Magical merlin

A Magical Toyshop Adventure

From January to April 2026, we're offering free performing arts workshops to selected primary schools through our Drama4ALL initiative.

Each 25-minute session is led by a professionally trained, DBS-checked actor who appears in character to guide pupils through a magical and imaginative drama experience.

Step into Mrs Tuppence's magical toy shop, where teddies, trains, dolls and puppets come alive at midnight! But disaster looms and Peyton Pixel wants to shut it down. Only children can help the toys prove their magic and save the shop.

Along the way, children compare toys past and present- from clockwork wonders to digital delights- discovering how materials, mechanisms and play have changed through time.

These lively workshops combine movement, storytelling and role-play, sparking creativity while supporting key learning outcomes across English, PSHE, Expressive Arts and Physical Development. Tailored for Early Years and KS1, each session offers fun and age-appropriate activities that bring the magic of toys and learning to life.

toyshop grumble
NURSERY & RECEPTION
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YEAR 1
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YEAR 2

Nursery and Reception

toyshop grumble

Help Mrs Tuppence save her beloved shop by entering the magical toy world and meeting characters like Grumble the Dinosaur, Ballerina Bella and Rebel Racer.

Activities Include:

  • Mrs Tuppence's Welcome- Step inside Mrs Tuppence's Toyshop, where every toy has a story and a little bit of magic. But trouble is afoot- Peyton Pixel has a plan to close the shop forever! Mrs Tuppence invites the children to become part of the adventure, bringing the toys to life and helping to save her beloved Toyshop. What it teaches: Listening, imagination, empathy and teamwork.
  • Toy Character Physical Warm-Up- Jump like bouncing yo-yos, gallop like rocking horses, spin like twirling ballerinas and wiggle like stretchy toys- a lively warm-up that channels energy, builds coordination, and prepares them for the interactive journey ahead. What it teaches: Physical coordination, focus and creative movement.
  • Vocal Warm-Up- A fun vocal warm-up with sounds, pitches, rhymes and rhythms to help develop a strong, healthy voice.What it teaches: Vocal strength, confidence and expressive communication.
  • Grumble the Dinosaur Song: Join in with Grumble the Dinosaur- a brand-new action song with lively movements to copy.What it teaches: Singing with confidence, rhythm and playful character voices.
  • Magical Mission- Journey through the magical Toyshop, travelling to different places by moving in playful ways- galloping to the Rocking Horse Ranch, tiptoeing to the Ballerina Ballroom, sneaking along the Puzzle Path and more.What it teaches: Imaginative play, spatial awareness and adapting movement to story.
  • Save the Shop Finale- Freeze, move and pose as magical toys whenever Peyton Pixel enters or leaves the shop, showing him how wonderful the toys really are. What it teaches: Concentration, characterisation and storytelling through drama.

Curriculum Focus:

  • English: Enhance listening and speaking through songs, role-play and storytelling
  • Science: Explore materials and motion through imaginative play with toys
  • PSHE: Develop empathy, imagination, and teamwork as children work together to save the toyshop

Book suggestions: Dogger by Shirley Hughes, The Toys' Party by Roderick Hunt and That's Not My... Series by Fiona Watt

Year 1

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Children are recruited by Mrs Tuppence to explore the enchanted toyshop and help prepare the toys for Peyton Pixel's big visit.

Activities Include:

