Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 20 April 2024

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

4****

The School For Scandal is a comedy written by R.B. Sheridan in 1777. The story is a convoluted one but, essentially, concerns the effect that gossip, reputations and scandal have on individuals and the society that wallows in receptively pricked ears for loose tongues; after all, if one has to endure the public judgement of a supposed infidelity one might as well enjoy the fruits it…

The first thing that struck one was the set, which was rather grand thanks to a sumptuous economy from Designer Sarah Beaton. The opening moments set the tone with a wonderful, rapid walk on from all the characters alongside a jaunty score (from composer Ed Lewis) and a nice visual joke – so all kudos to Director Seán Aydon for setting the pace early.

The costumes were gorgeous with everyone looking very elegant. For me the whole thing would have worked better had it been performed in the bewigged fashions of the time but I know that’s not to everyone’s taste and the current vogue for these types of productions is for presenting them in a fairly modern setting – and in that respect, this production was a triumph.

Joseph Marcell as Sir Peter Teazle was a commanding presence as the older gentleman with a younger wife. His predicament was believable and one sympathised with him too. He also had a genuine rapport with all those around him, especially his wife played to perfection by Lydea Perkins. She (like all the actors except Mr Marcell) had a dual role – and she was equally effective as the elderly gossip monger Mrs Candour.

Alex Phelps as Joseph showed a magnificent comic sensibility and he was remarkably charming in his smarminess. His dual role of the drunk Bumper was enormous fun – especially through some marvellous slapstick. Garmon Rhys (as younger brother Charles) had the vocal projection of a rock concert and probably the most range of characterization of any actor on stage – quite manic (mostly as Backbite) but also quiet when the scene demanded. Every scene either actor played in was graced with their presence. There was a fine interplay too between them and their uncle, Sir Oliver, brought to life by Tony Timberlake.

The small but perfectly formed cast (courtesy of Tilted Wig) were exceptional, all playing their part and I only fail to mention them all individually due to word count restrictions and also that there were so many characters in the play! This cast is rammed to the rafters with a veritable galaxy of stellar talent!

A wordy piece, much like Shakespeare although the wit is genuinely humorous and the language not so antiquated. It’s remarkable that the actors remember that amount of text – without a dropped line, a pause or a stumble. The play whizzed along at a fair old lick and everyone’s timing was impeccable. And with knowing nods to the multiple roles that people played and breaking the fourth wall, dancing, slapstick and farce – this play really did have something for everyone.

Egad and upon my word – the gossip is right – ‘tis a corker. And if tonight is anything to go by, its reputation is assuredly assured.

Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 20th April 2024

Reviewed by Amy V Gathercole

5*****

“If you love theatre’s creativity and enjoy seeing a very different type of show, then treat yourself to some magic ASAP!”

Arriving in Nottingham on its UK tour just in time for the city’s annual Puppet Festival, “The Life of Pi” tells the fascinating story of Piscine ‘Pi’ Patel, a teenager who explores multiple faiths, has an enviable imagination, and has a bunch of exotic animals as companions.

“The Life of Pi” was originally told by Yann Martel in a novel and has also been made into an award-winning film directed by Ang Lee. Now, the theatrical version is being shared and told again in yet another new way, with some of the most impressive puppeteering you’ve ever seen, as it’s been adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti.

Usually, this story of many stories is told with a male protagonist, but this production saw talented newcomer Adwitha Arumugam in the lead role as Pi, who soon has you rooting for her as she explores a huge range of emotions. To say that this is her professional debut after graduating from theatre school is quite a shock. When we first meet her, she’s in a hospital bed in Mexico, 1978, and it’s stark, drab and a room full of tragedy and she bounces between Pi’s different personalities with ease.

She’s on stage for practically every scene of the show, and with her emotional range and skilled gymnastic-like physical movements, you struggle to take your eyes off of her, even when there’s a huge puppet hyena, rat, zebra and tiger to distract you.

Pi, along with her family, is about to make a life-changing move to start a life in a new country, but there’s also a literal zoo travelling with them, as in Pondicherry, that’s what they do; her family run a zoo.

