Peter Optical is a professional performer with many skills he uses to teach and entertain. When not running his extremely popular Circus Skills Workshops, in schools, he is regularly storytelling or using his talents performing at fetes, fairs, festivals and other events. As a musician, storyteller, jester, poet, magician and circus artist Peter can engage and entertain audiences of any age.

“Just wanted to pass on a big thank you for your work with our children on Monday. They loved the stories and the instruments but I have to say that the tricks and the juggling was my class's favourite!” Teacher, Hillingdon Primary School

Circus is fun! It brings colour and excitement to school. It can be used as a motivating force across the curriculum. Many teachers have realized its potential as an excellent springboard for thematic work. Circus skills workshops can have educational benefits in many areas. It can teach perseverance; improve concentration and attention span as well as balance, reflex, coordination and timing. Children's confidence and self-esteem can be enhanced; they are encouraged to trust and co-operate, and communication skills are fostered.

Circus and its skills is a great stimulus for creativity in all aspects of language, drama and art and its associated skills have appeared in many different cultures throughout history. It has a universal appeal and thus can be incorporated into an equal opportunities curriculum. All circus skills workshops are adapted in length to the needs of the school and its timetable.

As a professional storyteller Peter also performs to schools around the country and abroad. His storytelling paints a verbal picture which is enhanced by his animated acting skills. By linking together an energetic and expressive delivery with an uncomplicated approach Peter’s unique performances offer an entertaining and thought provoking experience. Each story is told not read, never scripted, never the same twice and are therefore always spontaneous and vibrant.

Under his banner Stilt Creations, the ever imaginative Peter Optical has created many highly popular stilt characters for Meet & Greet, Mix & Mingle and general Walkabout. His characters can be adapted to perform without stilts for walkabout entertainment where a venue is not suitable for stilt walking or stilt walkers are not required.

Peter has also recently devised two new programmes for primary schools. “Magic Scarecrow,” a storytelling, magic show and “Sight and Sound,” a programme in which he demonstrates a wide range of musical instruments. Whatever the occasion, whatever your requirements Peter Optical has the experience and the skills, developed over 30+ years to engage, entertain, inform and educate. His versatility and experience as a performance artist and his love of teaching provides a truly unique range of services for schools.

As well as involvement in numerous art projects Peter Optical has on more than one occasion taught, advised and directed the Circus Skills required for the hit circus musical Barnum.

Key information

• Full public liability insurance
• Enhanced CRB certificates
• Member of Equity & Registered stage director
• Workshops 30 – 35 pupils
• Special Needs experience