They strike frozen poses and practise speaking with confidence as they explain what they do, why they are important and why the kitchen would not be the same without them.
It is a playful way to practise physical theatre, creativity and vocal projection.
1. Explore the kitchen
Ask the children: "What can you see in a kitchen?"
Encourage them to name lots of objects - fridge, microwave, kettle, washing machine, dishwasher.
2. Discuss what each appliance does
For each one, ask:
Make sure you include both big appliances and small gadgets.
3. Freeze in character
Ask each child to choose one appliance and freeze in a pose that shows what it does. For example:
4. Set the scene
Then, a grown-up plays the tired parent, doing some final cleaning before bed. They sigh, yawn and leave the kitchen.
5. Enter the sprite!
A second grown-up or helper becomes a cheeky sprite who tiptoes in and causes magical chaos by:
6. The parent returns
In the morning, the parent is horrified.
"Oh no! This kitchen is a mess! I'll have to throw some things away!"
7. Choose an appliance
The parent picks one frozen child appliance and says: "I'll take this away."
8. Time to speak up!
The child must say clearly: "No, you can't take me away!"
When asked "Why not?", the children must give a good reason based on their function, for example:
8. Reveal the appliance
The parent responds: "Oh! You're a (washing machine/toaster)! Of course, I can't take you away."
8. Repeat with others
Continue until all appliances have had their moment to defend themselves!
This game always brings big laughs and lovely moments of improvisation. It's fantastic for helping children link ideas, use their voice with purpose and become bold performers.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
