Little Angel Theatre Reveals New Spring and Summer 2024 Season

Three brand new productions offer something for all age ranges at Little Angel Theatre including: a vibrant, interactive show for babies and toddlers, Persephone - a Tale of the Seasons (1st March - 21 April, Little Angel Studios) for ages 6 months - 3 years. A playful show for early years audiences, The Curious Rat (4 May - 21 July, Little Angel Studios), combining puppetry and animated projection for ages 3 - 8 yrs. A punk-rock musical for our “not so little” audiences, Medusa’s First Kiss (10th Feb - 21st Apr, Little Angel Studio), exploring themes including identity and acceptance for ages 10 yrs +
 

Two classic Little Angel productions return: the hugely popular musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb’s The Everywhere Bear (3rd February - 14th April, Little Angel Theatre) and a reimagined revival of Jenny Worton’s story of the worrisome Prince Charming (18th May - 27th July 2024, Little Angel Theatre). 

Little Angel Theatre’s work will reach children across the UK with touring productions including new musical Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book which visits over 50 venues from February, as well as tours of Dogs Don't Do Ballet, Handa’s Surprise, The Singing Mermaid and The Smartest Giant in Town. Plus The Instrumentals will be part of this year's Imagine Festival at the Southbank Centre.
 

Little Angel Theatre continues to develop its participatory offer, with vibrant and inspiring workshops accompanying performances, including a project focused on improving literacy around the Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book tour, and the launch of two exciting new birthday party offerings: The Imagination Train, for our youngest audiences, and Puppets in Peril: Guardians of Fire Isle for slightly older budding puppeteers. 
 

Little Angel Theatre Artistic Director Samantha Lane and Executive Director Peta Swindall introduce the new season:  

“We are absolutely thrilled to be premiering three brand new productions, providing theatre for babies right through to teens, as well as reviving two much-loved classics.  There really is something for everyone in this season, which includes devised work, new-writing and a book adaptation; showcasing the breadth of possibility in TYA work.  We are also delighted to see so much of our work travelling around the country, bringing the magic and wonder of puppetry to the whole nation.” 

THE EVERYWHERE BEAR

By Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb
Adapted by Peter Glanville and Julian Butler
A Little Angel Theatre, Polka Theatre and Royal & Derngate, Northampton co-production
3 February - 14 April 2024
Little Angel Theatre
Running time: approximately 45 mins

For ages 3-8

The Everywhere Bear has a wonderful time with the children in Class One, but one day he gets more than he bargained for when he falls unnoticed from a backpack and embarks on his own big adventure! He’s washed down a drain and whooshed out to sea, rescued by a fishing boat, loaded onto a lorry, carried off by a seagull… how will he ever make it back to Class One?

This captivating and beautiful story from best-selling author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Rebecca Cobb springs to life with rhyme, original music and delightfully expressive puppets in this fun and exciting stage adaptation.

Creative Team
Directed by Peter Glanville
Associate Director Maia Kirkman Richards
Music & Lyrics by Julian Butler
Set designed by Laura McEwen
Puppets designed and made by Jan Zalud
Lighting Designers David Duffy and Clancy Flynn

© Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb, 2017, Macmillan Children’s Books

MEDUSA’S FIRST KISS

A Little Angel Theatre & Cuckoo Bang co-production
10 February – 21 April 2024  
Little Angel Studios
Running time: approximately 65 minutes
For everyone over 10

Medusa has just started at Olympus High. Look, there’s sports star Atlas out on the field, Aphrodite cheerleading from the side, goth Persephone hanging out by the school gates and don’t forget mysterious school-witch Circe...

Maybe this is the school where Medusa will finally learn how to fit in. But soon enough she’s out with the gods, as mean girl Athena writes a load of nasty words on her locker and even her own snakes-for-hair decide to give her the cold shoulder. She’s on her own.  Will she ever find friends, let alone love? And who will help her along the way?

Through playful knitted puppetry and electrifying punk rock music from Holly Mallett (Moxy in CBBC’s Andy & The Band) and P Burton-Morgan (In The Willows, Little Mermaid, Jungle Book) this brand new musical of self-acceptance and friendship is brought thrillingly to life. Percy Jackson meets Heartstopper, with rock songs. 

Medusa’s First Kiss is recommended for everyone over 10. It is a coming of age story about trying to find your identity in a complex world exploring the emotions and feelings of growing up. Some themes may be unsuitable for younger children. For more information see www.littleangeltheatre.com

Creative Team
Book & Lyrics by P Burton-Morgan
Music & Lyrics by Holly Mallett 
Directed by P Burton-Morgan
Associate Director Rosie Rowlands
Musical Supervisor Erika Gundesen 
Sound Designed by Adrienne Quartly
Lighting Designed by Jess Brigham
Set & Costume Designed by Ellie Mills
Puppets Designed by Aya Nakamura, P Burton-Morgan
Additional Puppetry Construction by Ellie Mills
Choreographed by Mark Smith

With thanks to the Arts Council England for their support.

