Oliver Sykes — Creative writing & performance workshop

Are you aged 8-12?

Would you like to develop your writing/performance skills?

Join award-winning children’s author and poet, Oliver Sykes, for a fun-filled creative-writing/performance workshop!
Explore new ways of writing and performing!

Explore your own experiences

Create your own story and showcase it in the workshop!

This workshop will be tailored towards children of all abilities, building confidence, touching on skills and writing techniques covered in the national curriculum, and encouraging participants to be led by their own imagination and creativity.

Spaces are limited to 20.
The workshop is 1 hour long and ends at 12 noon.
Please wear clothes that you are able to move freely in, as the drama workshop includes physical warm-ups and theatre games.

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About Oliver Sykes
Oliver has delivered specific show-focused workshops in schools, colleges and universities across the UK, receiving incredibly positive feedback from arts industry experts, teachers, and young people alike.

“Since January 2020, Oliver has been in residence at our school, delivering dedicated workshop sessions to a small group of Year 4 pupils. Each session includes an animated reading of a chapter from his debut novel, ‘Alfie’s First Fight’, followed by themed writing exercises and boxing skills demonstrations. Our pupils are clearly engaged by the story, which is as much about boxing, as it is about courage, loyalty, family and community, and is based on Oliver’s own experience of being brought up by a single father – a rare and valuable narrative in children’s fiction, particularly for our pupils. I have been delighted by our pupils’ response to this project and they always look forward to these fantastic sessions with Oliver.”
Miss Hew Ting Yuen, Assistant Head Teacher, Stanley Grove Primary Academy 

What teachers say about Oliver’s workshops:
“Oliver’s workshop was profound. He worked incredibly well with a mixed-ability group, creating a safe space for our pupils who felt comfortable exploring their lives and expressing themselves at what is a crucial point in their lives.”
Cringle Brook Primary School, Levenshulme 

“Oliver’s educational strand is very strong and I like the fact that it offers a range of ways to support the curriculum, both thematically and in specific drama techniques.”
Kaye Tew, Director, Manchester Children’s Book Festival 

“Interesting, fun and inspiring.” Alberto (11), Longsight 
“I really enjoyed the activity, especially writing for myself without having the pressure to perform or share it.” Musfirah (12), Moss Side
“Oliver had complete trust in our ability / freedom.” Liam (13), Gorton 
“It was good working on our families as it was individual to us all.” Maliha (9), Didsbury 
“My favourite thing about the workshop was performing a monologue as a member of my family.” Erin (8), Burnage