On the journey, a catastrophic storm hits them, and Pi finds herself stuck in the Pacific Ocean with only a few of the animals from the zoo for company. As the play unfolds and reveals its layers of magic, we learn about the events that occurred on the boat and learn all about everyone’s personalities and motivations.

Winner of five Olivier Awards, including Best New Play, this production is a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of theatre. The seven performers who puppeteered the beautiful Bengal Tiger, Richard Parker, were collectively awarded Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

The Life of Pi is unlike anything you’re likely to have seen grace the stage before, with its magical world-building with puppets, very clever special effects and an ever-converting and changing set that is entirely impressive whilst remaining simplistic. In one scene, it is a busy market scene; the next, it is transformed into the docks where a ship is being loaded, and then, of course, we’re at sea. Huge admiration and praise goes to the production team led by Tim Hatley it’s such a beautiful set that works so well and transforms impressively for each new location. The puppetry comes from the genius minds of Nick Barnes and Finn Cadwell, who combined their talent and vision to create the look, feel, and every single movement that any of the animals make. The heart and hope of the tale are found within Pi’s surprising companionship with a Royal Bengal tiger, which serves as a profound metaphor for faith, survival, and, ultimately, the human spirit as Pi works out how to survive this traumatic experience with a tiger that wants to make her lunch.

One of the reasons this novel has millions of fans worldwide and has been recreated in so many different mediums is that the story raises many philosophical questions as the beautiful scenes at sea unfold, contrasting with the more tense and grounded scenes of ‘interrogation’ as officials are sent to question Pi about what truly happened while she was stranded and in isolation.

There are many answers to be found, some to be ignored, and ultimately, more questions to be addressed with compassion and healing. If you love theatre’s creativity and enjoy seeing a very different type of show, then treat yourself to some magic ASAP!

Cast announced for
A Second Chance – A New Musical
Final Workshop & Industry Presentation

You Do It Entertainment LTD with Carter Dixon McGill Productions presents a workshop and industry presentation of Colin Ross Waterson (music and lyrics) and Ben Hartley (book) original new British
musical, A SECOND CHANCE, at the Union Theatre in London on Friday, May 17 at 3:30pm & 7:30pm.

A SECOND CHANCE is a 90-minute, one-act new British musical about an aspiring singer who faces extraordinary circumstances on the road to fame. Set in the streets of Glasgow in the late 1990s and in London 20 years later, this is a story about family, struggle, sacrifice, fame, gender identity, self-acceptance, and love in all its crazy, wonderous forms.

This final workshop and industry presentation is made possible due to a massively successful Crowdfunder campaign surpassing their goal of £16K with over 130 supporters, including Alan Cumming, Matthew Bourne, Stephen Mear, and Kevin Mathurin.

The workshop cast includes Riley Carter (EastEnders BBC, Screw Channel 4), Alicia Corrales (SIX  the musical, Public), James Hastings (Cabaret, Sondheim’s Old Friends), Celia Graham (Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies), Daniel Crossley (Singing in the Rain, Hello Dolly), and Victoria Wilson-James (Oh What a Night!, The Wiz.)

Director Bruce Guthrie
Musical Director Audra Cramer (SIX – the musical)
Assistant Director Ben Standish
Stage Manager Katie Ball (Mamma Mia)

Carter Dixon McGill Productions serve as General Managers and Executive Producers.

Colin Ross Waterson is the co-creator, composer, and lyricist of A SECOND CHANCE. He scored award-winning short films Blood Out of a Stone and Early Mourning. Recent projects include The Horror Show (Somerset House); Sensoring Sound (UEL / Arts Council); and The Game of Life (The Sinistry.) colinrosswaterson.com

Ben Hartley is the co-creator, book writer, & choreographer of A SECOND CHANCE. He wrote, directed, & choreographed the multi-award-winning short films Free & Early Mourning, distributed by ShortsTV & Amazon Prime. Recent projects include Carousel (Royal Academy of Music, London) and Let the Right One In (The Neighborhood Playhouse, NYC.) His work was recently presented on the stages of Berkeley Rep, California, and the Vineyard Theatre NYC. benhartley.info

Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning theatre director based in London. He is also the Head of Theatre & Film for the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Mumbai. Described as ‘One to watch’ by The Independent, his work has played in the West End, New York, and internationally. Recent credits include Constellations (NCPA, Mumbai); Every Good Boy Deserves Favour (NCPA Mumbai): Sea Wall (Add Art Festival, NCPA Mumbai); Man to Man (Wilton’s Music Hall, UK tour & Brooklyn Academy of Music); and Rent (St James Theatre, London & UK tour.) bruceguthriedirector.com

Carter Dixon McGill Productions is an Olivier-nominated production and general management company with offices in London and Glasgow. Co-founded by John-Webb Carter, Jamie Chapman Dixon & Stephen McGill, they have over 30 years of experience within the entertainment industry. Recent productions include: Your Lie In April The Musical (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) Death Note the Musical (London Palladium & Lyric Theatre); Death Note Original Cast Album, Blippi: the Wonderful World Tour and Treason the Musical (UK Tour). Upcoming: Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert (London Palladium).
carterdixonmcgill.com

For more information about A SECOND CHANCE visit asecondchancemusical.com

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 20th April 2024

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

5*****

Directly from the West End, this superb production has come to Southampton.

Based on the truly harrowing events of 9/11, we find ourselves in Gander-a remote island just off of North America. It was here, that 38 planes were forced to land when the US airspace closed and here, our story is set. Depicting the miraculous bravery, community spirit, love and outpouring emotion, ‘Come From Away’ will truly restore your faith in humanity.

The cast, were stellar. With each cast member playing multiple roles, you would think it hard to be able to decipher who you were seeing on stage – but this is far from difficult. From fabulous accents and immensely quick costume changes, the production ran so seamlessly, that it was hard not to be totally immersed. The cast absolutely sold every moment – with excellent vocals throughout. This show leaves hardly any room for you to clap and show your appreciation for the songs and there was one moment when, after ‘Screech in’, that the audience were clapping for minutes – which was beautiful to see. Arguably, the most ‘singable’ song of the show came from Sara Poyzer, with ‘Me and The Sky’. This was fabulously sung and ever so aptly accompanied by sniffles and muffled cries from the audience. From the very first song, I was crying throughout – purely down to the subject matter and the impeccable performances.

In keeping with the community spirit displayed during Come From Away, the Mayflower are collecting donations for the food banks which are situated in the foyer – these were overflowing by the end of the show, so please donate if you are able to do so. I couldn’t have asked for a better evening watching ‘Come From Away’ and would urge you all to take the plunge, kiss the fish and be welcomed to the Rock!!!!

FAULTY TOWERS THE DINING EXPERIENCE

BASIL AND SYBIL CELEBRATE THEIR DIAMOND (60^TH) WEDDING ANNIVERSAY ON 17^TH APRIL – AND TO CELEBRATE, THOUSANDS OF NEW TICKETS RELEASED AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE EXTENDED FROM 1 MAY

[Weds 17 April 2024] On the day that Basil and Sybil Fawlty celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary, Artistic Director Alison Pollard-Mansergh, Producer Jared Harford, and the whole team at Interactive Theatre International are proud to announce the release of thousands of extra tickets in London, plus an extended performance schedule for Faulty Towers The Dining Experience at The President Hotel in Bloomsbury. From 1 May, audiences can now book for Wednesday lunches, as well as Thursday to Sunday evening shows, and Saturday and Sunday lunches, for the critically acclaimed international immersive dining phenomenon that recently celebrated its fifteen year in the UK and more than twenty five years worldwide.

When the audience become diners in the ‘Faulty Towers’ restaurant, pretty much anything can happen – because 70% of the show is improvised. The fun starts as guests wait to be seated. It then hurtles along in a 2-hour tour de force of gags and shambolic service as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve you up a feast.

Expect the unexpected!

