Opening the Door to Imagination: ‘The Secret Bookshop’ in Northern Ireland

On 9 December 2025, The Secret Bookshop welcomed children from across Northern Ireland into an immersive theatrical world where stories leapt off the page and imagination took centre stage. Pupils attended from Seaview Primary School, Cliftonville Integrated Primary School, St Columbans Primary School, St Patricks Primary School, and Currie Primary School, sharing a magical experience that placed books, creativity and connection at its heart.

For many of the children, this was their first encounter with one of Cahoots’ productions. 77% of children who provided feedback said they had never attended a show with Cahoots before, highlighting the importance of creating accessible, welcoming cultural experiences for young audiences.

How the Children Felt

The emotional impact of the production was immediate and powerful. 70% children who provided feedback said attending the show made them feel happy, excited or good, a response echoed throughout their written and spoken reflections.

Children spoke enthusiastically about the interactive nature of the performance, the characters, and the sense of wonder it created:

‘I liked how it was interactive and people got to go up. It was amazing and everyone should visit.’
— child aged eleven years-old

Others reflected on the joy the show inspired:

‘It made you feel like you want to dance.’
— child aged seven years-old

Several children connected deeply with the message about reading and the power of stories:

‘It made me feel that books can change your life.’
— child aged eight years-old

And for some, the emotional impact was especially profound:

‘The show made me feel comfortable. This is the best thing that happened to me.’
— child aged ten years-old

Together, these responses reveal how The Secret Bookshop created not just entertainment, but excitement and emotional connection for young audiences.

Inspiring a Love of Reading

Teachers shared powerful reflections on how the production influenced children’s attitudes towards books, particularly among pupils who might usually be reluctant readers.

One teacher observed:

‘The production ignited a real excitement for reading. Several pupils commented afterwards that they ‘wanted to read more books with adventure and mystery.’ The immersive storytelling, spectacular staging, and heart-warming message captured the imagination of even some of our more reluctant readers, who were buzzing with enthusiasm on the journey home.’

Another teacher highlighted the longer-term impact:

‘It was wonderful to see them realise how stories can transport us into other worlds, and many shared that they planned to ask for new books this Christmas as a result of the show.’

A Shared Experience Made Possible

Teachers also spoke about the importance of funding and inclusion in making the visit possible for every child:

‘We would like to express our sincere thanks for the generous funding that enabled our visit to The Secret Bookshop. It ensured that every child could participate, creating a shared experience they will treasure. The pupils were completely captivated from start to finish, and the message about discovering the magic of reading truly resonated with them.’

‘The production not only entertained but inspired. It nurtured imagination, wonder, and a sense of belonging. Watching the children connect with the idea that books can unlock confidence, adventure and creativity was incredibly special.’

‘We thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in the magical world of books, and it was so lovely to see the delight on the children's faces as each story was brought to life. The highlight was making a teacher disappear through the magic portal, and two children were just delighted at being chosen to come to the front to choose a story card.’

The impact reached beyond the classroom, with one parent already getting in touch to share how much their child had enjoyed the experience.

A Lasting Impact

Across all schools, children left The Secret Bookshop feeling inspired, uplifted and full of festive cheer. Teachers described it as a privilege to watch pupils make meaningful connections with reading, imagination and self-belief.

Long after the final page was turned, The Secret Bookshop continued to do what stories do best… spark joy, open doors, and remind children that books have the power to change lives.