Engaging audiences at Kew Gardens

The transformative power of nature!

At Wild Rumpus, we believe in the transformative power of the outdoors as a stage for storytelling, and our work is a testament to our dedication to forging powerful connections between people, art, and the natural world. This summer, we were privileged to partner with the team at Kew Gardens to create a unique and immersive commission; Oaklore. The project was a profound invitation for families to step into a living, breathing story nestled amongst the wondrous, ancient oak trees of Kew. 

Through our signature blend of live performance, artistic activities, and creative play, we created an experience that was both deeply educational and delightfully engaging. Live performers, in the guise of wise Oak Keepers and mischievous woodland sprites, guided families on an adventure that creatively educated them on the power, strength, and inspiration of the oak tree. 

From crafting acorn headdresses to engaging in joyful ‘oaktivist’ parades, families were able to explore the incredible history and wisdom of the oaks, discovering botanical facts and folkloric tales through interactive, multigenerational activities. 

Oaklore was a site-specific, high quality family experience that honoured the unique qualities of its location. Audiences, who fully embraced their roles as custodians of the forest, solidified our belief that true nature connection is born from a sense of wonder brought about from a creative intervention.

The success of Oaklore at Kew Gardens underscores our expertise in creating bespoke, impactful work that meets both an artistic brief and a commissioner’s strategic goals. 

Our approach is perfectly encapsulated by our Deputy CEO, Liz Pickering, who shared her thoughts on the collaboration: 

‘We were delighted to work with Kew Gardens this year to create Oaklore. Nature Connection is at the heart of everything we do, and being surrounded by some of the most beautiful oak trees was as inspiring as ever. 

We created an experience that was both educational and engaging, and the audiences loved it!’ 

At Wild Rumpus, we craft magical, meaningful adventures that forge a lasting connection between people and the natural world. If you’re looking for an experienced partner to deliver an authentic, high-impact, and bespoke family experience in your space, we would be delighted to discuss how our creative approach could bring your vision to life!