Producer Jared Harford said, “We can’t believe Basil and Sybil are celebrating 60 years of wedded bliss – who would have imagined that? We’re thrilled to be extending our performances at The President this summer, and can’t wait to welcome more people to embrace the chaos!”

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is a highly interactive experience, where audiences enjoy a 3-course meal and 5-star comedy. Devised by Alison Pollard-Mansergh, Andrew Foreman and others, the show has been touring the UK and internationally since 2008, having appeared in 43 countries to date, and employing 56 actors per season. The show has toured to over 1000 venues, with approximately 400 shows per year on average across the UK. A loving tribute to the BBC’s classic TV series, the show has been seen by over a million people worldwide since the very first show at the Ridges Hotel in Brisbane on 24 April 1997.

Faulty Towers the Dining Experience is now the longest running immersive production in the UK, the longest running Fawlty Towers production, and the longest running show based on a TV series, in London. It is also the longest-running Fawlty Towers production of ANY KIND running worldwide.

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is a loving tribute to Fawlty Towers. Faulty Towers The Dining Experience uses scripts and a dining experience format devised by Imagination Workshop Pty Limited and is not endorsed in any way by John Cleese or Connie Booth.

For more information on the show visit www.faultytowersdining.com

Hall for Cornwall, Truro – until 20 April 2024

Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert

4****

Intense, Clever and Immersive – A gripping Ghost Story set to thrill!

2:22 A Ghost Story is a thriller play by Danny Robins. It premiered in the West End in 2021 and received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best New Play the following year. This play has it all: thrills, staging, tension, deep conversation, great laughs and a brilliant twist!

The characters were vividly portrayed in the story with both serious and humorous part throughout. They share their humanity and their stories of hauntings of society and secrets. The pace of the play was excellent, and the plot was well designed to keep most of us on the edge of our seat!

Fiona Wade leads the cast with aplomb as Jenny, while George Rainsford finds just the right blend of arrogance and charm in the role of her husband Sam. They have recently bought a large house in Greater London that they are renovating. For several nights, at exactly 2:22 am, Jenny hears the sound of someone moving around the house and a man’s voice crying, via the baby monitor in her daughter’s bedroom, and becomes convinced the house is haunted. The couple host a dinner party for Lauren (Vera Chok), an old university friend of Sam’s, and Ben (Jay McGuiness), her new boyfriend who has a belief in the Supernatural. After discussing the strange noises, Jenny persuades the others to stay up until 2:22 am to see what happens.

As the alcohol flows, the debate rages on between the believers and non-believers. It throws up some interesting questions that will make you think twice about your own views on the paranormal. But it also explores the nature of relationships and the class divide, all of which is drawn out in tantalisingly enjoyable scenes.

We know from the start that something unworldly is going to happen at precisely 2:22am and the clock becomes vital to building up suspense late in the play. There are sudden bursts of loud screeching and flashing lights which occur at intervals, which makes the audience jump with fright.

Both hilarious and thought provoking in parts, it is not your typical “jump out of your seat” ghost story, but a play that builds with tension …. leaving you wondering what is going to happen as the clock ticks on. It’s a play, that once the curtain falls, makes you rethink everything you’ve just watched!

The ending was amazing, and I left the Theatre with goosebumps! I’d highly recommend this play, it’s a must watch ….

Birmingham Hippodrome – until 20th April 2024

Reviewed by Emma Millward

4****

The Drifters Girl made its world premiere at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle in 2021. Telling the story of Faye Treadwell who, after the untimely death of her husband George, became one of the first African-American woman managers, who would eventually turn The Drifters name into a brand that she fought many legal battles over. 

Writer Ed Curtis takes us on a journey through the story of the success and many, many line-up changes since the formation of the band in 1953. There were over sixty different band members during the course of the band’s history. This constant change means there is a lot of information to cover, and unfortunately, I felt this made the storyline feel a little hectic and left it feeling slightly rushed to fit everything in. 

