A fun interactive game show celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Newham’s sporting heroes is returning to the stage next week.

Pākiki Theatre performed 'Who Wants To Be An Olympian?' during Newham Heritage Month 2022 in several Newham Libraries and local primary schools. 

Children enjoyed learning about their local Olympic and Paralympic heroes, with the fun and interactive game show full of laughter, costumes and a rap!

Now 'Who Wants To Be An Olympian?' is returning to Newham Libraries from July 24-28 as part of the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge.

The theme of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge is ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ with a focus on team spirit, sports, games and sporting heroes.  

'Who Wants To Be An Olympian?' fits perfectly into the Summer Reading Challenge themes, and provides children with a chance to work together and ‘go for gold’, participating in a theatre show whilst learning about the Olympics and Paralympics and Newham’s special place in Olympic and Paralympic history.

Pākiki Theatre met several local sports heroes in the course of their research for the show last year, including Linda Strachan, Amy Marren, brothers Jumbo and Mik Basi, as well as sports editor Lee Power. 

They also spoke to some young swimmers at Newham & UEL Swimming Club and found out about what it’s like being part of the legacy of London 2012, their hopes and dreams for the future, and the fun, friendship and 5.30am starts of being an aspiring elite swimmer.

During the show, the audience also find out about sporting opportunities available in the borough and experience the elation of the London 2012 Games in a fun and interactive way. 

One audience member who saw the show at Canning Town Library last year said “Absolutely brilliant! So much fun...we learnt so much about local sports heroes.”

Shows are aimed at six to 12-year-olds and their accompanying adults, are free to attend and tickets can be reserved at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/newham-libraries-32262720157

Pākiki Theatre have performed 'Who Wants To Be An Olympian?' at several of Newham’s Primary Schools and the show is still available for booking.

A spokesperson for Southern Road Primary School said: "Very fun and engaging. They loved it! Good info about Olympics and connection with their surroundings.

"It encouraged us to keep trying and to never give up. You can achieve anything."

The show is aimed at KS2 children and can be booked through their website: https://www.pakikitheatre.co.uk/contact-us.

Performances take place at - North Woolwich Library (July 24, 11am); Beckton Globe Library (July 24, 2.30pm); Custom House Library (July 25, 11am); East Ham Library (July 26, 11am); Manor Park Library (July 26, 2.30pm); Stratford Library (July 27, 11am); Forest Gate Library (July 27, 2.30pm); Plaistow Library (July 28, 11am); Green Street Library (July 28, 2.30pm).