Popular Plymouth based theatre Company go Above and Beyond to bring you the best children’s shows from across the country in their new Half-Term Theatre Festival, for all the Family!
Above Bounds, who have proved a firm favourite amongst Plymouth’s families, return to Plymouth Libraries this October half term; but they’re not alone. Above & Beyond is Plymouth’s new family theatre festival featuring some of the UK’s best and most innovative companies producing shows for children. Taking place on 3 days, at a different library each day, there’s certainly something for everyone.
The festival kicks off on the 22nd October at Plympton Library with Oily Cart associate artists, Feel Theatre and their Sensory Circus. Ditto Theatre Company bring their touching debut show, Ingo’s War, which saw them winners of the 2017 Reviews Hub: Beyond the Fringe award. Exeter favourites, Paddleboat Theatre Company will entertain audiences in Plymstock on the 23rd with a preview of their newest production, Hansel & Gretel before it performs at Exeter Northcott this Christmas!
Besides the amazing programme of theatre, there’s plenty to entertain the little ones in the Libraries, as Above & Beyond will feature face painting, craft workshops and live music throughout the 3 day event.
Producing a festival is something of a new venture for Above Bounds, founded by Actor-Producer Helen Bovey and Actor-Playwright George Boundy. Thanks to support from The National Lottery Project grants through Arts Council England and funding from The Elmgrant Trust, the team will be able to bring first class theatre and performance for families at Plympton, Plymstock and Southway Libraries.
Helen Bovey said: “We have had the ambition to run our own theatre festival for a long time now and the hugely positive response we have had working with children and families at Plymouth Libraries this year has spurred us on to make Above & Beyond a reality. There’s a good mix of shows offering something for everyone and lots of fun to be had in the library too.”
Above & Beyond will also feature sensory performances from Collar & Cuffs, whose Little Meerkat’s Big Panic, is based on Jane Evan’s book for young children about understanding and managing anxiety. Described as, ‘Monty Python for kids’ by Children’s Theatre Reviews, Oliver Harrison’s clown masterpiece, Signor Baffo will close the festival at Southway Library on the 24th October.
