The Carbon Footprint Detective Agency – An R&D

In May – June of this year, Face Front undertook an R&D of a piece of theatre-in-education aimed at years 4 & 5 of primary school.

We successfully performed this piece to a number of test audiences including primary schools and community groups with a view that it will be further developed.

Below is a sample of some of the feedback we received from teachers and other guests who came along to see the production in action…

‘Thank you for choosing us to be the first school to see the ‘Carbon Footprint Detective Agency’. It was an absolute triumph!  

The children (and adults) thoroughly enjoyed what was a lively, funny and interactive show.  It has inspired us to become carbon footprint detectives ourselves and to hunt down energy wasters to educate them about how to reduce their wastage.  We learned why it is vital that, as a school community, we act now to reduce our carbon footprint.  

The message that the ‘Carbon Footprint Detective Agency’ conveys is at the core of our school’s Climate Action Plan, which sets out our vision for reducing emissions and helping to protect our world for future generations.  It introduced and supported that vision in the most energetic and memorable way.

If there’s anything else I can say or do to support this project, please let me know.  It is extremely valuable. Thank you again.’

(Liz Graves, Acting Deputy Head/SENCo, St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School)

It’s a really fun show and I had a rollicking time, and it obviously sets up all the energy/climate issues that can then be explored in more detail in all the wraparound work via the teachers pack and in class.

 (Nigel Munson, Resident Creative Director, Haringey Shed)

I loved the interaction with the audience before the production started, they engaged with this really well and really liked the comedy aspects of the show.  There was lots of laughter and the ‘panto’ aspects of the performance were very enjoyable. I thought the comedy was age-appropriate – ‘cheesy feet’, etc. The ‘baddies’ were very well done and they contrasted well with the heroes. The fact that you made the story line place specific, mentioning Enfield, was good and when they got to it, the messaging about carbon emissions & causes / effects of climate change were clear and impactful. I liked the sound effects! The audience interaction during ‘lunch’ was good and a link was made with the school CAP. I thought the agree / disagree activity was very good as this will really allow pupils to interact. It was well managed, with the different sections of the audience being asked to come on stage individually and respond to different questions. The ending also involved the audience, another nice touch.

(Rob Smith, Subject Leader of Geography, St Ignatius College)

‘The children had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed the performance.’

(Siobhan Ali, Head of School, Preston Park Primary School)

We hope to be developing this project further in the near future with a view to touring the production in the spring of 2027.