Year Six at Newhey CP interview actor from televised version of classic children's book 'Moondial'

Date published: 24 April 2021

After reading a classic children’s novel, Year Six children at Newhey Community Primary School had the exciting opportunity to interview one of the actors who starred as a main character in a televised series of the book.

The class has been reading the classic children’s novel, ‘Moondial’ by Helen Cresswell, and also watching the six-part 1988 televised BBC series to accompany their learning.

‘Moondial’ follows the story of Araminta ‘Minty’ Cane, who is spending her summer holidays staying at Aunt Mary’s cottage next to Belton House, a Grade-I listed country house in Lincoln with extensive gardens.

Minty is drawn to a sundial in the gardens – which she names ‘moondial’ due to its strange power and ability to allow her to travel back in time. There she meets Tom, a ghost from Victorian times who worked as a servant in the house. Together, they meet Sarah, another child from a different period.

Sarah and Tom are trapped in time and each have problems they need to escape from. Minty and Tom work to together to find a way to break free with many hurdles and exciting adventures and twists in the tale before they finally achieve their goal.

The children watched the television series – which was also written by Helen Cresswell – in tandem with the book; reading a chapter, then watching an episode.

Michelle Gardiner, the class teacher, said: “Some preferred the detail and description in the book – as they could use their imagination more whilst reading. Some preferred the televised version as it had more instant grip.

“The children loved seeing their favourite character come to life in the series – some even imagined the characters they watched whilst reading – they said it helped them picture and hear the voices of those they were reading about.”

With the character of Tom, portrayed by Tony Sands, being a class favourite due to his cheeky personality – and the class discussing what he would look like now – Ms Gardiner decided to see where the lead actors had ended up after the series and got in touch with Mr Sands.

She said: “I found Tony Sands’ professional website and this had contact details – so I decided to email him. I explained that we had read the book and were watching the series and that myself and Year 6 were huge fans of his character.

“I asked if the children could interview him to find out more about him and that we would like to arrange a Zoom meeting to do so if he was available. His reply was surprisingly instant – he said he was flattered and would be honoured to be part of this. He asked to see some of the children’s work too – so I emailed him art and written work. I was completely star-struck myself, having been a fan of the book and series since being a teenager myself.”

The children spent around 45 minutes interviewing the actor, asking questions about his Moondial role, his other work, his favourite scenes and characters, how certain special effects were achieved – and if he kept any memorabilia from the show! In total they asked over 40 questions as well as performing two short play scripts.

Inspired by Moondial, the class has been writing character and setting descriptions diary entries and play scripts, as well as drawing detailed pictures from the descriptive work – using the adjectives in their writing to add detail.

The children are also writing interview pieces – as if for a magazine – from their Zoom session with Tony.

Ms Gardiner also plans for the class to look at the history of Belton House – which also featured as Lady Catherine De Bourgh’s residence ‘Rosings’ in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice – with the possibility of a trip there in the summer, if Covid-19 restrictions allow.

Ms Gardiner concluded: “The children were so excited and listened intently to each of his funny and informative – as well as extremely honest answers.

“Tony definitely made an impression on my class. I have some very talented young actors and actresses in my class and he gave them great advice on following their dreams, never giving up – and keeping up with their education.

“It was a fantastic experience for us all and Tony too loved meeting us and seeing the work inspired from his childhood work. He was very amusing to chat with and the children are now even bigger fans – as am I.”