Lily’s Special Recipe: Second Stage R&D with Human Story Theatre

Written By Tristan Jackson-Pate

L-R Tristan Jackson-Pate, Alexander Mushore, Amy Enticknap, Patterson Joseph (Oxford Brookes Chancellor), Éyum-Priscilla Ocheola, Amy Blake, Shelly Coe, Will Harding (Student Shadow Director Placement)

I’m delighted to have shared the next stage of development for Lily’s Special Recipe at the Science Bazaar at Oxford Brookes University this year.

This has been a rich and rewarding collaboration with Dr Shelly Coe (RNutr, FHEA) of Oxford Brookes, where we’ve sought to blend nutritional science with playful, accessible storytelling for children.

Produced by Human Story Theatre, we presented three rehearsed readings across the day, performed by Alexander Mushore, Éyum-Priscilla Ocheola and Amy Blake. It was fantastic to see such energetic participation from young people and parents alike.

This second phase of R&D has allowed us to develop the play into a three hander, test audience interaction, refine the script and explore how science can live theatrically in a way that feels joyful, engaging and empowering for primary aged children.

Creative Team

Co-Written by: Dr Shelly Coe & Tristan Jackson-Pate
Directed by: Tristan Jackson-Pate
Performed by: Alexander Mushore, Éyum Priscilla & Amy Blake
Produced by: Amy Enticknap, Human Story Theatre

Our next steps will be further script development and fundraising towards a 2027 tour of primary schools and libraries, accompanied by hands on cookery workshops to deepen learning beyond the performance.

Tristan Jackson-Pate

My name is Tristan Jackson-Pate and I am a theatre maker.

I make theatre that’s hopeful and curious about the world, rooted in the belief that stories can change the way we see it.

Since 2015, I’ve been Artistic Director of the award-winning People’s Theatre Collective, where much of my work has focused on creating theatre with and for young people. I’ve also worked with wonderful organisations including Oxford Playhouse, Creation Theatre and Nottingham Playhouse. My productions have been seen on over 100 stages across the UK.

I’m an Associate Artist with Royal & Derngate, Human Story Theatre and a Mentor Director for National Theatre Connections. In 2026 I was the proud recipient of the Peggy Ramsay Foundation grant for Playwriting.

As a facilitator I aim to create inclusive spaces that empower participants to discover their potential regardless of background. A drive to reduce inequality and increase opportunity underpins my work in theatre and with the charities Arts Emergency and Sophie's Silver Lining Fund.

https://tristanjackson-pate.co.uk
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