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’m originally from Stroud and first found a place of belonging in a youth theatre, which changed my life. I went on to train as an actor at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and now I find the most joy in creating professional theatre with and for young people.

Since 2015, I’ve been Artistic Director of the award-winning People’s Theatre Collective in Oxfordshire. I’ve also worked in a freelance capacity with wonderful organisations like Creation Theatre, Oxford Playhouse and The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.

During ten years as a writer, director and facilitator, I’ve written nine plays, a short film, and facilitated inclusive community arts projects in creative writing, devised theatre, and music composition with diverse participants. My freelance writing includes children’s stories, song commissions, educational videos, and sightseeing tours.

I’m an Associate Artist at Royal & Derngate, Northampton, a past Associate at the Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham and a Mentor Director for the National Theatre Connections programme.

As a trustee for Sophie's Silver Lining Fund, I’m committed to creating inclusive, youth led spaces that empower young people to discover their potential no matter their background. A drive to reduce inequality and champion fairer opportunities underpins all my work.

https://tristanjackson-pate.co.uk
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Royal & Derngate Generate Residency 2026