The Old Vic has announced a new children’s season as part of its 2016/17 plans including a new collaboration with Chickenshed and the return of its 2015 family hit Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax.
As part of Matthew Warchus’ hugely exciting second season at the helm of the iconic theatre, the Artistic Director announced extensive plans to offer a host of family friendly options as part of the theatre’s ambitions to inspire and engage the next generation of theatregoers.
For the first time the theatre will offer a programme of daytime children’s theatre in and around The Old Vic, leading with Chickenshed’s hugely popular Tales From The Shed, which will play weekly in the venue’s Mark’s Bar during term times.
The North London inclusive theatre company has been entertaining children with its much-loved mix of puppetry, sign language, song and dance for years, offering children up to five-years-old the perfect introduction to the magical world of theatre and live performance.
As part of its main house season, David Greig’s colourful stage adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax will return in 2017 following its triumphant, Olivier Award-nominated premiere.
Directed by Max Webster, the tale of the environmentally responsible critter made famous in the legendary children’s book won the hearts of the public and critics alike with its eye-popping design and witty music.
Writing about the show’s opening night, Official London Theatre’s Matthew Amer entered into the rhyming spirit of the show to praise it, saying: “The songs are a treat, the performances great, There’s nothing for any show-watcher to hate. And so I do claim, in a tone that is fit, The Lorax a wonderful, fabulous hit.”
The show won’t be the only family offering to make it into the line-up in 2017, with the world premiere of Mark Arends’ Missing Light set to play daytime performances for audiences aged eight and older.
Created by the man behind the Unicorn’s hit Something Very Far Away, this specially commissioned puppetry show sounds similarly emotive, telling the touching story of two elderly friends who break free on a journey to reconcile their pasts and find what remains of their futures.
Rounding up The Old Vic’s children-friendly plans is the arrival of The Children’s Bookshow to the theatre this autumn. As part of the literacy charity’s annual tour to theatres around the country, the one-day event will find a home at The Old Vic on 18 November for a day of performances from acclaimed authors, illustrators and poets for everyone aged seven to 11-years-old.