner. Thank you.”
Mr C. Jones, Head of Drama, Barking Abbey School,
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
“Your performance was high quality and professional and exceeded my usual expectations of theatre groups visiting primary schools. I’m sure your performance will be remembered.”
Jane Brinsmead, Teacher, Edinburgh Primary School,
London Borough of Waltham Forest
London Borough of Waltham Forest
“We are really impressed with the approach Chain Reaction take to
tackling young people’s issues, using theatre as an innovative resource.”
tackling young people’s issues, using theatre as an innovative resource.”
Lucy French, Head of Fundraising and Monitoring, East Foundation
“We’re so pleased that we’re booking them for the next three years!”
Margo Sheridan, Health Promotion Adviser,
Redbridge & Waltham Forest Health Authority
Redbridge & Waltham Forest Health Authority
“As always Chain Reaction gave a high energy performance –
they do get so perfectly the balance between pure entertainment and education.”
they do get so perfectly the balance between pure entertainment and education.”
Catherine Cook, Head of Drama, Jo Richardson Community School,
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
“I love Chain Reaction and would like to come back for work experience.”
Workshop participant, age 12
ABOUT OUR SHOWS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
DRUGS, ALCOHOL & TOBACCO
It’s Your Body (Drugs Awareness & Healthy Living for Infants)
“The pupils were glued to the performance from beginning to end.”
Teacher, St. Antony’s Primary School, London Borough of Newham
“They enjoyed it…children could relate to the characters from television shows they watch…
their knowledge has improved particularly about medicines.”
their knowledge has improved particularly about medicines.”
Zoe Isherwood, Teacher, Cann Hall Primary School,
London Borough of Waltham Forest
London Borough of Waltham Forest
“The important message was all medicines are drugs, not all drugs are medicines.
You should eat fruit and vegetables, put sun cream on and get exercise.
Don’t eat lots of crisps, don’t smoke, don’t drink lots of beer or wine.
I thought it was good because it helped me remember important stuff.”
You should eat fruit and vegetables, put sun cream on and get exercise.
Don’t eat lots of crisps, don’t smoke, don’t drink lots of beer or wine.
I thought it was good because it helped me remember important stuff.”
Pupil, age 6, Upminster Infant School, London Borough of Havering
“Thank you! My class loved it and so did I!”
Miss Chinery, Teacher, Hallville Primary School, London Borough of Newham
’It was engaging, fun, modern and appealed to the children’s interests.
Well done….it was excellent!”
Well done….it was excellent!”
Rachel Ashby, PSHE Coordinator, Northbury Infant School,
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
Know Your Mind (Drugs Awareness for Juniors)
“It was spot on – very engaging for the children
so that the message got through without them even realising it.”
so that the message got through without them even realising it.”
L Reasbeck, Teacher, Ranelagh Primary School, London Borough of Newham
“Quality of performance very good and VERY enjoyable, pitched well.”
Georgia Marriot, Teacher, Sir Francis Drake School, London Borough of Lewisham
“It was very funny and enjoyable but it also made people think about the dangers of drugs.
I learnt a lot about different drugs, that they are dangerous in so many ways, they can hurt you and make you depressed and can make you insane. I will never touch a drug ever, ever, EVER.”
I learnt a lot about different drugs, that they are dangerous in so many ways, they can hurt you and make you depressed and can make you insane. I will never touch a drug ever, ever, EVER.”
Pupil, age 10, St Josephs Catholic Primary School, London Borough of Havering
“I loved the songs and could hear them [the children] singing them outside.
Developed a discussion about smoking and drinking –
they didn’t previously view them as a ‘drug’. Very enjoyable, thank you!”
Developed a discussion about smoking and drinking –
they didn’t previously view them as a ‘drug’. Very enjoyable, thank you!”
Leigh Joyce, Year 5 Class Teacher, Gordon Primary School,
London Borough of Greenwich
London Borough of Greenwich
“It was very funny and enjoyable but it also made people think about the dangers of drugs.
I learnt a lot about different drugs, that they are dangerous in so many ways, they can hurt you and make you depressed and can make you insane. I will never touch a drug ever, ever, EVER.”
I learnt a lot about different drugs, that they are dangerous in so many ways, they can hurt you and make you depressed and can make you insane. I will never touch a drug ever, ever, EVER.”
Pupil, age 10, St Josephs Catholic Primary School, London Borough of Havering
“I loved the songs and could hear them [the children] singing them outside.
Developed a discussion about smoking and drinking –
they didn’t previously view them as a ‘drug’. Very enjoyable, thank you!”
Developed a discussion about smoking and drinking –
they didn’t previously view them as a ‘drug’. Very enjoyable, thank you!”
