Photo Credit: Will Green Photography Blossom Timothy & Janna May
Hare and Tortoise, Brendan Murray’s joyful adaptation of Aesop’s fable with live music, created by a professional team of theatre makers and actors from the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, is kicking off a Spring tour of primary schools this month.
The production, for young people aged 4-8 years, tells the tale of two competing friends, exploring themes linked to the national curriculum including the changing seasons, the passing of time, and the importance of friendship. It will tour for three and a half weeks across Suffolk and Essex, travelling over 630 miles and visiting 23 schools.
Photo Credit: Will Green Photography Blossom Timothy
Hare and Tortoise will be performed 35 times and be seen by over 2,500 young people, with seven performances provided free of charge to schools in the most deprived areas of Suffolk, and one free performance for families in receipt of benefits in partnership with Ipswich Job Centre Plus.
By taking a quality piece of theatre into primary schools and community settings, the New Wolsey Theatre is supporting teaching and learning, increasing access to arts and culture for some of the most marginalised members of our local community, and introducing young people to the thrill of live performance.
Teachers of the schools that the show tours to will receive a free resource pack that they can use to explore the themes of the play with young people.
Photo Credit: Will Green Photography Blossom Timothy & Janna May
There will also be three performances of Hare and Tortoise in the New Wolsey Theatre’s participation space, NW2.
This is the second time the New Wolsey Theatre has toured this show, and by reusing the set and costumes from the previous production, and partnering with John Grose to tour in an Electric Vehicle the venue is able to reduce its impact on the environment.
Douglas Rintoul, Chief Executive/Artistic Director of the New Wolsey Theatre, said: “At the New Wolsey Theatre, we believe every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of live theatre, no matter their background or circumstances. “
One teacher said of the 2024 tour: “The combination of physical theatre and live music was spellbinding for our children. A very high percentage of them don’t have English as their first language. Some children who find school very challenging and who struggle to access the curriculum were completely focused for the entire piece. Seeing their faces was almost as good as the show itself.”
You can see Hare and the Tortoise at the New Wolsey Theatre NW2 building on Saturday 22nd March at 11 am Age Guidance +4
Tickets are available online at the New Wolsey Theatre Website or call the box office on 01473 295900
SUFFOLK THEATRE 