Little Angel Theatre has announced its new season, running September 2017 - February 2018. Highlights include: Zeraffa Giraffa, a new co-production with Omnibus Theatre inspired by a remarkable true story (for ages 4 - 8); WOW! Said the Owl, our critically acclaimed production returns (for ages 2 - 5); Go Noah Go!, John Agard's fantastic story comes to life through puppetry and song (for ages 5 - 10); Sleepyhead is a new production about a wide awake baby and a magical rabbit (for ages 2 - 5); plus eight visiting theatre companies sharing their puppetry productions!
"This autumn and winter at Little Angel Theatre, we have a whole host of shows for the whole family to enjoy, discuss and experience together," said Artistic Director Samantha Lane. "To open the season I am thrilled to announce that we are working with Omnibus Theatre to bring you the tale of Zeraffa Giraffa, inspired by a giraffe who was sent on an incredible journey from Egypt to France. Furthermore, our much loved production WOW! Said the Owl will return to entertain younger audiences with vivid colours and memorable songs.
"As we move closer to the yuletide festivities, we offer you a Caribbean take on the traditional Noah story with John Agard's Go Noah Go! This was last performed at Little Angel 10 years ago. Get ready for catchy songs and a cast of over 50 carved animals! If that wasn't enough, we have another new production for our youngest audiences - Sleepyhead. Sleepyhead follows the adventures of a baby who can't get to sleep and his mischievous friend, a white rabbit.
"As well as creating puppetry shows, working with others and delivering a rich creative learning programme, Little Angel Theatre invites puppetry companies to perform on our stage to our audiences, and this season is no different. We have eight companies presenting work at both our theatre and studios from September through to February.
"We are busier than ever, and I am looking forward to seeing you at our theatre very soon."
Scroll down for more details about the season!
WOW! Said the Owl
A Little Angel Theatre production
Dates: 2 September - 5 November
Press performance: Saturday 23 September, 10.30am
Relaxed Performance: Saturday 4 November, 11.45am
Explore the wow-world of colours with this curious little owl who is determined to stay awake to see what day light brings.
From the warm pink glow of dawn through to a day filled with the bright colours of green leaves, blue sky, white clouds and, finally, a stunning rainbow - 'WOW!'. But despite the beauty of the daytime world, the little owl decides that the night-time stars are the most beautiful of all.
Recommended for ages 2 - 5
Running Time: 35 mins
£12.50 / £10.50 children and concessions
This production of WOW! Said the Owl is based on the book WOW! Said the Owl © 2009 Tim Hopgood, published by Macmillan Children's Books, a division of Macmillan Publishers International Ltd.
Zeraffa Giraffa
A Play by Sabrina Mahfouz
An Omnibus Theatre and Little Angel Theatre co-production
Dates: 21 September - 4 November
Press performance: Saturday 30 Sep, 4.30pm
Relaxed Performance: Saturday 7 October, 2.30pm
Across the plains of Africa where grass grows tall and acacias taste sweet, a young giraffe is sent as a gift from the Pasha of Egypt to the King of France. But Paris is very far away...
With a boy called Atir to help Zeraffa find her way, the pair sail up the Nile past pyramids, sphinxes and temples and out across the stormy sea to a country where everything is different. No one has seen an animal like Zeraffa before. Can Zeraffa and Atir find a way to make this new place home?
Zeraffa Giraffa is an emotionally engaging tale that explores what it is like to be different. Based on the book by award-winning children's author Dianne Hofmeyr, Zeraffa Giraffa is inspired by the astonishing true tale of a real giraffe. This brand new adaptation is told using beautiful hand-made puppets and an original musical score that will bring you along Zeraffa's epic journey across land and sea.
Recommended for ages 4 - 8
£14 / £12 children and concessions
Running Time: 1 hour approx.
