Published on 1st May 2023

Steve Goodwin is well-known in Horsham thanks to the superhero parties he has hosted for almost a decade. More recently, the father-of-two has created a magnificent Brick Bus, hosting fun, LEGO-themed workshops to inspire children’s creativity and imagination. Here, Steve tells his story, from Spider-Man to Jedi Knight…

WE COULD BE HEROES

It all started with my son Oli’s sixth birthday. As a family, we’ve always enjoyed watching superhero films, so I decided to have a go at hosting a themed party. My wife and I came up with lots of game ideas, bought and created lots of props, and I dressed up as Spider-Man, Captain America and Iron Man. I managed to entertain my son and his friends for a couple of hours. Toby Phillips, a local photographer, took pictures at the party and when they were posted on social media, it just went crazy! My career as a children’s entertainer stems from that.

I was a shy and introverted child who never had a desire to act, sing or dance. Yet clearly, there was something inside of me that needed to burst out. I should have started the business in my 20s, but it didn’t happen until I was 34. I’m 42 now and take a bit longer to recover after a superhero party!

From the outset, we devised a formula that children could engage with. Rather than simply playing games in costumes, we train the children to be superheroes, focusing on speed, strength and agility. It is not playtime! It’s a serious business and the children are enraptured, as they want to prove themselves as superheroes. We also offer a Stars Wars themed party, where children take part in Jedi training. Ten years ago, the Marvel universe and Star Wars were at the peak of their popularity. Demand is still there, but I felt that we needed to introduce something new and that was LEGO.

REBUILDING A BUSINESS

Rather than just playing around with a box of random bricks, there is a narrative to the parties, as we take children on a journey. They create a character and embark on a quest to become a master builder, facing adventures and challenges along the way, from car racing to fending off sharks. As children have different interests, we can work with different LEGO themes including Minecraft, Ninjago, Star Wars and LEGO Friends, incorporating team work and individual creativity. Everyone takes home their own small LEGO set at the end of the session too. 

Everything was going well until the pandemic. We had run parties and workshops for several years prior to Covid, often using community centres and church halls. Even after lockdown restrictions were lifted, many such venues remained closed, which made it difficult for us to re-establish the business. I took a job as a Teaching Assistant at Heron Way, which I continue to do part time and love every minute. However, when it came to the business, we had to think creatively if it was to be successful again. 

The government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme provided an opportunity for us to move forward and inspired the Brick Bus idea. We didn’t know how long restrictions on gatherings would be in place, and it wasn’t unreasonable to think it could be years. The Brick Bus would allow us to host workshops in a setting that would be even more appealing for children. I had seen businesses running craft activities and gaming events on converted buses, so knew the idea had potential.

We found an ex-Transport for London bus for sale and it was perfect, as it had flexible seat tracks to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs. We could remove them easily and refurbish, putting in new flooring and seating, and creating storage space and displays. We made the bus as colourful and comfortable as possible, although I kept some original signs from when it was used for public transport. I can’t use the brand name LEGO, so it’s called the Brick Bus. LEGO has a fair use policy, although we are not officially endorsed. 

CARFAX WORKSHOPS

The Brick Bus is currently booked for weekend parties until later in the summer. Parents find it convenient as the children are in a safe place. When we used to hold events at village halls, parents had to worry about organising food and hanging up decorations too, but now they can be more flexible about such things. When I take the Brick Bus out to parties, I usually park on a driveway or road outside the house, although some people hire a venue. My biggest worry is breaking down and letting down the children. So, I get the bus serviced regularly and it runs faultlessly. Well, almost! Fortunately, the one time I did have trouble was on a day when the two parties I was due to attend were close to my house, so everyone walked round to mine! 

During the school holidays, I take the bus into the Carfax and host workshops on market days. The workshops are based on lots of different themes and always include the children making something to take home. They run for 75 minutes, which gives time for parents or carers to go to a cafe or do some shopping. Some children see the bus and knock on the door excitedly, hoping to be allowed in. Sadly, I have to turn them away as sessions are all pre-booked, as I can only accommodate ten children. However, I do attend some school fetes where all can come aboard and play for free. 

OLD HEROES

We don’t cater solely for little ones. Superhero parties typically appeal to children aged four to six, but LEGO has much wider appeal. I recently hosted an excellent party for a ten-year-old and he wants a Brick Bus birthday every year until he’s 21. I have hosted a party for a 71-year-old who was joined by her grandchildren, and they had a wonderful time. At most parties, I see a familiar face, as the bus attracts a lot of repeat business. A child who enjoyed a friend’s party will ask for one of their own, and it’s the same with siblings.

The Brick Bus will always be new for the nextgenerations of children. If you cater to the same customers all the time, you need to change things occasionally to maintain interest, but I can continue with the format for the time being. My future success does hinge on LEGO, of course, and I can only hope that the company continues to create toys that inspire younger generations. 

It's amazing to think that not all that long ago, LEGO was in danger of disappearing. Clearly, its partnerships with Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic World and other franchises have been enormously successful. The new Super Mario Bros Movie has really struck a chord with kids and there is a Super Mario LEGO range, so I suspect there will be strong demand for that. 

I also run school discos with Horsham schools. These are full of games and we play all the latest pop songs that the children love. I get dressed up in a sequin suit for these, so I look like a walking disco ball. I often see children at the discos that I recognise from parties and workshops too.

I am working on an Escape Room concept with a friend, so the Brick Bus could potentially offer more for older children and adults in future. But for now, I’m enjoying running the workshops and parties. I still enjoy Superhero events too, but my body feels it for days afterwards. The Brick Bus offers the same thrill of working with children, without being nearly as exhausting. Also, it doesn’t involve me wearing Lycra! 

Further information: www.brickbus.co.uk

 Words/Interview: Ben Morris & Photos: Alan Wright