By rotating partners and shifting roles, children practise focus, empathy and spontaneous storytelling while staying physically active and engaged.
Create the doughnut
Ask everyone to find a partner and decide who will be A and who will be B.
All As stand in a circle facing outwards. All Bs stand in a circle facing inwards, directly opposite their partner, forming a doughnut shape.
Round 1: Robin Hood and the Sheriff
Explain that As are Robin Hood, trying to persuade the Sheriff of Nottingham to stop overtaxing the poor and return the stolen money.
Bs are the Sheriff and must listen only. After about 30 seconds, call freeze. Tell Bs their feet are super-glued to the floor, then ask As to step one place to the left to face a new partner.
Round 2: Boasting Sheriff
Now explain that Bs are the Sheriff of Nottingham, boasting to one of Prince John's guards about their power, gold and control. After 30 seconds, rotate the outer circle again so everyone meets a new partner.
Round 3: Market gossip
Explain that As and Bs are villagers in the market square who have just heard that Robin Hood has stolen gold from the Sheriff and returned it to the poor. After 30 seconds, rotate the outer circle once more.
Round 4: Secret planning
Explain that A is Maid Marian and B is Little John, planning how to outsmart the Sheriff and protect Robin Hood. This time, they are not allowed to speak English and must communicate using a secret outlaw language.
This do-nut structure is excellent for keeping energy high while ensuring everyone stays engaged. The constant rotation prevents overthinking and encourages instinctive storytelling. It can be adapted easily to any narrative, making it a versatile tool for both drama skills and story exploration.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
