Quentin Blake

As ArtfulScribe’s Breakthrough Apprentice, I have been given sensational opportunities to assist facilitators when needed. From chaperoning Mayflower Young Writers on their trip to see Ricky Tart’s Crockadogapig, to encouraging intelligent scribblers at Mayflower Creative Writers, I always look forward to this varied role.

Most recently, I have been entrusted with the chance to assist Downlands School on their journey to achieve a ArtsAward Discover. This was made possible through three, full day writing-workshops held at Lighthouse in Poole.

The workshops, which ran from Monday 20^th till Wednesday22^nd November, focused on the captivating illustrations of Quentin Blake and the engaging story of Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine. I found this workshop particularly enjoyable as we were able to incorporate Lighthouse’s exhibition, Quentin Blake: Illustrating Verse, within our delivery.

The first part of each day was dedicated to understanding the concept of storytelling. I read George’s Marvellous Medicine with the assistance of some excitable children who acted out the story alongside me. Then the group’s leader, Holly Spillar, discussed fictional illnesses, character, and alliteration with the children.

Next, we asked the group to participate in some of their own storytelling. Dividing them into groups of six, we gave each child a paper cut-out of a magical medicine bottle. On their bottle, they wrote an alliterative name with a simile infused warning label.

Bubbling Bubble-gum, WARNING: if you drink this, your tummy will blow up as big as a bubble and you will float away.

In the second part of the workshop, we delved into the facts and illustrations of Quentin Blake. The children were excited to draw The Enormous Crocodile and other vibrant characters. They even learnt how many books Blake has Illustrated in his career… nearly 300!

Reeling from the excitement of the exhibition, we explored the main rooms in the building. Our tour-guide, Charles Shelton – Lighthouse’s Creative Engagement Officer - welcomed us into a theatre where The Woman in Black were setting the stage ready for a show. The children were mesmerised by the mechanics and manoeuvres of the set – it was the quietest they had been all day.

After lunch, the children arrived with a full tummy and a newfound inspiration for storytelling. In the theatre space, they had the opportunity to work together and create a story inspired by George’s Marvellous Medicine. Their ideas for fictional illnesses came quickly - Waxy-Toe-Pox and Chocolate Pox were just some of the creative responses.

At the end of each day, our groups performed their stories for each other. It was amazing to not only see such high energy and enthusiasm for storytelling, but also to see everyone’s confidence grow throughout the day.

The three-day writing workshop at Lighthouse was an incredible experience for both the students at Downlands School and me. Together, we explored how storytelling can bring us closer to others and to ourselves.

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Quentin Blake