PERSEPHONE - A TALE OF THE SEASONS

A Little Angel Theatre Production
1 March - 21 April 2024
Little Angel Studios
Running time: approximately 45 minutes, including a stay and play.
Aimed at ages 6 - 18 months AND 18 months - 3 years

Join Persephone and her animal friends as they guide you and your babies through the changes in nature…

Fly with a spring butterfly, as the plants begin to grow, the birds build their nests and the days get longer – will there be an April shower?  Hop through the meadow with a summer rabbit, watching the flowers bloom and feel the heat of the sun.  See the leaves change colour and fall to the ground as our autumnal squirrel stores his winter nuts.  Hear the robin chirp a merry tune, as it gets colder and the days draw in.  Which animals hibernate? And will you be able to catch a snowflake on your tongue?

Persephone is a gentle sensory exploration of the seasons, perfect for babies and toddlers. 

Creative Team
Directed by Samantha Lane
Devised by the company
Composed by Zara Nunn
Performed by Rosa Higgs

PRINCE CHARMING 

A Little Angel Theatre Production
18 May - 27 July 2024
Little Angel Theatre
Running time: approximately 1 hour
For everyone over 6 

Fine today … can’t get out of bed tomorrow. That was three months ago. I’ve been in these pants ever since. It’s a lot of pressure being Prince Charming.  There’s all those dragons to fight and kingdoms to save, not to mention being charming all the time. It’s enough to make anyone a little worried.

Holed up in his bed, Prince Charming is making a list of his worries – from being struck by lightning or getting stuck in quicksand to the problem of his unfortunate name. Somebody needs to come to our Prince’s rescue.

This musical is funny, endearing and suitable for anyone who’s ever felt a bit anxious.

Creative Team
Written by Jenny Worton
Designed by Oliver Hymans
Lighting designed by SHERRY COENEN
Composed by Tom Gray
Lyrics by Jenny Worton and Tom Gray

THE CURIOUS RAT

A Little Angel Theatre and Page One Theatre co-production
4 May - 21 July 2024 
Little Angel Studios
Running time: 40 mins followed by a short Q&A
For ages 3-8

The Curious Rat tells the story of Lucien, a lonely city rat who watches the pigeons from his home under Waterloo Bridge and wishes he could join them in the sky. One day he spots the most amazing pigeon and takes his first brave steps to follow her into the lights of the big city… 

Come with Lucien as he scampers across the bridge, dodging rain drops. He will meet a set of troublesome traffic lights, take a ride on a busy bus, dance at the carnival and even escape a flock of angry seagulls. On his adventure he will discover that he may not be a bird with wings, but that he has been given his own special things. 

A poignant and poetic tale to inspire children and adults alike. Playfully combining puppetry and animated projection, this story encourages audiences to celebrate the things that make them unique.

At the end of each show there will be an opportunity for everyone to stay and find out a bit more about the show, meet the puppets, play some games and ask any questions. This is optional and will last an additional 15 minutes.

Creative Team
Written by Chloe Stephens and Miles Mitchell
Director - Chloe Stephens
Puppet Design and Puppetry Direction - Matt Hutchinson
Assistant Director - Juliet Jordan 
Set and Costume Design - Helen Coyston
Lighting Design - Aaron Dootson 
Animations - Oh Studio 
Video Design Consultant - PJ McEvoy 
Access Consultant - Flossie Waite

Original Audio Play: Page One Theatre
(previously titled “The Bridge”)

CHARLIE COOK’S FAVOURITE BOOK

A Little Angel Theatre, The Lowry and Rose Theatre Co-Production 
Based on the picture book Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler  
Currently at Little Angel Studios until 4 February 2024, followed by a nationwide tour from 3 February
Running time: approximately 1 hour 
Aimed at ages 3 - 8 

Charlie loves reading. Especially books about pirates. But his sister hates it - it’s boring!  Can Charlie convince her that reading is fun? Perhaps if she read a book about a pirate, who is reading a book about Goldilocks, who is reading a book about a knight…   Come and delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book…

Following its run at Little Angel Theatre, Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book will go on a nationwide tour to over 50 venues - see website for details:

https://charliecookonstage.co.uk

Credits:
Adapted by Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane
Directed by Samantha Lane
Music & Lyrics composed by Barb Jungr
Set & costumes designed by Ellie Mills
Puppets designed by Maia Kirkman-Richards
Lighting Designed by SHERRY COENEN
Stage managed by Olivia Preston
Performed by Georgie Samuels, Pierre Hanson-Johnson and Freya Stephenson

This play is based on the original book Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book - Written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Text © Julia Donaldson 2005   Illustrations © Axel Scheffler 2005 Published by Macmillan Children’s Books © 2005

DOGS DONT DO BALLET

Based on the book by Anna Kemp
3rd Feb - 14th April 
Running Time: 40 mins
Age recommendation: 2-6 years 

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 by Little Angel Theatre using beautiful puppets, well-loved ballet music and dazzling comedy.

