Energetic and engaging theatrical adventure for schools

The story

Louisa thinks life should always be fun and never takes anything seriously. When she discovers a mysterious jar, she is whisked away to Sweetland - a colourful world of lemonade seas, toffee valleys and peppermint mountains.

But Sweetland is under threat from the wicked Sugar King. Joined by Choco, a wonderfully imperfect chocolate friend, Louisa must find the courage to face him and discover that she cannot overcome every challenge alone.

Funny, imaginative and full of heart, The Magic Sweet Jar is an interactive adventure about friendship, courage, creativity and learning that every feeling has its place.

Learning through theatre

An optional one-hour practical workshop gives children hands-on experience of creating and performing theatre.

Pupils will:

  • Explore how a playscript is structured

  • Read and interpret scenes

  • Develop characters using voice, movement and imagination

  • Rehearse and perform extracts

  • Make creative choices as part of a group

  • Work together to create a short piece of theatre

Wellbeing and emotional resilience

The show encourages children to recognise that every emotion has value and that asking for help, communicating honestly and connecting with others can help us face difficult experiences.

Its central themes include:

  • Emotional resilience

  • Friendship and community

  • Courage and perseverance

  • Creativity and imagination

  • Accepting every part of yourself

  • Growing into the person you are becoming

Lived experience & empathy

The Magic Sweet Jar grew from co-creator Sally Horowitz’s experience of losing her mother when she was seven years old. She wanted to create the kind of story she would have valued as a child: one that gently acknowledges loss while exploring how communication, creativity and community can help children cope with life’s challenges.

While the play does not depict bereavement, it gently explores Louisa’s temporary separation from her parents and her fear that they may not return. First and foremost, it is a joyful adventure, offering a positive and reassuring message about accepting our feelings.

Book the show
Book the show

Curriculum connections

The Magic Sweet Jar can support learning across PSHE, English and Music.

PSHE and Relationships Education

The production provides an accessible starting point for conversations about:

  • Recognising and expressing different emotions

  • Understanding that difficult feelings are a normal part of life

  • Finding constructive ways to respond to challenges

  • Asking for help and communicating with trusted people

  • Building supportive friendships

  • Showing empathy and care towards others

  • Developing resilience without hiding or dismissing emotions

Learning outcomes

Following the workshop children will know:

  • The key features of a script such as lines and stage directions.

  • How actors use voice, movement and expression to create a character.

  • How everyday objects can be transformed through imagination.

  • How to work collaboratively when creating theatre.

  • How to create sound effects using handheld instruments.

  • How performance can be developed through rehearsal, experimentation and feedback.

At a glance

  • Suitable for: Years 3-6

  • Ideal audience: Years 3 and 4

  • Performance length: 50 minutes

  • Workshop: Optional one-hour practical theatre workshop

  • Features: Live music, original songs, puppetry, masks, magic and audience participation

  • Themes: Creativity, imagination, friendship, courage, community, loss and emotional resilience

  • Setting: Designed to tour into school halls, classrooms and libraries.

  • Minimum space: 4m x 4m

  • Maximum audience: 200

  • Set up: 2 hr. get in, 1 hr. get out

  • DBS: Performers hold current DBS certificates

What audiences say

‘A fantastic performance… [they’ve] set a high bar!’
- Jezebel Mansell, Marketing and Events Officer, Hackney Libraries

‘All the children were buzzing after the show!’
-Teacher, Adisham Primary School

‘The characters were like something from a wonderful children’s book.’
- Industry professional, Arts Alive Off-Grid Showcase

‘A great performance for children, but also really entertaining as an adult!’
- Alex Agathou, Hackney Central Library

‘I loved the music, the world, the energy.’
- Audience member, Arts Alive Off-Grid Showcase

‘Poignant, beautifully unfolding scenes.’
- Reviewer No. 9

‘Great performances!’
- Audience member, Arts Alive Off-Grid Showcase

‘That was the best play EVER!’
- Alexis, aged six

The Magic Sweet Jar is a compact, professional touring production created for primary-school audiences. Combining original songs, live music, puppetry, masks, magic and audience participation, the show transforms an ordinary school hall into the fantastical world of Sweetland.

Suitable for Years 3-6 and particularly recommended for Years 3 and 4, the production offers an exciting theatrical experience with opportunities for learning, creativity and emotional development.

The show has been developed with support from the Marlowe Theatre.

Bring The Magic Sweet Jar to your school

To discuss a performance, workshop or full-day school visit, contact Sally Horowitz at hello@weaverlinemusic.com