Actors bring books to life to help children learn their lines

A theatre group that helps children read by acting out stories has backed the Evening Standard's literacy campaign.

The Vayu Naidu Company visits schools as part of its innovative Live Literacy Tour, which encourages slow readers and pupils from diverse cultural backgrounds to read and speak English.

Storytellers act out tales from children's books such as The Gruffalo and Horrible Histories along with traditional Indian stories, with pupils joining in. The charity has already visited 15 primary and secondary schools across London with impressive results.

Founder Dr Vayu Naidu, who received Europe's first PhD in storytelling from Leeds University, said: "When children who are slow readers or for whom English is not their first language are engaged with a story it motivates them to start reading the words to discover more stories.

"It is also helpful for immigrant parents who may not have a good grasp of English. It encourages them to sit with their children and read."

Dr Naidu said: "I have long been alarmed at the literacy rate but the Evening Standard campaign has put this into perspective by showing just how serious the problem is. All children deserve the chance to read."

The actors are due to perform as part of the Pop Up Festival of Stories at Coram's Fields park in Bloomsbury on July 9.