In this episode of Skip the Queue, Andy Povey is joined by Simon Egan, Project Development Fellow at CAPCO, the creative studio behind some of the UK’s most immersive and story-led play environments.

Simon shares his unexpected journey into the attractions industry, from co-creating the much-loved BeWILDerwood to founding CAPCO and championing play as a powerful driver of social connection, wellbeing, and commercial success. Andy and Simon explore why play matters more than ever in a screen-dominated world, how storytelling can transform visitor experiences, and what attractions can learn from farm parks, schools, and international projects.

• Simon’s route into the attractions industry
• The creation and success of BeWILDerwood
• Why story and narrative are critical to play design
• Getting children (and parents) playing again outdoors
• The impact of play on wellbeing, inclusion, and social skills
• Designing for dwell time, food spend, and revenue growth
• Lessons from farm parks in the UK and North America
• Why play is becoming just as important for adults
• CAPCO’s Royal Warrant and future projects

Show References:

Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey

Simon Egan - Project Development Fella at CAP.CO (Creating Adventurous Places Ltd)

• https://www.wearecapco.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpegan/

Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your host is Andy Povey.

Credits:
Written by Emily Burrows (Plaster)
Edited by Steve Folland
Produced by Emily Burrows and Sammy Entwistle (Plaster), with Wenalyn Dionaldo (Skip the Queue HQ)

Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey

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