The truly heart-warming adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book, The Scarecrows’ Wedding, returns to Leicester Square Theatre. Bursting at the seams with Scamp Theatre’s inimitable style (Stick Man), this award-winning production promises wit, drama, and wedding bells as you’re invited to Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay’s glorious wedding day.
We caught up with Philippa Hogg to find out more.
You’re appearing in The Scarecrows’ Wedding! What can you tell us about it?
I am! It’s a really joyful show, about two scarecrows preparing for their wedding day. It’s full of songs and live music, and lots of funny characters they meet on their journey.
Tell us about the role you play?
I play Betty O’Barley. Betty’s marrying Harry and she’s the slightly more feisty of the pair!
What’s your favourite thing about the character you play?
She’s got a bit of sass about her, she knows what she wants and has her feet on (in!) the ground, whilst also being really excited to make her wedding day beautiful and full of fun.
What do you think it is about Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s writing that makes it transfer so well to the stage?
It’s imagery and it’s quirkiness. It makes the book effortlessly fun, and in theatre it’s always a joy to work on a story with so much playfulness.
Have you performed for children before? What’s the biggest challenge?
I have, yes, a few times! They are easily our biggest critic, as they’ll say exactly what they think in the moment, loud and proud! I love this. Or they’ll get bored and fall asleep. The biggest challenge is getting them onside, coming in at their level and maintaining that in each moment.
What would you say to anyone who haven’t taken children to the theatre before to encourage them to come to The Scarecrows’ Wedding!
It’s great fun, really summery, full of joy and imagination and is a really special opportunity for your children to see these silly scarecrows and their world come to life, right in front of their eyes.
The Scarecrows’ Wedding is at Leicester Square Theatre 21st July – 2nd September 2018.
