Philip Pullman’s brilliant modern classic The Scarecrow and His Servant will be staged at Abergavenny Castle by Gwent Young People’s Theatre next Thursday, Friday and Saturday 23, 24 & 25 July.Adapted by Simon Reade with music & lyrics by Chris Larner, the production had it’s world premiere in London only seven months ago and is suitable for all the family aged seven and up. While a small boy, Jack, shelters from a thunderstorm, a flash of lightning strikes a pea-brained, turnip-headed Scarecrow - and he comes to life! “Here you are an honest and willing youth; and here I am, a Scarecrow of enterprise and talent. What would you say if I offered you the position of my personal servant?...We might sometimes go hungry, but we shall never want for adventure….” Together they head off in pursuit of happiness, dodging bandits, surviving ship-wrecks and flapping about with a flock of birds. When the river-polluting Buffaloni tyrants catch up with them for the final show-down, who will save the day? Philip Pullman is the master story-teller of such popular tales as the trilogy His Dark Materials, The Ruby in the Smoke and The Firework-Maker’s Daughter. The Scarecrow and His Servant was first published in 2004 to instant critical acclaim. Simon Reade is an award-winning writer and director who has worked for the BBC, RSC and Bristol Old Vic and has adapted works both by Philip Pullman, Michael Morpurgo and Lewis Carroll. The popular young actor John Jones plays The Scarecrow and Dan McCaully his servant with other members of Gwent Young People’s Theatre in the cast. Directed by Gary Meredith and Stephen Badman the production is designed by Georgina Miles. Bring a picnic, warm/waterproof clothing and something to sit on and enjoy an exciting and lively performance that will take you on a zany journey full of surprises. GYPT, established over 50 years ago, provides opportunities for young people to experience a variety of theatre activities and productions under the direction of professional theatre practitioners. The youth theatre has a reputation for consistently high standards and has won acclaim for recent productions of Castles in the Air and Wind in the Willows. On 23 & 24 July, the show is at 7pm with a matinee on Sat 25 July at 2.30pm (signed performance for those with hearing loss). Tickets are £8 (£6 conc) from the Borough Theatre box office, 01873 850805. For more information tel Gwent Theatre 01873 853167; email gwenttie@uwclub.net or visit www.gwenttheatre.com |
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009 |
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