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The Boy and the Mermaid
by Paper Balloon Theatre Companytheatre, children-and-family
A fishy family tale of of musical merfolk, menacing monsters, salty sea shanties and spectacularly bad town planning.
about the production
On the farthest edge of a wind-battered rock there sits a small fishing town... With live music, puppetry, a rapping octopus and a shifting set full of surprises – this enchanting show is fun for all the family (5+). Featuring original songs from Darren Clark (The Scarecrow's Wedding, The Little Gardener) fused with traditional sea shanties, and based on an original story, 'The Boy and The Mermaid' engages with big themes of migration and difference, through a funny, quirky and gripping tale. Can one unlikely friendship save the Town On The Sea from catastrophe?
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: 5 metres
Get-in: 2.5 hrs before half
Get-out: 1 hour.
Blackout or near to.
The company tours lighting with our own PAT tested rig, running from 13a power sockets.
Sound system requires access to an additional 13a socket.
Sound & lighting are operated by company stage manager.
Min. Space Requirements Playing area of 5m x 5m
Family audiences
Children aged 5+
Primary school audiences
People interested in traditional/folk music and sea shanties in particular
Sea side (or very landlocked) communities
Fans of puppetry and physical theatre
Musical theatre enthusiasts
“This was an inventive, joyous story told by three highly-talented performers”
“A charming nautical show for kids… The mermaid is particularly beautiful, though the fisherfolk portrayed with wellies is an utter delight.”
“We had a fantastic afternoon. Such an amazing play. Thank you so much. Truly inspiring.”
Relaxed performances available in consultation with venues - at no additional cost. (These worked successfully over the last tour in 2017).
We are also developing show explainers for audience members with SEND in consultation with our partner venues that will be made available via website and in print/hard copy if required to help make the show more accessible for a wider range of young people.
£950 fee (covering up to 2 x performances/day) in first instance with reductions for engagements of more than one day. Negotiable for venues within 80 miles of London, and for London.
£850 fee for rural touring venues (negotiable if able to offer accommodation and engagements of more than one day).
