Honoring Bill Kenwright

The RYTC team was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and patron Bill Kenwright CBE. 

Bill was a partner, father, grandfather, great friend and patron. He will be missed by many and this is testament to his giving nature and impact on the theatre and creative arts space. The team wanted to honour his legacy and influence with this memorial page.

The RYTC’s Artistic Director started her career in Bill Kenwright’s work family. Bill told her to go and open her own youth theatre, because ‘being creative is so important for our kids!’ His mantra… “go and do it”!! And if “it” is right – then you can’t fail.”

To name only a fraction of the awards and achievements Bill received are the notable honour of a CBE in 2002, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Theatrical Management Association in 2008, and an honourary BBC Radio 2 special episode of Friday Night in 2017 broadcast from the London Palladium itself. Bill was nominated for a London Theatre Critics’ Award for West Side Story and a Tony Award for Blood Brothers.

This multi-award winning career saw Bill’s West End productions constantly in notable venues such as the RSC, Dominion, Palladium, Apollo and many others. Ensuring his legacy as one of the UK’s most successful theatre producers.

Bill embodied the spirit of empowering young people through creative opportunities. His legacy will be felt and continued through the many groups and communities he supported with the mission of providing opportunities to local young people. Bill made his community and generations of people richer through experiences such as finding like minds, getting creative and fostering confidence in young people.

The RYTC in memory of Bill will continue to “go and do it” as his legacy will continue to empower our team, kids and encourage everyone to be creative.

Our thoughts are with Bill’s family at this difficult time and also with the many people we know he impacted for the better.

The Christmas break is the perfect time for kids to dive into a world of creativity, imagination, and fun. As the season of joy approaches, let’s explore a myriad of exciting activities designed to keep young minds engaged, entertained, and inspired throughout the holiday break.

1. DIY Ornament Decorating Extravaganza

Transform your home into a festive wonderland by organizing a DIY ornament decorating session. Provide plain ornaments, paints, glitter, and other embellishments. Encourage kids to let their imaginations run wild as they create unique and personalized decorations for the tree.

Tips

  • Use non-toxic paints for safety.
  • Include a variety of materials like ribbons, stickers, and beads.

2. Winter Wonderland Science Experiments

Combine education with excitement by introducing simple and captivating winter-themed science experiments. Create a mini snowstorm in a jar, explore the science behind melting ice, or witness the magic of crystal formation. These hands-on experiments will not only entertain but also spark curiosity.

Tips

  • Provide clear, step-by-step instructions.
  • Discuss the science concepts behind each experiment.

3. Storytelling and Christmas Crafts

Encourage the development of language skills and creativity by hosting a storytelling and craft session. Have kids create their own Christmas-themed stories and bring them to life with accompanying crafts. This activity enhances their storytelling abilities and artistic expression.

Tips

  • Provide a variety of crafting materials.
  • Display their finished stories and crafts as festive decorations.

4. Gingerbread House Decorating Challenge

Turn your kitchen into a winter wonderland with a gingerbread house decorating challenge. Pre-bake gingerbread pieces and set up a decorating station with icing, candies, and assorted toppings. Let the kids unleash their decorating skills and creativity as they design their edible masterpieces.

Tips

  • Use royal icing for sturdy construction.
  • Capture the fun by taking photos of the finished houses.

5. Holiday Movie Marathon and DIY Snack Bar

Create a cozy movie marathon experience by selecting a lineup of kid-friendly holiday movies. Set up a DIY snack bar with popcorn, hot chocolate, and festive treats. This activity provides a perfect balance of relaxation and entertainment.

Tips

  • Choose movies suitable for various age groups.
  • Allow kids to create their own movie tickets for added fun.

Conclusion

This Christmas break, make lasting memories with these creative and fun-filled activities for kids. From crafting personalized ornaments to conducting enchanting science experiments, these activities are designed to captivate young minds and foster a spirit of joy, creativity, and togetherness.

Let the festivities begin!