About This Event

A shadow puppet show in a scrolling rolling light up shadow box machine otherwise known as a ‘crankie’. As the light comes on, the stars glow and as the doors open the scenery scrolls before your eyes ... ‘There was once an old lady who wanted to play with the stars…’ so begins this tale as fantastical shadow puppets leap across the scrolling background and even fly out of the box onto a large paper screen. A simple set up with a box on a table, a paper screen and one performer who engages directly with the audience through storytelling and shadow puppetry. The soundtrack is a mixture of music boxes played ‘live’ together with original recorded tracks inspired by sounds of the music boxes. This show is suitable for children of all ages (from 3+) and their families. The scale of the piece is small and inviting and the images are clear and simple with a back drop that is a mixture of silhouettes and colour. This is an original story which draws on archetypal characters found in myths from around the world; Orion, the Great bear and the little bear and other animals of the zodiac, to tell a story about realising you dreams, facing your fears and overcoming obstacles. It is told largely through visual imagery so children are free to interpret the story as they wish. Afterwards the audience are invited to ask questions, learn how a crankie works and understand how they might invent their own adventures among the stars. Zannie Fraser of Luminous Tales has designed, made and performed shadow theatre shows for family audiences for the past 20 years, touring to theatres, festivals, village halls and schools in the UK and abroad. She collaborates with other artists and musicians to create small scale intimate storytelling pieces. Original music for this show is composed by Bob Percy. Craft Activity Colour-in, Cut-Out Puppets & Masks Kits in our Cafe from one hour before and after the show. Lots of designs to choose from, butterflies, mermaids, sharks, , dragons, rabbits....and so much more. All colouring-in, scissors and hole punches provided £2.50 each 3 for £6.00 or 4 for £8.00.

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