Children in Lowestoft have taken to the stage to perform their own stories as part of a literacy project backed by local funding.
A total of 128 pupils aged six to nine from Red Oak, Northfield St Nicholas and Westwood primary schools joined the Story Worlds programme, led by theatre company HighTide.
The scheme, funded by £9,256 from East Suffolk Council’s Lowestoft and Northern Parishes Community Partnership, uses drama and creative writing to build reading skills and confidence.
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Over eight weeks, pupils created characters and scripts through drama games and improvisation. The project ended with performances at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft on March 24, where children shared their work with classmates and family members.
George Boundy, engagement manager at HighTide, said: “Every year we start this project with a fresh group of young people, not knowing what they will create or what type of stories they want to tell. What is so rewarding is seeing their ideas emerge, their confidence grow and their enjoyment of storytelling blossom.”
The programme forms part of the National Year of Reading 2026, led by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust. It also links to local aims to improve health and wellbeing.
Councillor Paul Ashdown, chair of the Lowestoft and Northern Parishes Community Partnership, said: “As 2026 is the National Year of Reading, we were pleased to support this powerful project that’s giving children the skills and confidence to share their own stories. Sadly, since the pandemic literacy rates have been falling, with disadvantaged children affected the most.
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“Thanks to this programme run by HighTide, many pupils were able to step into a theatre for the first time. The Community Partnership were proud to support the programme and watching them build their confidence and have fun with storytelling on stage, with support from family members, was wonderful to see – so thank you to the Marina Theatre for hosting the event.
"We hope this project ignites a passion within children to improve their reading and writing skills, boost their confidence and give them the freedom to express themselves and I would like to congratulate all the children who took part.”
This story is published as part of Born & Read in Suffolk, a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing and Suffolk Community Libraries, sponsored by Sizewell C and and Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority, and supported by Ipswich Town Football Club. Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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