A drama being performed in South Wirral schools is helping promote greater understanding of the Gypsy Traveller lifestyle.

Pupils, teachers and governors will be encouraged to “address misconceptions” in a workshop which follows the telling of the story of Michael, a popular schoolboy from the Gypsy Traveller community, who invites other pupils to his home for tea where they meet his family and are introduced to his lifestyle and culture.

The drama “Michael’s Story” is a joint venture between Cheshire West and Chester Council and the University of Chester, jointly written and acted by the local authority’s Gypsy, Roma, Traveller education adviser Barbara Pickford and Allan Owens, Professor of drama education at the university.

It has been staged for 350 pupils and 125 staff at nine junior schools – including Parkgate Primary - and also for two groups of governors of schools that have more than 20% intake of Traveller children.

The play and workshop has also attracted interest after being staged for an audience of international academics and students attending the university as part of a three year European Union Intensive Programme focusing on Teachers Intercultural Competence and Awareness.

Ms Pickford said: “There are a lot of negative messages about travellers and Gypsies picked up by young people. Michael’s Story gives them a chance to ask questions and share their thoughts about other young people who might have a different way of life.

“It also provides an opportunity for traveller children to share information about their lives and dispel some of the negative stereotypes that exist about their community.”

Michael’s Story is due to be performed for councillors in June as part of the National Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Month and a research paper about the play will be presented at the Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland, University of Edinburgh at the end of June.

Equalities and diversity champion, Cllr Razia Daniels said: “Michael’s Story is an excellent way of giving young people and adults the opportunity to ask questions and address some of the negative misconceptions about travellers’ lifestyles.

“It has also helped traveller children in our schools to be more confident that their way of life is better understood. The feedback from pupils and teachers has been excellent.”