Leigh Joyce, Year 5 Class Teacher, Gordon Primary School,
“It was amazing!”
Pupil, Jenny Hammond Primary School, London Borough of Waltham Forest
Know Your Mind (Drugs Awareness for Secondary Pupils)
“It was beyond my expectations in every way, storyline, songs, performers.
As the school’s Drugs Co-ordinator I would like to use the company again.”
As the school’s Drugs Co-ordinator I would like to use the company again.”
Ms A. Clarke, Central Foundation Girls School, London Borough of Tower Hamlets
“The play should be shown in schools, youth clubs, anywhere young people are”
B. Armstrong, Swanley Youth & Community Centre, Kent
“I learnt that a drug doesn’t have to kill you to take away your life.”
Pupil, Dagenham Park Community School, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
“The most positive response I have ever seen our pupils give to an outside agency.
A difficult to engage group took risks, behaved appropriately and had fun.”
A difficult to engage group took risks, behaved appropriately and had fun.”
Debbie Clark, Teacher, Redbridge Tuition Service, London Borough of Redbridge
“It is one of the most effective productions we’ve seen as it was
pitched at the right level with plenty of humour.”
pitched at the right level with plenty of humour.”
Elizabeth Carey, St. Clere’s School, Stanford-Le-Hope, Thurrock, Essex
Chain Reaction (Smoking Awareness)
“Thank you for the fabulous performances put on by Chain Reaction…
The performance was at exactly the right level and the girls were very professional
when dealing with the children’s workshops. We look forward to next year!”
The performance was at exactly the right level and the girls were very professional
when dealing with the children’s workshops. We look forward to next year!”
C J Alleway, Head of Key Stage 2, Lessness Heath Primary School, Kent
“…very well presented with a clever mix of songs, facts and humour.
The pupils were thoroughly engrossed throughout and their recall of information
has proved what an effective teaching medium drama is.”
The pupils were thoroughly engrossed throughout and their recall of information
has proved what an effective teaching medium drama is.”
Diana Few, Head of Secondary, Brookfield House School,
London Borough of Waltham Forest
London Borough of Waltham Forest
“I found the play showed us dangers of smoking in a very entertaining way.
The singing was excellent. It was a clear way of making people think.”
The singing was excellent. It was a clear way of making people think.”
Pupil, age 12, The Coopers Company and Coborn School, London Borough of Havering
“I have been trying to think of new adjectives to sing your praises with but ‘brilliant’ just keeps coming in to my head. Thank you all so much for making my project such a success with your innovative, contemporary performances and workshops.”
Karin Dawson, Health Promotion Specialist ,
Shropshire Community and Mental Health Services NHS Trust
Shropshire Community and Mental Health Services NHS Trust
“Excellent!”
Danielle Betts, Teacher, Chingford C of E Junior, London Borough of Waltham Forest
EMOTIONAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Time To Talk (Expressing Emotions & Dealing With Loss)
“The play was brilliant in every way. The message was clear and
I love the way we were taken through our emotions. Well done!”
I love the way we were taken through our emotions. Well done!”
Alice Alexandra, Counsellor, Barking & Dagenham Bereavement Service
“Everyone agreed that it was a great success and very useful.
Many of our children have suffered losses and I was pleased that we could support them.”
Many of our children have suffered losses and I was pleased that we could support them.”
Julie Lewis, Co-ordinator, Hallsville Primary School, London Borough of Newham
“It went beyond my expectations. I was moved myself and
shared my own feelings with the children. Excellent performance.”
shared my own feelings with the children. Excellent performance.”
Mr Jones, Teacher, Meridian C.P School, Brighton & Hove District Council
“I would definitely advise other schools to use this production.”
K. Rosen, Year 5 Teacher, Rise Park Junior School, London Borough of Havering
“I learnt to talk to someone when you feel down.”
Pupil, Burbage Primary, London Borough of Hackney
Keepin’ It Cool (Conflict Resolution)
“This was absolutely stunning. It was very powerful – all the kids loved it and took it to heart”
Ms G Jenkins, Teacher, Hazelwood, London Borough of Enfield
“I learned different ways to manage your anger and how not to take it out on people.”
Pupil, Age 8, Cann Hall Primary School, London Borough of Waltham Forest
“After problems the following lunchtime, there were some children pretending to be Angerman.
This helped diffuse some situations”
This helped diffuse some situations”
Nicola Lewis, Year 5 Teacher, St Thomas of Canterbury, Thurrock, Essex
“Sometimes I get angry because I don’t understand people.
Chain Reaction show showed me if we just discuss it we will understand each other.”
Chain Reaction show showed me if we just discuss it we will understand each other.”
