Set sail for story time

Join Captain Compass, Eddison, and Ratty for an imaginative storytelling adventure filled with invention, exploration, and hands-on discovery inspired by the spirit of the Marines and the Royal Navy.

Set sail on an unforgettable adventure on HMS Warrior with Captain Compass and his loyal crew in Storytime with Captain Compass, an exciting blend of theatre, storytelling, STEM exploration designed especially for young families. Inspired by the great traditions of Royal Navy innovation and problem-solving, each session invites children to become part of the story as they help the Captain tackle challenges, test ideas, and navigate unexpected adventures alongside his inventive apprentice Eddison and mischievous companion Ratty.

Supporting the National Year of Reading “Go All In” campaign, the programme encourages families to discover the joy of reading together through shared storytelling, creativity, and interactive learning experiences that spark imagination beyond the page.

This month’s adventure is inspired by The Snorgh and the Sailor and explores the wonders of the ocean through navigation, exploration, and problem-solving. When Captain Compass discovers that his trusty compass has begun spinning wildly and no longer points North, it can only mean one thing - a brand-new story is calling them toward an unknown destination. But aboard HMS Warrior, how can the Captain possibly begin the voyage without knowing which way to sail?

With the help of the audience, young explorers will dive into a playful adventure filled with movement, decision-making, and imaginative storytelling as they help Captain Compass rediscover the art of navigation. Along the way, children will uncover how sailors in the Royal Navy once relied on maps, stars, compasses, teamwork, and quick thinking to navigate the seas and overcome unexpected challenges. As the story unfolds, every child becomes part of the journey, helping steer the Captain toward magical discoveries and the next great tale waiting beyond the horizon.

But the adventure doesn’t stop when the story ends. Families are invited to continue their journey at the Explorer Lab in the Victory Gallery, where hands-on STEM activities bring the themes of each story to life through real experimentation, creative fun, and playful discovery.

This month’s adventure is inspired by The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and explores the exciting world of engineering, renewable energy, and invention. Join Captain Compass as he attempts to power up the ship — only to discover there are no plugs aboard HMS Warrior! Through hilarious experiments, energetic audience participation, and imaginative problem-solving, children will discover how wind can be transformed into electricity while learning about the remarkable true story of William Kamkwamba, the young inventor who built a windmill to help save his village.

From turning children into spinning human windmills to testing out the Captain’s wonderfully silly ideas, this high-energy session celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of engineering to change lives. But the adventure doesn’t stop when the story ends. Families are invited to continue their journey at the Dockyard Learning Centre, where hands-on STEM activities bring the themes of each story to life through real experimentation, creative building, and playful discovery. Created in partnership with TYC Arts & Education CIC, this unique experience combines heritage, creativity, and learning to inspire the next generation of explorers, inventors, and adventurers

Created in partnership with TYC Arts & Education CIC, this unique experience combines heritage, creativity, and learning to inspire the next generation of explorers, inventors, and adventurers.

This summer event series celebrates the story and spirit of the Royal Marines in anticipation of the opening of our new Royal Marines museum later this year. This event is made possible with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This event is free with a valid museum ticket

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