Big Box Bonanza
Across this 60-minute, family-friendly show, Mark weaves together poetry, stories and games, whilst putting the audience in charge of decision-making, as a series of 26 boxes, of the Big Box Bonanza, are opened to reveal a fun and unique surprise in everyone.
The show will encourage children to find their voices, embrace their creativity and develop their love of reading and writing. Themes of growth, resilience, and understanding are woven into Mark’s engaging storytelling. Mark, a former teacher, is no stranger to keeping a group of young people focused and enthused. His combination of winning humour and insightful life lessons makes Big Box Bonanza a do-not-miss event.
Duration: 60 minutes
Recommended Ages: Primary school-age. The show involves a lot of audience interaction and Mark is an expert at engaging with children!
“Epic!”
About Mark Grist
We’re partnering with Mark Grist, award-winning artist, author, and former Poet Laureate, to bring Mark’s new show Big Box Bonanza to schools and community venues in Peterborough.
Mark Grist is an award-winning poet, performer, and Bloomsbury children’s author with over 60 million views on his poetry and rap videos. He’s won 2 international Webby Awards and has performed at schools worldwide, inspiring creativity, confidence and a love for storytelling.
Mark performed Big Box Bonanza at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival to nearly 1,000 children. He was called “a mesmerising live performer” by the Financial Times, and “a man precision-built to reach out to a live audience” by The Guardian.
“Highly recommended! Mark’s show connects so easily with kids - creative, funny, clever, with poetry and rhymes that teach valuable lessons.”
How to see Big Box Bonanza
We’re bringing Mark Grist and his Big Box Bonanza to venues in-and-around Peterborough with an interactive experience for all ages. There are two ways you or your children can see it:
1 - Public Shows
We have three accessible public shows:
Peterborough Central Library
Saturday 22 March
11:00 - 12:00 and 13:00-14:00
Church of the Holy Spirit in Bretton
Saturday 29 March
15:30 - 16:30
Allama Iqbal Community Centre
Friday 25 April
17:00 - 18:00
With accessible ticket prices, everyone can access this exciting and engaging event.
£2 Standard Ticket
£3 Pay it forward Ticket (help us bring more shows to more children across Peterborough)
£1 Affordable Ticket (if you’re on a low income this ticket is available to ensure you and your children can access the programme. Please note: this ticket is only available to purchase at the venue)
2 - School Partnership
This summer term we are partnering with local schools in Peterborough to bring as many children as possible access to Big Box Bonanza. If you’re a school that would like to host Mark Grist and his Big Box Bonanza please get in touch.
Public Shows: Where
Public shows of Big Box Bonanza will be running at the following venues
Saturday 22 March
Peterborough Central Library
Address:
Peterborough Central Library
Broadway
Peterborough
PE1 1RX
What3Words: voices.again.rested
Access information coming soon.
Please email info@jumpeduptheatre.com if you have questions in the meantime.
Saturday 29 March
Church of the Holy Spirit, Bretton
Address:
Church of the Holy Spirit
Floor G, The Cresset
Bretton
Peterborough
PE3 8DX
Access information coming soon.
Please email info@jumpeduptheatre.com if you have questions in the meantime.
Friday 25 April
Allama Iqbal Community Centre
Address:
157 Cromwell Road,
Peterborough
PE1 2EL
What3Words: covers.rested.origin
Access information coming soon.
Please email info@jumpeduptheatre.com if you have questions in the meantime.
With thanks to Arts Council England and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for funding.