HANDA’S SURPRISE

Based on the book by Eileen Browne
10th May - 30th June 
Running time: 35 mins
Age recommendation: 2-5 years 

Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo, in the next village. Handa is taking seven delicious fruits as a surprise – but seven different animals have seven very different ideas… could you resist the sweet-smelling guava? How about a ripe red mango or a tangy purple passion fruit? 

A blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combine to create an intimate, magical production with audience participation.

THE INSTRUMENTALS - IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

10-11th Feb 2024 Southbank Centre
A Blouse & Skirt!, Goblin, Little Angel Theatre & Mercury Theatre co production

Belle discovers them when she’s feeling down and decides to slip into her late grandfather’s basement. The Instrumentals might be old but, far from being junk, they are pure funk – and they teach Belle to ‘get down’ in a whole new way.

Featuring characters and inspiration from the African Caribbean diaspora and filled with love and laughter, The Instrumentals is a story about the memories we hold and how we celebrate life.

It features uplifting original music with soulful sounds and 1970s grooves to get you and your family up on your feet and dancing.

Credits:
Written and directed by Mia Jerome
Composed by Cal-l Jonel
Puppet design and direction by Oliver Hymans
Sound design and music production by Féz
Lighting design by Joshie Harriette
Performed by Maya Manuel and Elliot Liburd

THE SINGING MERMAID   

By Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks  
Watershed Productions present a Little Angel Theatre and Royal & Derngate, Northampton co-production  
Running time: approximately 50 minutes  
Aimed at ages 3 – 8 years  

One day, the singing mermaid is tempted away from all of her sea creature friends and her peaceful home at Silversands to join a travelling circus. The audiences love to hear her sing, but the poor mermaid was tricked! Instead of the swimming pool she was promised, she is kept in a small tank by the wicked circus master Sam Sly, and she soon longs to return to the freedom of the sea. Will she ever escape? And who will help her along the way?  

Easter venues include: Artsdepot, Canterbury Gulbenkian, Winchester Theatre Royal and Greenwich Theatre 

For more details visit www.singingmermaid.co.uk 

Credits:  
Adapted by Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane  
Directed by Samantha Lane  
Music and lyrics by Barb Jungr  
Set and costume designed by Laura McEwen  
Puppets designed and made by Lyndie Wright  
Lighting design by SHERRY COENEN  

Watershed Productions present a Little Angel Theatre and Royal & Derngate, Northampton, production of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monk’s The Singing Mermaid.  

This play is based on the original book The Singing Mermaid. Text copyright © Julia Donaldson 2012. Illustrations copyright © Lydia Monks 2012. Published by Macmillan Children’s Books © 2012.  

DIGITAL PROGRAMME

Little Angel Theatre continues to release artist commissions on their YouTube channel, most recently six commissions from migrant, asylum seeker and/or refugee artists, as part of the Welcome project.

Alongside the onsite programme of work, shows will be available to view digitally on a “pay-per-view” basis for a period of 48 hours for those who may not be able to come to our venues:

The Everywhere Bear – 29 Mar

Medusa’s First Kiss – 5 Apr

Persephone: a Tale of the Seasons – 5 Apr

Prince Charming – 26 Jul

The Curious Rat – 26 Jul 

An accompanying craft series is currently in development, building on the success of these videos during the Covid pandemic. These will be presented by a new Little Angel Theatre puppet mascot and will guide children and families through creative projects that can be enjoyed alongside our productions. 

TAKE PART PROGRAMME

In addition to its vibrant programme of shows, Little Angel Theatre have a number of exciting creative workshops and participatory activities. These include craft-along family workshops and Puppet Playcations - holiday clubs where children spend the whole day immersed in creative activities.

LAT have been working hard, devising two brand new miniature puppet shows, (alongside the incredibly popular MasterChef Mo) perfectly designed for children’s birthday parties. These shows can come to your London venue or Little Angel can host your party in one of our studio spaces. There is no better way to celebrate your little one’s special day than a thrilling puppet performance! For more information, visit https://www.littleangeltheatre.com/hire-us/birthday-parties/ 

The Imagination Train
For ages 1-3 and their grown-ups

All aboard, the train is about to depart! Join Connie the Conductor on this fun-filled, sensory journey to discover what makes a party special. Your little one is in the driver’s seat, choosing which 3 stops we make. Will we visit Mermaid Lagoon, Fairy Forest, Unicorn Skies, Machine City, Dinosaur Cove or Puppy Palace?

MasterChef Mo and the Missing Cake
For ages 3-6

On your mark, get set, BAKE! World-famous chef Mo has lost the recipe for their most scrumptious cake. Join us on this adventure to help find the missing ingredients. With delightful puppets, magic tricks and games, time is running out to bake it till you make it!

Puppets in Peril: Guardians of Fire Isle
For ages 7-9

Calling all brave and brilliant adventurers, the fate of Fire Isle rests in your hands! Join the Game Masters on an epic quest to save the fantastical Fire Isle from certain danger. Play the game, solve the mystery and help our two heroes rescue the island before it is too late.