For Theatre Partners

Theatre making, making a difference!

20% of children and young people in the UK, a total of 1.9 million, are struggling with talking and understanding words. However in areas of disadvantage this figure can significantly increase, with up to 50% of children starting school with speech and language skills that are significantly less developed than those of other children of the same age.

The good news is that theatre makers and creative practitioners are uniquely skilled to make a positive difference to these children’s lives.

“I found a voice through making theatre and am proud to be the patron of Speech Bubbles, which helps hundreds of children to do the same”

— Mark Rylance, Speech Bubbles Patron

Why Speech Bubbles?

Speech Bubbles is a joyful creative intervention that uses drama activities, story-telling and imaginative play to support children to develop communication, confidence and wellbeing.

More than 83% of participating children show improvements in learning, speaking and listening

Source: 2022/23 Teacher Report

Participants show statistically significant improvements in social interaction

Source: University of East London

Highly effective in supporting children suffering poor social, emotional and educational wellbeing

Source: Canterbury Christ Church University

How it works

By working with a network of partners, theatre companies connect thousands of children across the country with a carefully designed drama intervention that can help.

Speech Bubbles has a proven track record both in terms of its impact on the children it works with, and the income it is able to generate from schools, funders and local authorities.

Speech Bubbles partners:

Are part of a movement that is making a difference to children’s lives.
Benefit from experience, refinement and implementation dating back to 2009.
Share best practice with others who recognise the importance of communication and drama in bringing about social change.
Access continuing support, training, supervision and resources to help as you grow.
Benefit from highly credible research, backed by data collected from schools across the whole country.

“Speech Bubbles is one of the most successful programmes I have seen offered in schools. It is carefully and efficiently managed, and every session manages to put a smile on my face. Every school should offer this programme to support the development of communication skills, and now with the Partner Network, that is becoming a distinct possibility.”

— Matt Wardle, North West Drama service

Research Reports