What happens when lullabies, dance and early years theatre come together in a space designed for the youngest of audiences? The answer, as hundreds of children across Birmingham discovered earlier this year, is something special.
This spring, Sampad brought Lori – Lullabies in Motion to life: an interactive dance-storytelling experience for children aged 2–6. Developed with support from the Saintbury Trust, Lori was an invitation into a world of imagination, culture and connection.
And now, following its success, Lori is set to return for a new tour this May.
A Joyful First Journey
Over three weeks in January and February 2026, Lori reached 997 children and 89 adults across 12 schools, nurseries, a family centre and the Library of Birmingham. Delivered through 37 performances, the piece brought together dancers, early years theatre and participatory storytelling in a format designed specifically for early years audiences.
Inspired by a collection of South Asian lullabies, Lori introduced children to a vibrant cast of characters, from a gentle sleep fairy to a lively fruit seller and his wife Mira, and even a mischievous mongoose. Drawing from a traditional Indian fable, the story unfolded through movement, music, and play.
Children didn’t just watch – they sang in Hindi, shared ideas, and stepped into the story themselves.
“Children were captivated and opened up to using their imagination.”
Teacher Reflection
The response from schools and nurseries was overwhelmingly positive, not just in terms of enjoyment, but in the depth of engagement.
Teachers highlighted how Lori offered something rare: a seamless blend of dance, storytelling, and music that aligned with Early Years and Key Stage 1 learning while remaining accessible to all children.
Importantly, the work proved highly inclusive. In sessions with children with additional needs, staff noted sustained engagement even among those who typically struggle to focus.
Feedback captured the joy of the experience:
- “The Fairy took us on an adventure with her magic dust.”
- “My favourite was the Mongoose.”
- “I liked buying mangos.”
Moments like these reveal the heart of Lori: giving children space to imagine, respond and participate in ways that feel natural and exciting.
Lori Returns
With such a strong foundation, Lori is now preparing for its next chapter.
This May, the early years theatre piece will return on tour, bringing its magical blend of lullabies, storytelling, and dance to even more children and communities.
As one teacher put it:
“Fabulous workshop celebrating a traditional story from another place in the world.”
That celebration – of culture, creativity, and connection is at the heart of Lori. And as it heads back out on the road, even more children will have the chance to step into its world, sing its songs, and carry its stories with them.
Book Lori by emailing learning@sampad.org.uk
By bringing South Asian heritage and storytelling into schools and libraries, Lori reflects Sampad’s mission: championing arts and culture, connecting people, and providing experiences that inspire curiosity and empathy from the earliest age. The piece created spaces where barriers – cultural, linguistic, or developmental – were gently broken down, allowing every child to participate fully and joyfully.