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Sky in the Pie

by Hinged Theatre

children-and-family, theatre

Several giant flying pies, 4 puppets, 2 performers and the audience create a wonderful adventure that enable Dotty and friends to succeed.

about the production

Hinged Theatre’s dynamic new children’s show. Adapted from Joan Aiken’s beautiful story ‘There’s Some Sky in This Pie’. Weaving audience participation with exciting storytelling and adventure, this fantastic show keeps a young audience spellbound… Forced out of her home; where will the mysterious pie maker, Dorothy Butterworth and Whiskey, her crafty cat go? In desperation they choose an extraordinary mode of transport and collect mismatched companions on the way. How will they face their journeys hazards and defeat their adversaries? Designed for age 3+ and their families. Hinged Theatre use puppetry, improvisation and circus to tell this fantastical tale.

about the artist

Hinged Theatre was formed in 2011, a collaboration between Jacky Crosher and Nix Barnaville, both who are very experienced circus/ theatre practioners With the express idea of making quality participatory theatre for young audiences, that specifically involved young people in the creation process and during the shows. Our first production was “Vasalisa and The Peacock” (2012- 14) an interactive outdoor show mixing theatre and Circus. Our second show is Sky in the Pie, an interactive indoor narrative show that features puppetry, music and improvisation which successfully toured during 2016/17. Both productions have been supported by the Arts Council and Circomedia

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stage dimensions

width: 8 metres

height: 3 metres

depth: 7 metres

•Get in and fit up approx. 3-4 hours, get out approx. 1-2 hours
•Requires one or two very light rigging points to suspend the flying pie with puppets and the cardboard baddies. All pulleys and line etc. supplied by the company. Access to the points above stage required
•The show has a free standing set which will slot into any venue.
•Dressing room for 2 performers
•Technician to operate lights and sound who can work use Q-lab and the house lighting desk.
• 1/2 prop tables and 3 chairs backstage
• Parking for estate car for the duration of the company’s stay

Family audience Age 3 +
This show has been specifically developed with and for young audiences. It is a great introduction to the theatre, with plenty of audience involvement and fun but also excitement and drama. The performers are adept at improvisation, enjoy reacting and playing with different audiences.
Links to: Early Years Foundation Stages and Key stage 1:
Communication and language,
Understanding of the world,
Personal and social development,
Problem solving,
Creative development,
Language, literacy and the Arts.

“This is truly a show that is actually Fun for all the Family’” "Sky in the Pie is a charming blend of physical theatre, movement and puppetry and held the audience spellbound throughout!"

Tobacco Factory Theatre Critic. Helen Doritt, Freelance Arts Project Manager.

“I found myself enthralled and unable to walk away. Even the little ones were mesmerized throughout and I loved how involved they got in the performance”

Becca Clee: Street Theatre Programmer Larmer Tree Festival

‘‘A perfect show. My boys laughed all the way through, wanted to make a flying pie at home and spent all week looking for their imaginary cat, Whiskey!”

Audience Feedback

This production is fully accessible for those with access needs if the venue is able to accommodate their requirements.

Hinged Theatre offers: Post show meet the puppets. Workshops/talks on aspects that link with the curriculum and further topics; Home and displacement. Conflict and resolution. Meeting strangers--accepting differences and learning to live together. Discussion on the making of the show.

£750- £950 (depending on venue size)
Or 70/30 Box office split in the companies favour.