Written by: Clair Sargeant
November 2025
We sat down with Clair Sargeant, co-creator of The Star Who Danced to ask her questions about the show, her experience of making work as mum of two, and how this influences her practice and of course the show.
Q: What is The Star Who Danced?
The Star Who Danced is an experience for 0–3-year-olds that tells the story of a Star, played by Amber Emily Palfreyman, who wakes up and goes on a magical journey of discovery. The Star find out things about the beauty of the world we live in, and we invite the audience to be part of that journey and discovery.
We do this through dance, listening to a story, and live original music, as well as inviting them to come into the space to play with objects we find in the story. We encourage little ones to get involved and to play. If people don’t want to and would prefer to sit back, or if babies are asleep, you can snuggle up and enjoy the story yourself. We first made the show in 2024 are so excited to bring it back at Theatre Royal Plymouth for a second year.
Q: Can you talk about being a creative and a Mum and how both those jobs have fed into your process?
Making this show as a Mum, I have a 5-year-old and 4-month-old baby, it’s been amazing to bring my own personal experience into the show, from being a Mum to being a creative. Having the experience of bringing my eldest into the space when we made the show initially, and now my youngest into the rehearsal room this year to see how they interact with the story is really special. It gives a realness to the work we’re creating, as well as being able to bring my children to work which is incredible. It’s special to bring my children to work to be part of that creative process. It means I can feed myself and to keep myself alive and bring these experiences to my children.
I’ve really loved creating the sensory nature of the show, bringing my own experience of attending baby groups, seeing other work and being home with my children, being creative with things around the house – especially with things you wouldn’t expect a child would be interested in playing. During the Covid lockdown, a lot of play with my little one was with things from around the house, as we spent so much time there. We’d go room to room looking for objects we can bring to life. We bought this into the process of making The Star Who Danced and there’s a beautiful moment where we bring a bird to life through an unusual object, which I won’t spoil!
I hope the performance gives a sense of inspiration and that grown ups can take some ideas home with them to play with their little ones. Even if it is animating an unusual object, using your imagination gives so many ways to connect with your little person.
Q: Can you tell us about how the sensory elements are crafted for 0-3?
I’ve enjoyed the sense that anything is possible with little ones, and anything can be magical if you come to life and play with creativity and silliness. The sensory side is so important for this age for their development. We have moments where all the senses are engaged in the show – lots of moments to touch, smell, engage with light, listen to beautiful music and inevitable things going into little one’s mouths too – though we can’t guarantee it will taste very nice! It’s been amazing to explore as part of a creative journey for us and to see how the little ones interact with the space is really fun.
Q: What can audiences expect from the performance?
It’s a chilled performance which is important for the show. There is a sense of play and welcomeness in the room. Ensuring there is a multisensory experience all involved in. We don’t rely on one element of the show to engage the audiences – there is sound, a story to follow, lights, things to touch, play with, soft furnishing to lie down, chairs, benches – there’s all sorts of ways to engage. Whether you’re active or chilled, it’s up to you.
We make sure that people who come into the space know it’s completely flexible. You can come and go, snuggle up with little ones, make noise, watch from afar or get involved – it’s a personal choice and preference, led by the little ones in the space. We’re open to feeding in the space and doing what you need. We also have a chill out space next door to the venue that you can go out to if you need a break or a moment away.
There is a lovely opportunity at the end for a stay and play. All the sensory props stay with you throughout the show, and we bring additional items out so you can spend some time playing, exploring elements and meeting characters in the show.
Q: Favourite moment of the show
There are lots of favourite moments of the show, but I especially love seeing the Star waking up for the first time. She does a very special dance to start the show, so without giving too much away that would be my favourite part. I adore the music created by Grace Lightman I think it’s incredibly special and unique and gives a different festive experience. It always leaves me with goosebumps.
Q: Why is this the perfect first theatre trip for you and your little ones?
It’s a brilliant first show for families if you’ve never been to the theatre before. The rules are all relaxed and you can come into the room knowing that anything goes. You don’t need to stick to normal theatre conventions. With the anxiety around children sitting still and being quiet, that goes out the window here. This is an opportunity for families to come along and experience something new and magical this festive season. Making memories and being able to choose how you want to engage. Play and get and involved or snuggle up in a blanket watching and listening to the performance, all with special moments of connections with your little ones. What’s great is that there really is something for everyone. If your little ones happen to be asleep, adults also get a lovely experience through listening to the dance and the story. We’ve really thought about how to engage everyone.
Q: Describe the show in 3 words.
If I were to describe The Star Who Danced in three words: magical, inclusive and heart-warming.
Want to watch The Star Who Danced?
Experience the show with the little ones in your life by securing your seats today!
Running until Wed 24 Dec.