Based on 'Zeraffa Giraffa', by Dianne Hofmeyr, illustrated by Jane Ray, published by Quarto Publishing Plc. Text copyright © Dianne Hofmeyr, 2014. Illustrations copyright © Jane Ray, 2014
Go Noah Go!
by John Agard
A Little Angel Theatre production
Dates: 10 November 2017 - 4 February 2018
Press performance: Saturday 18 November, 4.30pm
Relaxed Performance: 27 January, 2.15pm
A Great Flood is coming and Mr and Mrs Noah have been set the most impossible task: to take two of each animal and build them a home!
A magical ark that is built on stage, over 50 carved animals and a host of songs to sing along with make this production one of Little Angel Theatre's most successful and impressive shows.
John Agard's stunning Caribbean adaptation of this timeless story, combining puppetry, masks, stories and songs returns for another thrilling season that will enthral the entire family.
Recommended for ages 5 - 10
£15 / £13 children and concessions
Running Time: 1 hour 15 mins (including 15min interval)
This play is based on the original poem, Go Noah Go, by John Agard © John Agard 1990
SleepyheadA Little Angel Theatre production
Dates: 17 November 2017 - 4 February 2018
Press performance: Saturday 25 November, 11.45am
Relaxed Performance: Saturday 9 December, 10am
It's been a long day for Dad and he can hardly keep his eyes open. All he wants is for Baby to go to sleep so he can catch up on a little shut-eye too.
Dad's usually got some tricks up his sleeve to help send Baby off to the Land of Nod. But tonight, Baby has other ideas...
As soon as Dad's out of the way, Baby gets his hands on the magic top hat, and when his friend Rabbit shows up the fun and games really begin!
Mix in some magic, a pinch of circus and a large dollop of silliness and you have the recipe for a little adventure with a lot of laughs!
Recommended for ages 2 - 5
£13 / £11 children and concessions
Running Time: 45 mins approx.
Written, directed and designed by Michael Fowkes
Santa's Little Workshop
A Little Angel Theatre event
Dates: 1 - 24 December
Press performance: Saturday 2 December, 3pm
Relaxed Performance: Sunday 17 December, 2.15pm
"A really lovely and well thought out experience for children... Our children really enjoyed it and are very proud of their puppets." Audience member
Ever wanted to be an elf for a day? Put on your best elf outfit, get into the festive spirit and turn up for your first day of work at Santa's Little Workshop!
Start your experience by seeing 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, brought to life with a touch of magic and sparkle in the Little Elf Cinema. Then enjoy crafty festive puppet making on the elf production line.
You'll even get a chance to meet "The Boss", our very own puppet Santa.
For ages 3 -9
£12.50 children / £10.50 adults
Running Time: 50 mins approx.
VISITING COMPANIES: SEP 2017 - FEB 2018:
22- 24 Sep: Rusty Nails and Other Heroes by TAMTAM objektentheater
27 Sep - 1 Oct: Bookstory by MONSTRO Theatre
23 - 26 Oct: Goblin's Peter and the Wolf by Goblin
29 Oct: The Dream Factory by House of Stray Cats
30 & 31 Oct: Blown Away by Metta Theatre
8 Nov: Shakespeare versus Molière by Indigo Moon & Compagnie Via Cane
11 & 12 Nov: Great Odds by Mac's Arcadian & Lighthouse Poole
7 & 8 Feb: Heaven by Theater Taptoe
Little Angel Theatre is a home for puppetry. Since its doors first opened in 1961 the theatre has been dedicated to creating and sharing inspiring stories. Puppetry is at the heart of this innovative theatre, from igniting the imaginations of the youngest minds to equipping tomorrow's puppeteers with the tools they need to succeed. As well as being an internationally recognised theatre with productions touring throughout the UK and across the globe, Little Angel Theatre also has its roots in Islington, and works with its local, diverse community to break down barriers to arts engagement so all can benefit and enjoy this remarkable art form. For more information, visit littleangeltheatre.com.
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