The cast consists of a small ensemble of six performers. Carly Mercedes Dyer in the role of Faye Treadway, Jada Bell-Ricketts as Faye’s daughter Tina/Girl and playing The Drifters are Miles Anthony Daley, Ashford Campbell, Tarin Frimpong and Daniel Haswell. Every male character in the show is played by these four male leads. This can become confusing at times, as you aren’t sure which of the 60+ band members or other characters they are portraying. Character changes often happen with the swap of a jacket or a hat, with the audience sometimes left to figure out which characters are which. 

The character of Faye Treadwell has a lot of stage time, but the show doesn’t really delve into her story as much as I would have expected. A lot of plot points are told to the audience rather than being acted out onstage. The cast work well together though, and definitely throw themselves into the many varied characters they have to play. I enjoyed the cheeky nod to Sir Bruce Forsyth when the band were playing at the London Palladium. 

The show, of course, has an amazing soundtrack, with lots of instantly recognisable Drifters hits. The music captivated the audience from the first note. The live band (Dustin Conrad, James Beal, Eleanor Sandbrook, Dan Taylor, Dan Booth, Bret Vanderburg and Charlie Maguire) were phenomenal. The vocals from all the cast were amazing, especially from Carly Mercedes Dyer who belted out the tunes with such power. The original show featured Beverley Knight as Treadwell. Those are big shoes to fill and Dyer achieved that throughout! 

Fay Fullerton’s costume design is exquisite, depicting the different fashions as the years progressed. Anthony Ward’s set design is minimal, but makes the perfect backdrop for the show. Clever use of projections and lighting are used to change the scenes. Karen Bruce’s choreography works perfectly for the songs being performed and gives an authentic soulful feel to proceedings. 

In all, the production works well, considering the vast amount of story to cover in a two-hour show. More could have been told of Faye Treadwell’s inspiring story and her relationship with her daughter. I left the theatre feeling I still didn’t know the whole story of The Drifters, but I definitely enjoyed a few hours of joyful, feel-good music that made the audience want to get up and dance!!

Dame Judi Dench launches £600,000 appeal
to build rehearsal block, band room and offices
at The Mill at Sonning Theatre

Dame Judi Dench has launched a £600,000 fundraising appeal for a new rehearsal block, a band room and offices at the Mill at Sonning Theatre with an afternoon event celebrating her life and career.

Hosted by actor and writer Simon Williams, Dame Judi spoke in depth about her incredible career spanning across film, theatre, and television. Recounting how she can remember whole texts of Shakespeare, the Oscar-winning actress stood up and performed an entire soliloquy by Viola from Twelfth Night, prompting a standing ovation from the sold-out audience.

Simon and Dame Judi were also joined on stage by Sewa Zamba and Reeus Sugden, second year students from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, from where Dame Judi is an alumni. Sewa and Reeus performed selected lines from The Merchant of Venice and Macbeth, and were given a potted masterclass from an impressed Dame Judi.

Sally Hughes, managing director of The Mill at Sonning, said: Like so many regional theatres, the Mill is always in need of modernising and updating. Planning permission has been granted for the building now we just have to raise the money. It is a two-storey building on stilts so that we don’t lose valuable car parking spaces. It has more offices and storage space for wardrobe and props. It will have a band room for our annual Christmas blockbuster musical. The building next to it will have a new roof and also be upgraded. This building currently houses the dressing rooms and backstage offices. The rehearsal room will be at the top of the new building.

“The Dame Judi afternoon was a fantastic start in our aim to raise £600k and we will holding more special events throughout the year. It was so special havng acting royalty treading our boards. I found myself wiping away a few tears when Dame Judi performed the speech from Twelfth Night, it was beautiful and amazing to witness.”

