The Stage

Philip Pullman and Jacqueline Rose to take part in London’s first Swedish children’s festival

Published Monday 9 October 2006 at 15:00 by Nuala Calvi

Children’s authors Philip Pullman and Jacqueline Rose are among those taking part in London’s first ever Swedish cultural season for children, to be launched next week.

The programme includes five productions at South Bank children’s venue The Unicorn Theatre and nine rehearsed readings of specially translated plays at venues including the National and Polka theatres.

Swedish furniture giants IKEA will transform the foyer of the Unicorn into an underwater-themed installation for the season’s launch on October 11.

High profile speakers booked to take part in a series of free seminars at the venue exploring culture for children over the course of the two-week event include Pullman, Rose and culture minister David Lammy.

Tony Graham, artistic director of Unicorn Theatre, said: “Small Feet Go Far is one of the most important events to take place at the Unicorn. It is built around the important idea that children’s culture matters.

“That Sweden values its children can be seen in its approach to child development, culture and education. This festival will encourage us to look at how we see our own children.”

For details see www.smallfeetgofar.com