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Crabby: A Snappy Little Tale of Grumpy Feelings and What To Do About Them
by Collar and Cuffs Cochildren-and-family, theatre
A multi-sensory musical signed adventure at the Edwardian seaside for families with 0-7s, fully inclusive for SEND.
about the production
An award-winning little seaside tale useing music hall songs, sea shanties, puppetry, and multi-sensory effects to explore anger, frustration and tantrums in an accessible and inclusive way. Join Crabby the cantankerous hermit crab in his search for a new shell, and meet a seagull, giant jellyfish and a very British Mermaid!
about the artist
Multi award-winning, Collar & Cuffs Co were established in 2016, and principally develop work for early years children and those with complex needs. The company works in a multi-sensory way, and much of their work centres on exploring aspects of children's brain development, emotional well-being and mental health. Using low cost/no cost and recycled materials wherever possible, the company models ways to use sensory approaches to storytelling that are affordable, inspirational, and inclusive. The company has performed all over the UK in schools, nurseries, festivals, theatres, historic properties and gardens, shopping centres..and even in someone's living room!
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stage dimensions
width: 3 metres
height: 2 metres
depth: 4 metres
Minimal - set is fully self-contained, and all performances are Relaxed.
If follow-on sensory play sessions with water are required (see below) then we can either move to an appropriate space (indoors or outdoors) for this, or work with venues to acquire suitable low-cost floor coverings to safely support children's play.
Early years children through to primary age - suitable for babies from approx 6 months. Fully accessible to children, young people and adults with a wide range of complex needs, including Autistic Spectrum Condition, and PMLD; group bookings from settings and schools are popular, as well as individual families.
May also be of interest for adults with dementia, especially watching alongside children; great inter-generational play opportunities to support wellbeing.
"My little one and I thoroughly enjoyed the Crabby show - it is pitched perfectly for the age group and the message definitely sank in - my little one is still talking about how Crabby ‘uses his magic words’ when he feels angry. The performers did such a thoughtful job of putting together a production that is entertaining, educational, interactive, and sensory. It’s a very inclusive show with makaton signing, and it goes at a gentle but engaging pace. The children were mesmerised and felt safe to join in, and really enjoyed all the inventive props and songs. "
"Absolutely delightful"
"Congratulations on winning the IYAF 2018 Best of the Fest: Children and Families Award. We were really impressed by the quality of work that you brought to the festival and the wide range of audiences that the show caters for."
We offer touch tours in advance of performances for whoever may require them. All performances are Relaxed as standard. All performances are signed, and we use multi-sensory effects wherever possible. We tailor performances live to the presenting needs of our audiences, so language, pace and repetition will vary depending on children's needs.
The performance itself is 35 mins long, however following this we can offer an additional 20 mins of sensory play using water, bubbles, and games; a 'dry' version is also available. Play sessions help to embed key messages and supports children and their grown-ups in processing what they've seen, gaining additional ideas for supporting emotional wellbeing, and to feel ready to transition away and out of the experience.
We are not-for-profit and we usually perform up to 3 times on the same day. Day rates start from £400.
