Natasha Rickman will direct Leda Douglas as Holly in The Snow Queen: An Online, Storytelling Adventure. Iris Theatre presents this interactive, online, storytelling adventure for audiences aged 4+ and their big people. Using innovative new technology by loom.ai to bring the characters to life on screen, this exciting, interactive production sees families participating in the story, helping Holly in her adventure. Alongside the show, families can download a free activity pack filled with fun games and craft ideas based on the show
The production, part of Iris Theatre’s inaugural winter season, opens on 20 December, with previews from 19 December, and runs until 26 December.
You’re directing The Snow Queen: An Online, Storytelling Adventure, which you also adapted, what can you tell us about it?
The show takes place over Zoom, and features our live performer Leda who plays Holly the storyteller. But (with your help) Holly creates a recipe for a new story which turns out to be the Snow Queen – and we all go on the adventure with her. Lots of flying, spells, singing and disco dancing in the snow happens along the way – as well as meeting other characters who are played by a mix of cartoons and puppets!
The production uses some innovative new technology, what does that allow you to do?
Yes! We are having lots of fun playing with this in rehearsals – it means several of our characters are played by cartoons which the actor Leda is operating – this means they can talk directly to our audiences at home.
Have you had to change the way you direct with this new digital approach to theatre?
I’ve been developing digital work through 2020, and have found it’s almost like a new form in itself – theatre, meets film, meets gaming almost. It means visualising things in a whole new way, and that the wonderful performers are also their own stage manager and lighting technician! It opens up lots of great possibilities, though – like a moment Leda has a three way conversation between herself, a puppet and a cartoon by using different cameras and a video app!
What’s been the biggest challenge in bringing this show to life?
Occasionally Zoom’s technology will update and suddenly we need to find a new way of doing certain effects – but our tech Orion is incredibly creative and always figures out a clever solution!
How does this show keep Iris Theatre’s philosophy alive?
The show invites children to connect, imagine and engage with a story that is all about kindness. We are also so lucky to have the most brilliant emerging artists in the room – our two START directors Monica and Moe who are wonderful, along with Orion who is an amazing emerging technical talent, and operates the show.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see The Snow Queen: An Online, Storytelling Adventure?
Please come and join us! We can’t get to the end of the story without you!
