A LYMM couple are hoping to slide into a magical new business venture when they launch a series of children’s books, events and shows across the North West region this summer.
‘Wonder Slide World’ has been created by Helen and Brett Nurse and aims to inspire creative skills, imagination and confidence in children aged under 10.
The first in a series of books – ‘Wonder Slide World: The stage is set’ – was the starting point of the project. It was co-authored by the couple and will be published in August in print and audiobook.
It tells the story of two children, Wonder Wizard and Cosmos Star, who travel to another world where performance, fun and creativity shines. They learn about their new powers along the way and meet the range of mesmerising characters who inhabit this fun land.
A series of interactive storytelling shows, based on the book, will be running at theatre venues in Chorlton, Warrington,Lancaster, Macclesfield and Wilmslow over the summer holidays. Children and parents will be encouraged to be involved in the performance, song, and props.
The couple, who have a background in drama, were inspired to create the characters by their own children, Daisy, 6, and George, 8. It’s a change of direction for the pair, who have run a corporate presentation business for the last 15 years.
Wonder Slide World founder, Helen Nurse, said: “The Wonder Slide World story has elements of nostalgia about it; taking the classic children’s story format of children discovering a magic world and adding a new and modern twist and take on it.
“The book goes hand in hand with the shows – they are integral to understanding the concept. The shows help demonstrate to children that everyone has a skill and that discovering your skills, talents and creative exploration is incredibly important – as well as fun!
“We launched this venture because we feel that a generation of children is growing up missing out on the opportunity to develop their imagination. We’re parents ourselves and we know how easy it is for kids to spend hours playing computer games or watching TV. Sometimes it’s hard to entertain them over the holidays.
“But creative exploration can have such a positive effect on so many aspects of a child’s future life from problem solving to confidence and communication. We hope parents will come along to the shows, get involved and spend some real, quality time with their children.”
The Warrington shows take place on Friday August 21st at The Pyramid, Warrington. Free for under 3s, standard tickets £7. Package discounts available.
For details of show times and tickets via Eventbrite visit www.wonderslideworld.com. Every child who attends a shows will receive a free audiobook of ‘Wonder Slide World: The stage is set’.
