SHOWS
BLACK DOG
Tommy can't go on. Suffering from Depression, and harbouring an unspeakable something which is devouring him from within, he is utterly overwhelmed, very much a young man on the edge.
But help is at hand. When the female enigma of Tanya erupts into his life, Tommy finds himself questioning what he is feeling and what he has experienced. Because where do the two things meet? What makes a memory real, and at what point does a dream shift from a hazy hope to a terrifying reality?
A mix of straight drama, music and belly dancing, BLACK DOG challenges assumptions about mental health issues, and strives to vocalise what for many is so unspeakable.
Strange Meetings
Drawing on his history, his poetry and his letters, Strange Meetings documents the later life of Wilfred Owen, beginning with his admission to hospital with shell-shock, his auspicious meeting with Siegfried Sassoon and the resulting flourish of poetry, his return to France, and the final and fatal battle in November 1918. Alive with the richness of his language and humour, this is the story of Oswestry poet and soldier Wilfred Owen, told in his own words.
The Hatter's Requiem
A show destined to appear at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024, this is a quirky take on an Alice in Wonderland story, but with a real twist at the end ...
Searching for his beloved Alice in a race against Time, Hatter leaves home. But what is Wonderland without Hatter? And – more importantly – what is Hatter without Wonderland? Catapulted into an even topsy-turvier dark near-future, our galumphing hero must face some terrible truths … But if all truth comes at a cost, will the discovery be worth the price paid? An exploration of excitement, The Hatter’s Requiem follows our mimsy milliner’s quest for love and identity and – ultimately – redemption. A quirky ensemble adventure awaits.
Tick tock.
PREVIOUS COMMISSION PIECES
Bridging the Gap
This was a piece commissioned by the Ellesmere-based Fizzgigs group, to mark the achievements and legacy of the builders of the Shropshire Union Canal.
Having been researched in depth, a script was produced which took the story of canal builders Thomas Telford and William Jessop, and brought them to life in a panto-esque, family friendly show. The finished performances were staged at Ellesmere Boat Yard under glorious conditions, which proved a perfect pairing for appreciative and packed-out audiences.
This show was produced with funding and support from the Canal and River Trust, who do such vital work maintaining the legacies of those engineers and navvies who built Britain's vast network of canals.
Artwork by Tony Lewery, photography by Ian Andrew
Puppet shows for Tydibec Creations
A series of puppet plays written for children, to be presented at birthday parties, village fetes, festivals etc. These shows were written to be short, sharp, entertaining and engaging for a young and fidgety audience, but also with enough wry humour to amuse the grown ups too!
The scripts were written at the request of, and for the use of, Tydibec Creations, a creative enterprise based in Ellesmere, Shropshire. The first two tales - which follow the adventures of Aspen the woodland elf - have been delivered, with a couple more remaining in development.
The Sleeping Giant
Aspen is feeling chilly and is in search of a new scarf. On her travels, she learns (and shares) how to overcome fear, and the value of making friends. Which is just as well, because she is soon to come across ... the Sleeping Giant!
Dragon's Teeth
There's a strange sound coming from deep in the forest. Curious to find out what it is, Aspen heads off on an adventure. What she discovers is a great roaring dragon! Luckily, Aspen is able to help the dragon, and in returns learns the importance of breaking down problems into small bitesize tasks.
Coming soon ...
The Broken Wand - a tale all about the magic of forgiveness.
and
The Rock Star - a story based on being happy in your own skin, and enjoying who you are.
