An all-time favourite picture book of generations of parents and children, The Giant Jam Sandwich is the madcap tale of the eccentric little village of Itching Down which is invaded by four million troublesome wasps.
This colourful and interactive production has been adapted for the stage by New Perspectives Artistic Director Jack McNamara from the book by Janet Burroway and wasp-allergy-sufferer John Vernon Lord. This year the book celebrates its 45th year as readers of all ages continue to be enthralled by this timeless tale of a community’s inventive plan to trap a swarm of wasps in an enormous sandwich. It comes to the Pleasance this Easter after a hugely successful 2017 tour, Edinburgh Fringe run and sell out performances at Polka Children’s Theatre.
One hot summer’s day, four million wasps invade the quiet village of Itching Down. Noisy, nasty and worst of all, they don’t mind who they sting! That is until the baker has an ingenious idea…
Having been translated and adapted for radio, television and large-scale orchestra, this is the first stage production. Bursting with humour for adults and children alike, New Perspectives’ production evokes the vivid brilliance of the original illustrations whilst expanding the story with original songs by James Atherton and a host of new characters.
John Vernon Lord is among the production’s fans, commenting, “I enjoyed it from beginning to end…a very clever way of extending the story.”
The Giant Jam Sandwich is at The Pleasance 4th – 8th April 2018.
