Laura, Alice and Siân are talented theatre-makers in their twenties. Based in Exeter, Devon and the London Borough of Bexley, they started their theatre company Scratchworks in 2103. They have since won multiple awards and toured around the UK in venues like New Diorama Theatre, Greenwich Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre, Salisbury Arts Centre and Theatre Royal Bath.
However like so many in the arts industry, the pandemic put a stop to their income and creative work. Luckily, with the help of the Arts Council they have managed to create a new way of reaching their audiences.
After a successful run of their science infused show The Snow Beast, in association with the Barbican Theatre, Scratchworks were due to be touring three shows (a historical trilogy about the forgotten women of history) to venues across the UK at the time of the lockdown. Distraught that their tour was suddenly cancelled and their work put on hold they applied for the Arts Council England’s Emergency Fund which helped them recover from a whole tour being cancelled. With no tour on the horizon the trio came up with the fantastic idea to reform their show into an interactive audiobook to reach more children and bring the arts (and a bit of fun) to families in the safety of their homes.
Faina and The Snow Beast is a thrilling audio adventure for budding young scientists aged 6 to 11.
In the snowy town of Seldomberg test tubes bubble, experiments explode and new inventions whirr for the Science Academy’s Final Exams. But Faina’s got a problem… her project has unexpectedly burst into flames! Desperate to pass her Final Exams, Faina sets off on a perilous expedition into the wilderness to find the Snow Beast. With help from her owl assistant Maude, they encounter extraordinary spectacles and mountainous obstacles as they battle through the wild, wintry wilderness in search of the truth. Can you help Faina and Maude overcome the scientific puzzles along the way? Does The Snow Beast even exist? This audio book blends action-packed storytelling with an original soundtrack and science experiments!
This audio adventure comes with an at-home activity pack for you to try the science experiments at home with everyday household items! The pack is perfect for the classroom, suitable for KS1 and KS2 and will be available from 19 November for £6.99.
“Science is all about getting things wrong. Our Experiment Pack gives young scientists the opportunity to try some of Faina’s experiments at home with ordinary bits and pieces you find around the house or in the recycling bin! We want children to not be afraid of failure, but see it as a vital part of their learning journey. It’s something we adults should remind ourselves of too!”
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