DOGS DON'T DO BALLET, 'RED RIDING HOOD' and More Set for Little Angel Theatre's 2017 Season

The second season from Little Angel Theatre's Artistic Director, Samantha Lane, will feature:

- Dogs Don't Do Ballet, one of the theatre's most Popular Productions, returns to Little Angel Theatre. For ages 2 - 7

- Red Riding Hood and the Wolf is a contemporary reimagining of a familiar fairy tale, adapted from new writing by Jon Barton. Discover a version of events where the big bad wolf and kindly Red Riding Hood aren't quite who they had been made out to be. For ages 5 - adult

- 29 visiting theatre companies from across the UK, including Aberdeen, Cardiff, Bristol and Norfolk, bringing the rich vibrancy of puppetry to London audiences

- Captioned performances for all performances of Meet Fred by Hijinx

Lane says: "This season at Little Angel Theatre promises to be exciting, full of brilliant stories and a treasure trove of inspiration for young minds.

"I am proud to be reviving our much loved production of Dogs Don't Do Ballet, directed by our very own Production Manager it is brilliant example of the talent within the heart of Little Angel Theatre.

"Jon Barton's story Red Riding Hood and the Wolf shakes up a familiar narrative, where Red Riding Hood isn't quite all things sugar and spice and reminds us to hear both sides of the story before making any judgements. A vital lesson for all ages.

"Over the coming months we have invited almost 30 theatre companies from across the UK to perform at our theatre, or our newly revamped studio space. These brilliant companies highlight the wealth of creative talent, drive and ambition spanning the UK and allows a London audience, and press, to enjoy their storytelling."

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DOGS DON'T DO BALLET

A Little Angel Theatre production

Dates: 21 April - 16 July

Press performance: Sat 29 April, 11.30am
Relaxed Performance: Saturday 6 May, 11.30am

Biff is not like ordinary dogs. He likes moonlight. And music. And walking on his tiptoes.

You see, Biff doesn't think he's a dog, Biff thinks he's a ballerina... The sublime and the ridiculous combine in this hilarious story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams, brought to life using beautiful puppets, well-loved ballet music and dazzling theatrical comedy by Little Angel Theatre.

Recommended for ages 2 - 7

Running Time: 45 mins

£12 / £10 children and concessions

This play is based on the original book Dogs Don't Do Ballet © 2010 text by Anna Kemp, illustrations by Sara Ogilvie. First published in the United Kingdom by Simon and Schuster UK Ltd

RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF

A Little Angel Theatre production

Dates: 27 April - 16 July

Press performance: Sat 6 May, 4pm

Relaxed Performance: Saturday 17 June, 4pm

Here is where our story starts. A gentle wolf with a broken heart...

You may think you know the story of Red Riding Hood, sugar and spice and all things nice. But there are two sides to every story, so let's hear it from the Wolf himself! Here's the story never heard of a kind and hungry wolf who strayed from the path and lost his friends.

This wolf isn't big or even bad, in fact he's rather shy. He won't gobble up your grandma or tell you lies. He's polite and very gentle, he's an all-round nice guy.

So before you make up your mind about the wolf you think you know so well, enjoy a whole new spin on this fairy tale and remember to never judge anyone by how they look.

Recommended for ages 5 - adult

£12.50 / £10.50 children and concessions

Running Time: 1 hour approx.

Produced by Little Angel Theatre, written by Jon Barton, directed by Jimmy Grimes (associate puppetry director, War Horse).

VISITING COMPANIES: FEB - AUG 2017

8, 10 -12 February: 3 Bears by Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre
9 - 12 February: Dinosaur Detectives by Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre
13 & 14 February: The Lost Forest by Indigo Moon
15 - 17 February: The Girl and the Giraffe by Half Moon, a Floods of Ink production
18 & 19 February: The Story of Mr B by Shake Shake Theatre
22 - 26 February: Jack and the Beans Talk by Garlic Theatre

1 - 5 March: Meet Fred by Hijinx
1 - 5 March: Five Little Monkeys by Baby Panda
8 - 12 & 15 - 19 March: How to Hide a Lion by Polka Theatre and Oxford Playhouse
22 - 26 March: The Magic Lamp by Indefinite Articles
29 March - 2 April: The Curious Adventures of Pinocchio by Lyngo Theatre

1 & 2 April: The Explorer by Lori Hopkins
3 & 4 April: Ugly Duckling by Finger and Thumb
4 & 5 April: The Carnival of Animals by Finger and Thumb
6 - 8 April: Peter and the Wolf by On the Other Hand
9 & 10 April: The Homeless Panda by Hodge Podge Theatre
11 & 12 April: Chester Tuffnut by Gomito Theatre & Polka Theatre
13 - 15 April: Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom by Theatre of Whiddershins
17 April: Videk's Shirt by The Puppetellers

8 June: Sponge by The Spark Arts, Big Imaginations and Turned on its Head
15 June: Aleena's Garden by Colour the Clouds

7 & 8 July: Twinkle Twinkle by Touched Theatre
19 - 23 July: Wind in the Willows by Box Tale Soup
24 - 26 July: A Strange New Space by Tessa Bide
27 - 30 July: Christopher Nibble by Topsy Turvy Theatre
31 July - 1 August: Troll by by Iceland's Handbendi Brúðuleikhús in association with Old Saw

4 - 6 August: Journey of Turtle by Lempen Puppet Theatre
7 - 10 August: Bobbin by Tea Break Theatre
11 - 13 August: Much Ado About Puffin by Open Attic Theatre

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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 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, visit littleangeltheatre.com, or follow on Facebook: facebook.com/LittleAngelTheatre, Instagram: @littleangeltheatre, and Twitter: @littleatheatre.

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