The Fit for Life Road Show

Stratford-on-Avon District Council and South Warwickshire Dietetic Service are working in partnership with Stratford-upon-Avon College Performing Arts' Department to deliver messages on the importance of healthy eating and regular physical activity to children in primary schools across the district.  

Thirty Performing Arts students from Stratford-upon-Avon College have been briefed on the importance of healthy eating and physical activity and have created different shows as part of the Theatre in Education project, which provides a significant contribution towards the college attaining Grade 1 status in performing arts. 

This year's Fit for Life Road Show will be delivered to 40 schools across Stratford-on-Avon District, reaching around 10,000 children and takes place all next week between 10 to 14 June. 

Performances include: Saving Richard Raspberry; Fruit Basket Village; Camp Active; Captain Cranberry's Adventures and The Adventures of Rosie and Bobo.

Councillor Maurice Howse, Enterprise, Housing and Revenues Portfolio says: “The Theatre in Education Programme provides a valuable opportunity to convey important health messages to primary school children in a fun and informative way.  The programme also provides important workplace experience for the 35 performing arts students who are involved in the programme who would find it difficult to secure individual work experience placements."

There is increasing national concern over the rising levels of obesity in children because of a poor diet and lack of physical activity.  This important project aims to convey crucial information to children and through them to their parents and carers.  Students delivering these messages through performing arts provide good opportunities for local colleges to give a memorable and tangible experience for all involved.

Childhood obesity facts (source Environmental Health Practitioner)

• One in three children is now obese of overweight.
• Obesity in under 11s has risen by more than 40 per cent in 10 years.
• Each year 220,000 English children become overweight or obese.
• The Chief Medical officer has compared children's diets to a health 'time bomb' which must be defused.
• The Food Standards Agency has warned that there is a real prospect that parents may outlive their children.