IT IS a perfect family outing and a great way to get children interested in theatre.
Even children as young as three will be enchanted by the story of worrier Silly Billy. They will perhaps want to go time travelling with Dr Nose and will be fascinated by the story of Turtle.
All these theatre adventures are on offer as part of Imagine, a series of children’s theatre events at the Lawrence Batley Theatre this summer involving theatre companies Tutti Frutti Productions, DNA (Dynamic New Animation) and Lempen Puppet Theatre Company.
The Imagine series runs once a month on a Saturday with performances at 11am and 2pm.
The shows are in the intimate Syngenta Cellar Theatre and aim to provide a perfect introduction to theatre for youngsters aged between three and seven.
It’s very informal. The children will sit on mats round the performance area. There’s juice and fruit for those who want it and the shows last no more than an hour – perfect timing if performers are to keep young minds from wandering.
First to arrive, on May 17, are Tutti Frutti with an adaptation of award-winning writer Anthony Browne’s book Silly Billy.
It’s a story that sees Billy worrying so much about everything, from hats to shoes, that he’s awake all night.
Expect lots of movement, music and theatre and a story brought vividly to life by a company who have long been favourites with LBT audiences thanks to a variety of performances from Christmas shows Aladdin and Cinderella to small scale shows The Owl and the Pussycat and Goldilocks.
In June children will be introduced to Vikings, Romans, Tutankhamen and Shakespeare via DNA’s Dr Nose Travels Through Time.
To end the season, Lempen Puppet Theatre Company offer to take children on an imaginative journey of discovery with Journey of Turtle. The story, on July 12, is told with shadows, table-top puppets and traditional storytelling.