  • Mrs Tuppence's Welcome- Mrs Tuppence introduces her magical Toyshop, full of enchanting toys- but shares the bad news that Peyton Pixel wants to close it down. She calls on the children to be brave, imaginative and work as a team to help save the shop. What it teaches: Listening, empathy and understanding the power of teamwork.
  • Sergeant Snap Control Command- Children learn how to quickly become toy soldiers at the call of "Sergeant Snap," standing tall and straight to stay safe from danger in the Toyshop. What it teaches: Focus, self-control and responding to cues.
  • The Great Toy Warm-Up- A lively movement warm-up where children gallop like rocking horses, bounce like yo-yos, zoom like cars and spin like ballerinas to get their bodies energised and ready for play. What it teaches: Physical coordination, energy release and imaginative movement.
  • Toys Character Command Game- Through playful commands, children transform into different toys- from teddies and toy soldiers to ballerinas and jack-in-the-boxes- building imagination and characterisation skills. What it teaches: Creativity, expression and character development.
  • Entering the Toyshop- As midnight strikes, children are invited to step into the magical Toyshop and meet Rebel Racer, ready to begin their adventure. What it teaches: Immersion in story and suspension of disbelief.
  • Rebel Racer Song- Rebel Racer greets the children, hears the news about Peyton Pixel, and teaches them a lively action song to unite the group and spark imaginative play. What it teaches: Voice projection, rhythm and group participation.
  • Toy Adventure / Walking in Different Environments- Children travel through the Toyshop's magical worlds- galloping to Rocking Horse Ranch, tiptoeing to the Ballerina Ballroom, sneaking along the Puzzle Path and more. Bringing each place to life through movement. What it teaches: Spatial awareness, creativity and adapting movement to setting.
  • Peyton Pixel's Toyshop- In this interactive drama game, children freeze, move and pose as magical toys whenever Peyton Pixel enters or leaves. Over time, he sees how brilliant the toys are and decides not to close the Toyshop. What it teaches: Concentration, expressive physicality and storytelling through play.

Curriculum Focus:

  • English: Build communication and narrative skills through character-driven storytelling
  • Science: Learn about movement, materials and the magic of cause and effect
  • PSHE: Encourage teamwork, resilience and emotional expression through group problem-solving

Book suggestions: Old Bear by Jane Hissey, Kipper's Toybox by Mick Inkpen and You Choose by Pippa Goodhart & Nick Sharratt

Year 2

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Children take on a leadership role in saving Mrs Tuppence's shop, diving deeper into themes of creativity, collaboration and innovation.

Activities Include:

  • Meet Mrs Tuppence- Mrs Tuppence welcomes the children into the magical Toyshop and explains Peyton Pixel's plan to close it, inviting everyone to join the story, step into character and take action to save the toys. What it teaches: Listening, imagination, empathy and teamwork.
  • People 2 People- A high-energy, playful warm-up to get both bodies and brains moving, ready for adventure and imaginative play. What it teaches: Coordination, focus and readiness for creative tasks.
  • Advanced Character Game- Take on detailed toy roles, using expressive movement, gestures and voices to bring their characters to life. What it teaches: Characterisation, physical expression and vocal confidence.
  • Toy World Adventure- Explore the enchanted environments in more depth, from Puzzle Path to the Dolls' House! What it teaches: Imaginative play, spatial awareness and creative storytelling.
  • Peyton Pixel's Visit- Rehearse and perform joyful, confident toy poses with energy and flair to convince Peyton Pixel to keep the shop open. What it teaches: Confidence, concentration and ensemble performance skills.
  • Mrs Tuppence's Thank You- End the journey with a calm, affirming cool-down, reflecting on the adventure and celebrating the children's creativity, teamwork and imagination. What it teaches: Reflection, self-awareness and celebrating achievement.

Curriculum Focus:

  • English: Use drama to express thoughts, develop character dialogue and sequence stories
  • Science: Observe forces and materials through toy movements and play scenarios
  • PSHE: Reinforce collaboration, creativity and the impact of small actions on a bigger goal

Book suggestions: The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins and Lost in the Toy Museum by David Lucas

Why You'll Love These Workshops:

  • Boosts Confidence and Communication: Drama helps children build confidence and express themselves in a fun, supportive setting
  • Perfect for Toy-Themed Projects: A brilliant fit for classroom topics around toys, imagination and storytelling
  • Stimulates Creative Projects: Workshops are a great jumping-off point for follow-up activities, including art, creative writing and class performances
  • Energetic and Engaging: These high-energy workshops are interactive, imagination-driven and perfect for keeping children moving and engaged
  • Tailored to Younger Audiences: Designed specifically for Nursery and KS1, these workshops introduce students to performing arts in a fun and accessible way

Book Your Free Session Now!

Thanks to our Drama4ALL initiative, these workshops are completely free of charge for schools. They are in high demand and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

To book your school's drama workshop, simply email [email protected] or call 0207 255 9134 for more information.

Don't miss out! Help your students discover the magic of play before midnight strikes!