Every term at Perform, the children follow an exciting theme. This story carries them through their drama, dance and singing classes each week and gives meaning to what they are learning.
As Perform has been running for 26 years, these themes naturally rotate every three years. They are loved, tried and tested and familiar to many of our teachers and families.
But last year, Will Barnett (my Co-Founder) and I felt a strong pull to do something different. We wanted to create a brand-new theme for our 4-7s. One that felt magical, theatrical and playful, but also relevant to the world young children are growing up in today.
And that is how Midnight in the Toyshop was born.
About Midnight in the Toyshop
Our Midnight in the Toyshop theme is set in a magical toyshop where toys spring to life as the clock strikes twelve.
However, the toyshop is under threat. A tech tycoon called Peyton Pixel wants to close it down and replace it with an AI centre. The toys, including Belle Ballerina, Rebel Racer and Grumble the Dinosaur, set out trying to save the toyshop and, in doing so, remind the world that children still want to play with real toys.
The power of toys and play
At Perform, we are absolutely not anti-technology. Technology brings enormous benefits to children's lives. It connects, informs, supports learning and opens doors.
But with very young children in particular, we are increasingly aware of what can be lost when screens replace hands-on play.
A recent study highlighted a growing concern from educators and psychologists that traditional toys play a crucial role in early childhood development. Physical and imaginative play supports language development, emotional understanding, concentration and problem-solving in ways screen-based interaction cannot fully replicate.
Toys ask children to do the work themselves - a teddy becomes a friend, a toy train goes on a journey and a doll has a problem that needs solving. This kind of play is foundational for empathy, storytelling and confidence.
Midnight in the Toyshop is a reminder that while technology will continue to develop, we must protect the spaces where young children can explore, invent and play freely.
Because real children still need real toys.
Perform's 4-7s are rehearsing Midnight in the Toyshop from January to April and children can join us for a free trial at any point in the term. Find out more and book a trial here.
