Centre for Inflammation Research

Launch of primary school online resources for "The Mould that Changed the World"

May 2019: This innovative public engagement project "The Mould that Changed the World" is a musical which harnesses the power of music and drama to raise awareness of the important health crisis of antimicrobial resistance.

Developed by CIR fellow Meghan Perry in collaboration with composer Robin Hiley from Charades Theatres company and funded by the British Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy this project is aiming for a national impact.

We have had two very successful pilot premieres in Scottish and London primary schools with positive reviews in the BMJ and Lancet ID and have won the support of Chief Medical Officers of all four UK countries. Evaluations of the impact of performing the show on the children showed a changed attitude to antimicrobials and sustained gain of knowledge.

The professional version of the muscial with scientist and health care professional chorus members had a sold -out Fringe run in August with coverage on BBC news and broadsheets, multiple reviews, Pick of the Fringe and nomination for awards. We also had additional sold out performances during antibiotic awareness week.

 On 8th May schools resources will go live which will enable over 15,000 primary schools in the UK to perform the musical independently. The resources consist of lyrics, audio files, rehearsal videos with the dance moves and science teaching pages for accompanying lessons. We have expressions of interest from over a hundred primary schools already, but if you are reading this spread the word and get your local primary school involved. 

Visit the Mould that Changed the World to sign up.