Pupil, age 10, Barley Lane Primary School, London Borough of Redbridge
“Children thoroughly enjoyed the production and were able to give examples of anger management strategies. Most felt that they had learnt how to use a method to keep their temper. . . .Thank you!”
Laura Jones, Assistant Head, Rush Green Junior School,
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
ASPIRATIONS
Movin’ On Up (Aspirations & Fulfilling The Future)
“Another great performance! Fab messages. Young people responded well.
Would work with my NEET youth groups… VERY suitable! I would use this production again….
The staff did an excellent job and are very supportive and inclusive to all young people. Thanks.”
Would work with my NEET youth groups… VERY suitable! I would use this production again….
The staff did an excellent job and are very supportive and inclusive to all young people. Thanks.”
Katherine Eveleigh, Youth Worker, Barking & Dagenham Youth Support & Development Service, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
“Very good actors and really funny, and really made me think about my future.”
Pupil, age 14, Belhus Chase Humanities College, Essex
“Movin’ On Up brought to life the reality of making the wrong choices.
Young people were shown real life scenarios in making plans for when they leave school.
Using contemporary TV shows as the model meant that the young people could focus on the message and stay absolutely hooked by the comedy and music.”
Young people were shown real life scenarios in making plans for when they leave school.
Using contemporary TV shows as the model meant that the young people could focus on the message and stay absolutely hooked by the comedy and music.”
Amanda Howells, Connexions Strategic Manager
“All the pupils gave really positive feedback.
The content was very effective and all were engaged in thinking about their future.”
The content was very effective and all were engaged in thinking about their future.”
K. D’Arcy, Teacher, Gable Hall School, Thurrock, Essex
“I learnt more about the options for me and what I can do to ensure that I get the job I want”
Pupil, age 13, Plashet School, London Borough of Newham
HEALTHY EATING & EXERCISE
Food 4 Thought (Healthy Eating & Exercise for Juniors)
“The children were enthralled from the first moments of the performance, which was delivered in a humorous, engaging and age appropriate manner through songs and dialogue. Chain Reaction were professional and efficient at all times and their preparation in all respects was excellent.
We would be very happy to recommend Chain Reaction.”
We would be very happy to recommend Chain Reaction.”
Fiona Jackson, Healthy Schools Co-ordinator, London Borough of Waltham Forest
“Fun and informative, very friendly group, pleasure to welcome you to our school. They [the pupils] thoroughly enjoyed the performance…particularly the singing (as I write this I am being treated to a slightly out of tune rendition of your
educational songs so I think they enjoyed these!).”
educational songs so I think they enjoyed these!).”
Mrs Sam Sansom, Teacher, Essex Primary School, London Borough of Newham
“(I learned…) that you need to be healthy for a lot of reasons…It was funny and enjoyable.
It was also fun to learn more about a balanced diet as well as having fun.”
It was also fun to learn more about a balanced diet as well as having fun.”
Pupil, age 10, Sacred Heart School, Liverpool
“It put the message of healthy eating across to all four year groups in a way they could all relate to…..The production was colourful, funny and interesting keeping all our pupils captivated throughout the whole performance. Thank you for an excellent show!”
Hannah Hattersley, Teacher, Lound Junior School, Sheffield
“Children and adults alike really enjoyed the performance. [The] children were very enthusiastic about what they had seen… and enjoyed talking about it. They learnt a lot from it … and will spread their knowledge at home about healthy eating and exercise to encourage changes…
Can’t wait for the next performance!”
Can’t wait for the next performance!”
Laura May Edney, PSHE Co-ordinator, Parklands Infant School,
London Borough of Havering
London Borough of Havering
SEX & RELATIONSHIPS
Inside Out (Sexual Health Awareness)
“First encounter with Chain Reaction: impressive….very talented…bags of verve.
Pupils responded well. A great deal of information was given – would recommend to other schools.”
Pupils responded well. A great deal of information was given – would recommend to other schools.”
Diana Wilkens, independent Health Education Advisor
“The show was funny, serious and cool. It got the point across clearly
and in a way that everyone could understand.”
and in a way that everyone could understand.”
Pupil, Warren Comprehensive, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
“The day was very successful and the students gained a great deal from it.”
Mrs Lyon, Head of PSHE, The Gilberd School, Colchester, Essex
“It more than met expectations, I felt that issues were tackled in a very straight forward,
funny way which really appealed to the pupils.”
funny way which really appealed to the pupils.”
