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21Oct
Crush - Diversity Role Models Schools Outreach

Crush - Diversity Role Models Schools Outreach

Crush - Schools Workshops with Diversity Role Models

Funding from Big Broad and our successful Kickstarter appeal enabled DRM to deliver nine days of workshops to eight schools across the regions where Crush was performed. DRM told us: "The impact of this funding was amazing, bringing about a significant shift in attitudes and allowing young people to discuss these very important issues in a safe and open environment. DRM’s key messages in the workshops are very much echoed in the show and we are extremely grateful to everyone involved for helping to bring these messages into schools and communities."

Here's a selection of the feedback received from students who took part in the workshops:

What do you think the main messages were?

“That everyone is equal, we are who we are and no one can change that”
“That don't choose the word gay for a nasty term because it can really hurt someone”
“Be kind to everyone and don't judge them on what they look like”
“Don't judge something by its cover and to not discriminate LGBT people”

How did the workshop change your opinion on LGBT people?

“That you shouldn't change who you are for someone else”
“It helped me see what actually happens to them”
“It made me feel like LGBT are not a bad thing”
“It changed my views to be more positive”

What one thing could you do to prevent LGBT bullying?

“Explain what it actually means and the affect it has on LGBT people”
“Stop it and explain other stories and feelings”
“Not join in, or laugh at the jokes used”
“This workshop will really help, please show the other students”
“Make them think of their position”
“Stop saying that's so gay”

Feedback from teachers:

“Very well led. The stories were the most powerful point. Students were very responsive”
“Great! Opened their eyes to what the world is like”
“Great seeing the students being challenged”
“Positive impact on pupils helping them to think about these difficult issues in a safe environment”

A few example statistics from the workshops: 

At a school in Coventry 53.6% of pupils said that they used the phrase "that's so gay" at the start of the workshop. By the end only 4.6% said they would use that phrase in future. 

In Brighton 97% of pupils said they would treat a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person better now and 94% would challenge bullying when they saw or heard it. 

In Richmond 32% of pupils said they used the phrase "that's so gay" at the start of the workshop and only 8% said they would still use it after. 

10% thought that someone who is gay would feel comfortable 'coming out' at school before a workshop.  34% thought that someone who is gay would feel comfortable 'coming out' at school after a workshop.


Diversity Role Models takes an inspiring and pro-active approach to dealing with the attitudes that can lead to homophobic bullying in schools and gives pupils the understanding to challenge stereotypes and accept difference. Big Broad are delighted to have been able to support their valuable work and we give huge thanks to all our Kickstarter contributors who helped to make it happen. Let's all "crush" homophobia together! 

Find out more about Diversity Role Models and their work

Go to the Crush show page

CATEGORIES: Crush

22Sep
Crush Reviews Round Up

Crush Reviews Round Up

Our roundup of review links for Crush on Tour 2015. 

'Lashings of jolly good fun.' 
Catherine Vonledebur, Coventry Telegraph ★★★★

'A winning take on schoolgirl passions...Inspired, spot-on precision.'
Roderic Dunnett, The Independent ★★★★

'Crush has wit and originality, heart and soul, and of course some cracking songs - if it were a GCSE it would be an A from me.'
Gill Sutherland, Stratford Herald

'Director Anna Linstrum has done a wonderful job in drawing out all of the finer details within Chadwick's script. Richard Roe's choreography is a joy.'
Jenny Antill, Broadwayworld.com

'It's great fun and riddled with catchy songs with witty lyrics.'
William Stafford, Views from a Bum

'This new musical comedy has all the heart-warming elements of those noble and charming girls' boarding school novels of yesteryear; laced with hearty humour, singable songs and nifty dance routines. If Crush isn't a huge hit, I'll eat my hockey stick.' 
Chris Eldon Lee, What's On Warwickshire/Birmingham ★★★★★

'A crackingly good show with a huge tender heart.' 
Roderic Dunnett, Behind The Arras ★★★★

'Lashings of fun and jolly hockey sticks - will surely go further, even into the hallowed realms of becoming a cult classic.'

'Beautifully put together and performed. The company are first class.'
Andrew Kay, The Latest ★★★★

'The ensemble is strong; their voices are pitch-perfect. Kath Gotts’ musical numbers are original, catchy and toe-tapping. A thoroughly enjoyable evening.'
Tig Land, Fringe Guru ★★★★

'An energetic exuberant show performed with verve. Kath Gotts’ numbers are catchy, frothy fun and the talented ensemble does them proud.'
Tracey Sinclair, The Exeunt Magazine ★★★

'Undeniably enjoyable 'Girls Own' romp.' 
David Fargnoli, The Stage ★★★

'Crush taps into the subversive undercurrents of its source and brings them to the fore, producing a show that’s boldly queer and a little bit crazy, yet with enough innocent exuberance to make it family-friendly, too.'

'With a smart, slick book by Maureen Chadwick the story is well paced and never drags. Composer and lyricist Kath Gotts produces song after song of memorable, foot tapping tunes. This fast paced, energetic production is directed by the ever impressive Anna Linstrum.'
Laura-Jane Foley, London Theatre 1 ★★★★

'This delightfully quirky coming-of-age musical boasts an impressive musical score by composer and lyricist Kath Gotts who might well become one of the major players in British musical theatre. A thoroughly enjoyable show for a great evening out.'
Carolin Kopplin, UK Theatre Network 

CATEGORIES: Crush

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