Children's theatre - Tall Stories Company: The Snow Dragon?

[roisin]

Has anyone seen this production, or anything by this company? (They also did the Gruffalo.) It says on the flier "for everyone aged 3 and up" and I'm not sure how suitable it will be for my boys (6 and 8).

Their website is here , there's a bit more information and some reviews of their shows.

Thanks WWB - I think it should be good. My hesitation came from the fact that shows described as "from age 3" are usually things like Engie Bengie or Tractor Tom or something!

roisin, where is forum 28,cumbria please?
this looks like something my dd would enjoy and she deserves a treat after being poorly this weekend and missing her friends birthday party!

found it, uhmm going to have a look now.....

If it says "everyone 3 and up" it's nothing like engie benjy, roisin! The blurbs for those usually say something like 3-7. (I've got quite good at interpreting these things!)

The ones you want to watch out for are things like this:

Rainbow Bigbottom and the Mr Panda Show
On this magical adventure meet a host of lively characters including the forgetful but cuddly Mr Panda, the Genie, the friendly Space Lion, Moonbeam and the Clownettes ? who are all out to capture the nasty Witchypoo. Jam-packed with music, singing, prizes and children?s participation this traditional and magical show will leave you and your family spellbound. For ages 3-8. 11am & 2.30pm, running time 1hr 30mins.

Gag.

Good ones going round atm are:

Private Peaceful
A Bristol Old Vic production. Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line. This remarkable, award-winning story is the latest by Children?s Laureate Michael Morpurgo (for 8+ though so no good for DS2)

James Campbell
Britain?s only stand-up comedian for kids will be making his second visit to the Wycombe Swan with an inimitable brand of comedy which is guaranteed to have anyone over the age of 5 in fits of giggles. A blend of stories, surreal observations about Christmas, eyebrows and parents, and some extremely silly songs make up Campbell?s act, which has enjoyed five star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival for the last two years. For age 5+

The Little Match Girl
Alone on the streets a child is sat reaching out to passers by in the hope that one of them will buy her matches. The world seems very cruel as she lights her last three matches to keep warm; but surely there is hope in the stars and i the mysterious figure of the lamplighter. Full House Theatre Company brings this well loved Hans Christian Andersen classic to life. The poignant story of love, hope and determination is presented with traditional storytelling, vibrant characters and Full House's trademark giant puppets. The Little Match Girl is an endearing, uplifting tale and a magical experience for the whole family. Suitable for family audiences (5+)

It Was a Dark and Stormy Night
"It was a dark and stormy night, the rain came down in torrents, there were brigands on the mountains, and wolves, and the chief of the brigands said to Antonio, "I'm bored - tell us a story!" A very brave eight year-old has been kidnapped by a nasty band of brigands and has been carried off to their secret cave. What stories will he tell? Will it be enough to save him? What is the Thingy in the moat? And will the chief manage to dodge the flying Gorgonzola? 2.30pm. For age 4+.

Oh no, you've got me worried now, I'm sure one of my listings should have had the Snow Dragon in but I can't find it now; Word has crashed out on me a couple of times lately and taken latest entries with it, I will have to go through everything again

I've seen them do the Gruffalo. It was fantastic. I think DD was 5-6 when I took her.

Private Peaceful - must look out for that. DD has it on tape and listens to it often. Morpurgo's books are brilliant although they almost always make me cry.

Gutted. It's not coming anywhere near us (Nottingham/Derby).

Here's one for you, roisin, and possibly for chatee's DD:

Action Transport
Tselane?s Song
Sun 9 Oct 1pm & 3pm,
Mon 10 Oct 1.30pm
£7/£5conc/£20family
Suitable for ages 5 - 8 years
Fresh from wowing theatre audiences
last year, Tselane?s Song celebrates
African stories and performance styles.
A beautiful, uplifting and funny show
like you?ve never seen before, from
Soweto?s freshest children?s theatre
company.?The children were mesmerized ? the
quality of audience contact was
delightful.? Head Teacher, Cheshire
Primary School

That's at the Brewery, Kendal. They have It Was a Dark & Stormy Night on Sun 23/10 (they say ages 5-10). I've just had a quick look at Lancaster, Morecambe and Keswick and there is nothing coming up. (I didn't bother with the Barrow one cos I'm sure you're on top of that!)

Oh, and there's this at Bowness (but not for a month):

Old Laundry Theatre, The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness
Box Office : 015394 88444

Don?t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
Tue 25 Oct
A Big Wooden Horse presentation. This fantastic half-term show for children of 3 and up is full of fun, feathers, laughter and live music ? and lots of audience participation too! Written by Mo Willems, whose credits include Sesame St. and Sheep in the City, this family show will be the highlight of the holidays. 3pm & 7pm. £10, £5.

(ahem), Sue

Amazingly the companies' own websites are often short on dates. Best source I've found is what's on stage - bookmark it!

Oh dear, it's daytime on a school day in Derby - could you get her school to organise a trip if it's not too late? Very uplifting!

Thanks all!

PS Janh did you just make up the blurb for Rainbow Bigbottom and the Mr Panda Show, or is it for real?!

I saw it at the Edinburgh festival with my 2.5 and 4.5 year old. They were absolutely riveted. There were some older children in the audience. I'd say definatley the 6 year old would like it. Not sure about the 8 year old as mine aren't that old yet so don't know how much things change
There were lots of songs and a very small cast. it was minimal scenary/costumes and high on imagination.
Definately more grown up than Engy Benjy.
My DS didn't move in his seat the entire show.

I wish I was clever enough to make it up, roisin! (Also that the perpetrators weren't patronising enough to really do it)

Thanks again all. Dh is away all day on Saturday, so it's all of us or none. I think I'll take them both. DS1 is big on imagaination and likes theatre. Tbh he'd probably enjoy Engie Bengie type things ... it's just be who loathes them!

Thanks JanH but it was Private Peaceful I was looking for

I suspect school won't do a trip - they usually do something, either theatre or panto, just before Xmas and they have also just done Bosworth Field and are doing something else later in the term, maybe Newstead Abbey.

Ooops!

Loughborough any good?

website for you (bottom of page)

Cool thanks! Booked and paid for

We went to see it today - it was fab! Great acting, good lighting and sound, interesting story. The boys loved it.

My only moan is about people who bring toddlers and babies to a production billed for "3 and over". Whinging, crying, moaning, bored toddlers did not enhance my experience.

And I've been with 8yo DD to see Private Peaceful today.

One man with many voices and very few props. It was amazing. DD a little unhappy with the artistic licence taken though