The Mill at Sonning Theatre
Set majestically on the banks of the River Thames, the Mill at Sonning Theatre is celebrating more than 40 years of entertainment. Uniquely, as one of the only dinner theatres in the United Kingdom, it has gained unrivalled praise both nationally and internationally, winning awards such as the 2023 UK  Theatre Award Winner for the Best Musical Production for GYPSY, and The Most Welcoming Theatre 2016, 2017 and 2018. The intimate theatre seats 217. The elegant restaurant, separate from the theatre but within the premises, with views over the river Thames has the friendliest young staff of waiters and waitresses. A spinning waterwheel features in the gorgeous bar. Only a short taxi journey from the Elizabeth Line (Reading Station or Twyford Station), The Mill at Sonning Theatre is the perfect day trip from London. A two-course meal, coffee and tea, and a beautiful programme are included in the price of the tickets

FANNY

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION OF

NEW COMEDY BY CALUM FINLAY AND STARRING MISCHIEF’S CHARLIE RUSSELL

AT THE WATERMILL THEATRE

23 MAY – 15 JUNE

BOOK ONLINE AT WATERMILL.ORG.UK OR VIA THE BOX OFFICE ON 01635 46044

Full casting has been announced for the world premiere production of FANNY, a new comedy by Calum Finlay that will play at The Watermill from Thursday 23 May to Saturday 15 June.

…who?

You’ll probably know her younger brother, Felix Mendelssohn, from 19th century smash hits like The Wedding March. He was the Cliff Richard of his day and was even asked to play at a personal concert for Queen Victoria. But only if he played her favourite piece of music ever, a song called Italien. However, we now know that Felix was forced to admit to the Queen that, in actuality, the piece had been composed by his sister, Fanny, and simply published under his name.

FANNY imagines that Fanny intercepts a letter addressed to ‘F. Mendelssohn’ inviting Felix to play for Queen Victoria. As the true composer of Italien, she decides to hide the letter, don her brother’s clothes, and take his place at the palace…cueing a race across Europe and a furious Felix.

Produced by RJG Productions and The Watermill Theatre and directed by Katie-Ann McDonough, this fun and irreverent new comedy celebrates classical music and – at last – recognises the work of a composer overlooked for her sex.

Joining the previously announced Charlie Russell (The Goes Wrong Show – BBC, The Play That Goes Wrong – West End & Broadway) as Fanny, Corey Montague-Sholay (Bacon – Finborough Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe, Riverside Studios, Bristol Old Vic & Soho Playhouse, New York, Wendy & Peter Pan – Leeds Playhouse) as Felix, Harry Kershaw (The Play That Goes Wrong – West End, Peter Pan Goes Wrong – West End & Broadway) as Paul, Kim Ismay (Elf The Musical – West End, Wicked – West End, UK & International Tour) as Lea, George Howard (Sherwood – BBC, Witness for the Prosecution – London County Hall) as Willhelm and Jade May Lin (professional debut) as Clara. 

Joining McDonough on the creative team are Yshani Perinanayagam (Emilia – West End, Wolf Witch Giant Fairy – Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House) as Composer & Musical Director, HJB Casting as Casting Director, Sophia Pardon (The Wizard of Oz – Watermill Theatre, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying – Southwark Playhouse) as Set & Costume Designer, David Howe (The Mind Mangler – West End, Off-Broadway & UK Tour, A Comedy About A Bank Robbery – West End & UK Tour)as Lighting Designer, Thomas André Wasley (Touching The Void – Hong Kong Arts Festival & West End, Wolf Witch Giant Fairy – Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House) as Sound Designer, Hannah Gilbert asCostume Supervisor, Olivia Wolfenden as Company Stage Manager on Book and Sophy Johnston as Assistant Stage Manager.

Director Katie-Ann McDonough said, “FANNY is a story that needs to be told and I’m excited to bring it to life with this incredible cast and creative team. Fanny Mendelssohn’s story has been waiting in the background for far too long and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it with us.”

Producer Rebecca Gwyther said, “We could not have hoped for a more symphonic team to bring FANNY to life at the Watermill Theatre. After years of development, we’re ready for audiences to experience Fanny’s story in this imaginative comedy that’s certain to strike a chord.”

Joint CEOs of The Watermill, Artistic Director Paul Hart, Executive Director Claire Murray, said, “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Rebecca and the team to stage the world premiere of FANNY at the Watermill Theatre.  We think audiences will love this hilarious new play inspired by the remarkable truth of who actually composed Felix Mendelssohn’s greatest hits!”

