The Boy and The Mermaid
by Paper Balloon Theatre Companytheatre, children-and-family
Can one unlikely friendship change the fate of the Town at the Edge of the World?
about the production
On the furthest edge of a wind-battered rock there sits a small fishing town. Sometimes it feels like the town is at the edge of the world. That’s mainly because it is. Dylan lives with his grandma, forbidden from venturing beyond the shore. But the terrifying tales she tells of horrors in the deep only whet his appetite - he stares at the ocean and dreams... This exciting original story explores one exposed island's relationship with the outside world, told through our unique combination of lyrical storytelling, puppetry and physical theatre, featuring original songs and music from Darren Clark.
about the artist
Paper Balloon Theatre produce original, innovative theatre for young people and their families. As well as new writing & devising, all PB productions feature original music from Darren Clark (RSC, Scamp Theatre, Stiles and Drewe Award 2018). Their work fuses physical theatre, movement, live music and puppetry to tell new stories. Creative work is developed in meaningful collaboration with young people; through workshops and performance exchange supported by local venues.
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stage dimensions
width: 5 metres
height: 3 metres
depth: 4 metres
Get in time: 2 hours before the half.
Please provide a technician to help with get- in/out and to operate the lighting. These cues will be provided on the day by the company on a script
Get out time: 1 hour (max)
Please provide a standard black box as masking
Lighting: Production lighting is still in development but will be made up of a combination of general cover (warm to cold washes) and on-stage practicals provided by the company as part of the set. (PAT tested)
Sound: Please provide PA system and 13 amp power supply.
Parking for Van.
Families (6+)
There is a very maritime-focused theme in this piece that would work particularly well in seaside settings.
“This was engrossing and thought provoking theatre for children at its best… I’d rate it among the top of the family theatre I’ve experienced.”
“The top end of Children’s Theatre. Playful, imaginative and original”
"had its audience (young and old) entranced by its lively blend of songs, puppetry and live performance."
Relaxed performances available on request
Pre-show sea shanty workshop for children and families: 45 minutes for up to 30 participants. Costs: £85
Post-show Q&A/meet the puppets available on request: no extra costs.
£800 guarantee for up to 2 x performances per day. Fee negotiable, please contact info@paperballoon.org.uk
