Guest Blog: Author Samantha Lane on the Importance of Play and Bringing CHARLIE COOK'S FAVOURITE BOOK to the Stage

I am super excited about bringing our adaptation of Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book to the stage because it is a combination of two of my big passions – play AND reading. 

Unlike the original book, which is essentially a book within a book within a book (11 in total!), the adaptation introduces a new character, Charlie's sister Izzy, to create a stronger narrative. In the book, Charlie moves from book to book, through a clever rhyme segway, but there is no overarching storyline – instead, it celebrates various forms of reading and the diverse characters and narratives you can find in literature. In our adaptation, Charlie loves reading, but Izzy finds it boring. Through play, Charlie, with help from mum, shows Izzy the joy of exploring books, and by the end, she loves it too. The production celebrates both the joy of reading and the power of play.

A lot of my shows emphasise the role of play as a catalyst for children's imagination. I've created shows like "The Bed," which explores how beds can transform into various things, like submarines and spaceships, and "The Flying Bath," set in a bathroom where children use the bathroom objects to tell a story. "Charlie Cook" also underscores the importance of play as a creative entry point to reading.

My belief in the significance of play is influenced by my alignment with Froebelian principles. Friedrich Froebel believed that play is the highest level of child development, allowing children to express their thoughts and feelings: “play is never trivial; it is serious and deeply significant’ (Froebel in Lilley 1967:84). Play helps children bridge their inner world with the outside world and it enhances their connection with others. In our adaptation, Charlie and Izzy use books as a springboard for exploration, bringing books from page to stage through play.

However, through my work, I have become increasingly aware of the fact that the majority of adults seem to have forgotten how to play.  Something that came to them so naturally as a child seems to be beyond comprehension now, or perceived as trivial.  As Pablo Picasso said, “every child is an artist. The problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” I hope the production will help grown-ups rediscover the value of play, not just for their children but for themselves too, and to see how play has cognitive, physical, social, and emotional benefits as well as being a creative path to reading.

I am an avid reader, and my passion aligns with Charlie Cook's love for books in all forms - newspapers, magazines, and encyclopaedias. However, not all children share this passion, with many struggling to engage with reading. The show portrays Charlie as an avid reader and Izzy as a reluctant one, highlighting the transformation both undergo through play.

Charlie becomes more active, and Izzy discovers the joy of reading. This reflects my own experience as a parent, with one avid reader and one reluctant reader. The show doesn't diminish reluctant readers but instead demonstrates the value they bring to the table and offers alternative routes to enjoying books.

The show is so beautifully designed – with a fabulous set by Ellie Mills, gorgeous puppets by Maia Kirkman-Richards, and atmospheric lighting by SHERRY COENEN – with brilliant, witty songs that drive the narrative forward by Barb Jungr (who also co-adapted with me); and I really hope that it inspires both a love of playing AND a love of reading, as well as illustrating the powerful connection between the two.

Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book is at The Little Angel Theatre from 18 November 2023 - 4 February 2024

Production Photo Credits: Phil Tragen 

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