Peaceful Lion productions was founded in 2006 by Artistic Director Ollie Fielding to produce pioneering theatre for family and children's audiences.
Stylish productions with a hint of mischief and a dab of spectacle for audiences of all ages.
Theatre for Hospitals initiative
A shot of fun! Children in hospital have limited access to the arts and the magic of theatre. The Theatre for Hospitals initiative provides children in hospital and their families with a transformative experience, enabling them to experience a high-quality arts performance, where an emphasis upon the imaginative art of narrative and storytelling, can re-invent a clinical space.
Our aim is simple: to provide a permanent touring ensemble, dedicated to taking children's theatre across UK hospitals, all year-round and to become a permanent part of the inpatient and outpatient experience, adding to the patient experience and contributing to the community of care.
We have performed in over 10 different hospitals to over 150 children aged between 3 and 18 years as well as over 50 family members, hospital and clinical staff. Some of the hospitals we have visited include: Great Ormond Street Hospital, Evelina Children's Hospital (part of Guy's & St Thomas'), Wythenshawe Hospital, The Royal London hospital (part of Barts Health), Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, University College Hospital, St Mary's Hospital (part of Imperial Healthcare) and the Royal Oldham Hospital.
Being in hospital can be a scary and lonely time for a child. The performances aim to make that difficult time a little easier. Our artistic mission is to ensure that all hospitalised children, their families and medical staff can engage in an uplifting and inclusive theatrical experience. We can provide a sense of relief and a feeling of precious normality for children who are often unable to access any stimulating or fun activities. To some, the performances will be their first experience of theatre.
Our aim is that all children will benefit from a respite from the clinical environment of a hospital. The project unites a community of children, families and medical staff through enjoyment during an often difficult time. This will be invaluable to vulnerable children who have to undertake longer term hospitalisation.
The above chart is taken from an evaluation we conducted after our performances in May 2014. The evaluation used a questionnaire based on the August Scale, an entirely non-invasive way of assessing the effect of the arts on health.
After each performance we ask the children to respond to what they have seen by drawing a picture. Here are some examples of the drawings we have received.
Rhyming Capers is our specially conceived production designed to be staged within a limited space, with emphasis on character and song. The plot is driven by a snail who is lost and confused in new surroundings, taking the audience on a journey to meet a range of different nursery rhyme characters. The aim is to build empathy with the audience and for children to identify with the individual situations.
In May 2014 we visited six London hospitals to perform Rhyming Capers for the first time and in May 2015 we performed to five London hospitals and two hospitals near Manchester.
In December 2014 we visited three London hospitals to perform our production of Rosie's Magic Horse. With flying horses, ice-lolly mountains and pirates it's a great show to cheer you up.
If you would like to find out more about the Theatre
for Hospitals initiative please read our summary
document or get in touch via the contact page.
Performance at the Evelina Children's Hospital, May 2014
Performance of Rhyming Capers, May 2015
"We've
never had anything like this. A live theatre
experience is fantastic to have. It's really good
for them, you can see what benefit it brings. It's
really uplifting and invigorating and allows the
sick children to express themselves. I'm really
impressed. I think it would even help some of the
older children. Thank you so much."
S (Play Specialist)
"One little girl came in for an op this morning. She
won't remember this morning now, she'll only
remember how fun this was. I suppose that's the
idea."
J (Senior Play Specialist)
"This is
amazing. It makes me happy! The songs are very nice
and the characters are funny. I loved the spider and
rapping King! I have never seen anything like this
before."
H aged 18 years (patient)
"I just
wanted to say thank you for the lovely performance
of Rhyming Capers at Great Ormond Street hospital
last week. My son was an inpatient and the show
really cheered him up and brought him some
entertainment from the "outside world". The actors
were so engaging and funny, and it was wonderful to
see my son laugh! I wish you all the best for your
future plans and hope the hospital scheme will be a
success."
R (parent) with son E aged 6 (patient)
We've
never seen anything like it. I liked the show and we
would like to see it again."
D (parent) with M aged 3 (patient)
"My little one has only been in today but it has
done her some good watching this. Usually she can't
sit still but this really made her pay attention."
J (parent)
"I've
been volunteering here for a year now and this is
the first time I've ever seen anything like this.
It's great to have it."
R (Hospital volunteer)
Article in the Oldham Evening Chronicle, May 2015
Another article in the Oldham Evening Chronicle, May 2015