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 May break offers a golden opportunity for students to recharge, explore new interests, and create lasting memories outside the usual academic routine. As an academic and tutoring company dedicated to fostering growth and learning beyond the classroom, we’ve curated a list of engaging activities that promise to enrich your child’s May break experience.

1. DIY Science Experiments

Ignite curiosity and creativity with hands-on science experiments at home. From simple chemistry reactions to building a mini solar system, these activities not only provide entertainment but also reinforce scientific concepts learned during the school year.

Activity Ideas:

  • Volcano Eruption: Create a safe homemade volcano using baking soda and vinegar.
  • Solar System Model: Use paper plates and straws to build a miniature model of our solar system.

2. Literary Adventures

Dive into the world of literature through book clubs, writing contests, and creative storytelling sessions. Encourage children to express themselves and develop a love for reading.

Activity Ideas:

  • Book Club: Choose a theme (e.g., adventure, fantasy) and read books that fit the theme.
  • Discuss characters, plot twists, and lessons learned.
  • Writing Contest: Encourage children to write short stories or poems based on a given prompt. Share their work with family members for feedback.

3. Arts and Crafts

Engage in arts and crafts projects that foster creativity, fine motor skills, and artistic expression. These activities can range from painting masterpieces to creating intricate origami models.

Activity Ideas:

  • Painting Workshop: Set up an art station where children can freely express themselves through painting.
    Origami Challenge: Introduce children to the ancient art of paper folding. Start with basic models and gradually move to more complex designs.

4. Outdoor Exploration

Encourage outdoor activities such as nature walks, bird watching, and gardening. These activities not only provide fresh air and exercise but also help children connect with nature and learn about the environment.

Activity Ideas:

  • Nature Walks: Explore local parks or trails, identifying different plants and animals along the way.
  • Gardening Project: Plant seeds in small pots and watch them grow. This activity teaches responsibility and patience.

5. Online Workshops and Webinars

Leverage the internet to access a wide range of online workshops and webinars tailored to various interests. This could include coding classes, language lessons, or even virtual tours of museums and zoos.

Activity Ideas:

  • Coding Class: Sign up for an introductory course to learn the basics of programming.
  • Virtual Museum Tour: Visit famous museums around the world without leaving home.

6. Culinary Creations

Introducing children to the kitchen can be both educational and delicious. Cooking together not only teaches valuable life skills but also sparks conversations about nutrition, culture, and history.

Activity Ideas:

  • Pizza Making Night: Let children choose their toppings and assemble their own pizzas. It’s a fun way to learn about different flavors and textures.
  • International Cuisine Day: Try making dishes from cultures around the world. For example, make sushi rolls for Japan or tacos for Mexico.

7. Board Games and Puzzles

Foster teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills through board games and puzzles. These activities are not only entertaining but also excellent for developing cognitive abilities.

Activity Ideas:

  • Family Game Night: Set aside a night for everyone to participate in a variety of board games, encouraging friendly competition and laughter.
  • Puzzle Race: Engage in a race against the clock to solve jigsaw puzzles. This activity promotes focus and perseverance.

8. Volunteering Opportunities

Encourage children to give back to the community through volunteering. Whether it’s helping at a local animal shelter, participating in a beach cleanup, or donating goods to a food bank, these experiences teach empathy, responsibility, and the value of community service.

Activity Ideas:

  • Beach Cleanup: Organize a group effort to clean up a local beach, teaching environmental stewardship.
  • Cookie Baking for Neighbors: Bake cookies or treats and deliver them to neighbors, spreading kindness and cheer.

9. Creative Writing and Journaling

Promote self-expression and reflection through creative writing and journaling. Provide prompts or themes to get started, encouraging children to document their thoughts, feelings, and observations.

Activity Ideas:

  • Travel Journal: If staying local, pretend to travel to different countries and document what they might see, eat, and learn about.
  • Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down three things for which they are grateful, fostering a positive outlook.

As parents and educators, it’s essential to remember that the May break should be a time for relaxation and fun. By incorporating these activities, you can ensure that your child continues to learn and grow, all while enjoying a well-deserved break from the regular school routine. Happy May break