Jane Fleming-Wood, Teacher, Warren Comprehensive,
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
“The girls were engrossed by the dramatic and fast paced drama and your presentation firmly reinforced the knowledge of sexual health and personal responsibility which we try to instil
during our PSHE lessons. I was really pleased to see your focus was on individual choice and the need to make up your mind in relation to sex issues. The message was loud and clear…”
during our PSHE lessons. I was really pleased to see your focus was on individual choice and the need to make up your mind in relation to sex issues. The message was loud and clear…”
Mrs Gina Harvey, Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Chelmsford, Essex
COMMUNITY COHESION
Knowing Me, Knowing You (Bullying & Respecting Difference)
“I was very impressed with the standard of performance from all the company members,
and by the intelligent and constructive script. You should be commended.”
and by the intelligent and constructive script. You should be commended.”
Jeff Elsom, Community Safety Manager, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
“Bullies are just scared, upset and confused. If you should stick up for anyone,
stick up for the victim, ‘cause the victim could be you.”
stick up for the victim, ‘cause the victim could be you.”
Pupil, Engayne Primary School, London Borough of Havering
“It was lively, engaging, thought provoking and well-suited in style
and context to the intended audience.”
and context to the intended audience.”
Teacher, Gearies Junior School, London Borough of Redbridge
“Well written script and excellent sensitive portrayals of the characters – excellent cast!”
G. Collins, Teacher, Monega School, London Borough of Newham
“I learnt that half of primary school children have been bullied in the past year
and if you don’t tell anyone, it could just get worse.”
and if you don’t tell anyone, it could just get worse.”
Pupil, St Joseph’s RC Junior School, London Borough of Waltham Forest
Totally Together (Celebrating & Understanding Diversity)
“How refreshing! The performance was brilliant and totally professional.
Some very sensitive issues were raised and dealt with in a hard hitting, direct manner.
Well done!! We’d love to have you back.”
Some very sensitive issues were raised and dealt with in a hard hitting, direct manner.
Well done!! We’d love to have you back.”
Ewan Robertson, Deputy Head Teacher, Grafton Junior School,
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
“What a wonderfully thought-provoking production. The Totally Together show gets a hugely important message across in a highly accessible and entertaining way.
Congratulations to Chain Reaction on its achievement.”
Congratulations to Chain Reaction on its achievement.”
Mayor of Waltham Forest, Councillor Anna Mbachu
“The performance of “Totally Together” was outstanding. Pupils were talking about it for days after and a large number of them spoke to me about how they had enjoyed it and the thoughts and feelings it had provoked in them. The subject was dealt with in a clever way which allowed the children to feel empathy for the characters. I would not hesitate to book your company for other performances and will recommend you. Thank you for a very relevant and enjoyable experience.”
Carolyne Cusack, Head of Year 8, Marshalls Park School,
London Borough of Havering
London Borough of Havering
“Children were shocked by the ignorance of the characters. They asked very good questions in the hot-seating which demonstrated their understanding. I don’t think they’d considered before that adults might not always be right (especially parents).”
Jo Castro, KS2 Phase Leader, Manorfield Primary School,
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
“[I learnt] that if someone has a different voice, skin and language
it is what is on the inside that counts, not the outside.”
it is what is on the inside that counts, not the outside.”
Pupil, age 10, Brompton West Brook Primary School, Kent
ABOUT OUR WORKSHOPS
“Mikki comes to everything that Chain Reaction puts on and has really come out of herself so much since taking part in these clubs run by Chain Reaction. She has grown immensely in confidence and thoroughly enjoys her time there. Each day she has come home with lots of information.
She has learnt something each day and passed it onto the rest of the family.”
She has learnt something each day and passed it onto the rest of the family.”
Parent/carer workshop participant of age 12
“Young people responded well. I thought it was important they participated in the workshop –
some young people that have previously
opted out of drama got involved which was nice to see…
I see their confidence increasing… the staff did an excellent job and are
very supportive and inclusive to all young people.”
some young people that have previously
opted out of drama got involved which was nice to see…
I see their confidence increasing… the staff did an excellent job and are
very supportive and inclusive to all young people.”
Katherine Eveleigh, Youth Worker,
Barking & Dagenham Youth Support and Development Service
Barking & Dagenham Youth Support and Development Service
“I had the best time ever doing something different like drama!”
Workshop participant, age 18
“I would like to express my gratitude for the fantastic workshop you have run at the Sue Bramley Centre this week. My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed it and grown in confidence as the week has gone on. The work you do is so beneficial for the young people of this borough as it is teaching them how to be responsible, confident and respectful individuals. It was great to see how all the kids got along so well and how they encouraged and
supported one another and worked as a team.
Long may you continue the excellent work you all do.”
supported one another and worked as a team.
Long may you continue the excellent work you all do.”
Parent of workshop participant age 13
“CRYT makes me want to do something with my life”
Chain Reaction Youth Theatre (CRYT) participant, age 16
To talk to us about how we can work with you to get your pupils, staff or audience feeling as enthusiastic as our friends above, call now on 020 8534 0007 or get in touch
