Boxville: Where Children Become Cardboard Engineers – A Magical, Inclusive Adventure at Bristol Old Vic

Written by Mhairi Anderson

Thursday 19th February 2026

This half term I jumped on the train and headed to Bristol Old Vic's Weston Studio for Boxville (a Cardboard Adventures production, running 17–21 February 2026) seeking fresh inspiration for engaging young creatives in Somerset and my Early Careers Artist Placement with Somerset Youth Theatre. Designed and directed by Sam Wilde (with co-direction from Ian Nicholson), this interactive, STEM-skilled show delivers exactly that: a sustainable cardboard world where 4-8 year olds (and their grown-ups) don't just watch, they actively shape the story. In 60 fast-paced, no-interval minutes, Boxville proves theatre can be accessible, empowering, and utterly joyful.

The show flows effortlessly into its craft-along sections, inviting children to help the boxville engineers gather materials, solve tasks, and build their very own Boxville badge. Although the set remains fixed, the story transports us seamlessly to a different planet, Boxville beach and even back in time. 

In my Robot disguise, triangle at the ready!

The Boxville Engineers are warm, adaptable and deeply engaged with the audience. They circulate during crafting segments, kneeling to offer help, encouraging ideas, and incorporating suggestions live. When it's time to build, children flood the stage area with enthusiasm, covering every inch as they fold, tape and invent together. The room fills with giggles, shouts  of ideas, and the satisfying crinkle of cardboard. This isn't passive viewing; it’s collaborative creation. 

Speaking with the performers afterwards made it clear how much thought goes into this inclusivity. Megan Vaughan-Thomas emphasized, "You can't do it without the kids." She noted how the format lets them "get to know the kids," unlike traditional shows where audiences stay seated. Peta Maurice added that the interactive style helps "break down that barrier quite quickly," so children feel comfortable asking for help. Jesse Meadows highlighted the accessibility: "The most rewarding part is that it’s a piece of theatre that is very accessible for children who are maybe not so good at sitting for an hour watching. They get a chance to get up, move around, build some stuff. It is for everybody and anybody."

The Boxville starter pack every young maker dreams of! Safe saw, eco-tape, markers, and those genius cardboard screws - ready to build a badge or beyond.

Accessibility shines beyond the performance too. Upon booking via the Bristol Old Vic website, I easily found the 'Boxville Easy Read Guide' - a simple, visual social story outlining what to expect, making the show welcoming for neurodiverse children or those who benefit from preparation.

Overall, Boxville excels at what youth theatre should aspire to: blending imagination, sustainability, teamwork, and hands-on making. The fixed set keeps things focused on creativity rather than spectacle, while the performers' facilitation ensures every child feels seen and capable. It's a reminder of why interactive, child-led theatre matters- building confidence, sparking STEM curiosity, and turning recycled materials into magic.