Every night, thousands of children fall asleep in overcrowded B&Bs, hostels and temporary accommodation with nowhere to play or do homework, and little privacy. Many spend months or even years waiting for somewhere to call home. In 1994, Jacqueline Wilson’s The Bed and Breakfast Star introduced us to Elsa, a 10-year-old girl living in temporary accommodation with her family. Since the novel’s 1994 publication, the statistics have risen, but the children and families behind them remain invisible.

We'll bring a joyful new adaptation of The Bed and Breakfast Star to thousands of children, premiering at Polka Theatre, visiting theatres across England and culminating at the Southbank Centre. Some children will see their stories represented while thousands of others will discover homelessness could affect any family. Through theatre, creative workshops and a nationwide schools challenge, children and families will build empathy and come together to build a better sense of home and belonging.