HurlyBurly Presents

YOU ARE THE SUN

A VERY FIRST OPERA FOR 0-2 YEAR OLDS

AT LONDON’S SOUTHBANK CENTRE

The Royal Festival Hall at London’s Southbank centre welcomes HurlyBurly Theatre’s You are the Sun, a folk inspired opera for babies and grownups that explores the magic of nature from 29th May – 2nd June 2024. 

HurlyBurly Theatre make playful theatrical experiences for babies and adults with classical singing at their heart where babies are free to be themselves and grown-ups have a chance to relax, bond and play. You are the Sun combines the joy of gentle classical singing and sensory play and is an invitation to see beauty in the smallest things and to let plants be your guide. The interactive and playful set casts a magical spell with locally foraged plants, water, light and soil. parents are led by their babies to reconnect with the natural world.

“You Are The Sun by HurlyBurly is a masterclass in how early years theatre should be created.”

Zoe Pickering, Z-Arts Head of Programming

“I really can’t praise this show enough. Hurly Burly have a knack of creating unique and enchanting musical theatre for babies and young children (see their previous show ‘Meet me a Tree), but this is a knockout. The performances are highly accomplished yet playful, the set design is spot on (pun intended), and the music is suitably celestial (imagine children’s songs, but from the Wickerman, composed by Vaughan Williams). Someone needs to release this on record!” .

Audience response at Brixton House Theatre Dec 23

​​Artistic Directors Sarah Forbes and Catherine Carter founded HurlyBurly in 2016 having become new parents themselves. The duo who originally trained as classical singers began to work together to create shows they wanted to experience at that time which are as much for new parents as they are for babies. Everyone is free to move around and interact with the performers and space in whatever way they choose. Parents are given a rare opportunity to sit back and relax enveloped in beautiful, soothing and mesmeric music. HurlyBurly shows have since toured across the UK  including at Royal Opera House Covent Garden. Polka Theatre, The Egg Theatre Royal Bath and Hullabaloo Darlington – National Centre for Creativity in Early Childhood.

Catherine Carter and Sarah Forbes, co-founders of HurlyBurly said: “We believe in creating high quality experiences for very young children and their parents to introduce them to the magic of theatre in a safe stress-free space for them to explore at their own pace.   Over and again audiences comment on how mesmerised their children were by the music, the singing and the sensory play.  For us as artists the experience never gets boring because every show is different depending on who is in the room with us. The babies become the performance – it is a great privilege to share this moment of vulnerability and adventure with new parents and their tiny children.’

You are the Sun is created by Catherine Carter and Sarah Forbes with words and music by Catherine Carter and design by Kirsty Harris. The show’s development has been supported by The Egg (Theatre Royal Bath), Portsmouth Guildhall and Watermans Arts Centre as well as Arts Council England.

Currently touring, the show will also visit Farnham Maltings, Half Moon (London), Portsmouth Guildhall, Sefton library, Bolton library, Houghton Regis library, Manchester library (part of Baby Week), Wimbledon New Theatre, Cast (Doncaster), MAC  (Birmingham), Chats Palace, The Gulbenkian and Aberystwyth Arts Centre, whilst also working with the Lancashire Refugee Integration Team to provide free access to the show for newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers.

It has previously toured to Z-Arts Manchester, The Egg Theatre Royal Bath, Polka Theatre, Hullabaloo, Chichester Theatre, Hat Factory Luton, The Montgomery Sheffield, Wonderarts St Helens and libraries across the UK.

Celebrate the gift of nature in this relaxed and playful opera for babies and grown-ups. Help to conjure a world out of breath, water, sunlight and soil in a magical musical adventure for 0 – 2-year-olds. Tickets are on sale now at www.southbankcentre.co.uk

You can find out more about HurlyBurly and the tour of You are the Sun at www.hurlyburlytheatre.com or on Facebook: @HurlyBurlyCo // Instagram and X @hurlyburly_co