Preview: Tortoise and the Hare - A Suitcase Story at Stockton ARC

 

Unlocking adventures from a suitcase at ARC Stockton Arts Centre

 

The Tortoise and the Hare - A Suitcase Story

Stockton ARC

Wednesday 10 – Saturday 13 August 2022

 

Now that the summer is here, the North East-based children’s theatre company Kitchen Zoo are unpacking their suitcase at ARC Stockton Arts Centre for eight performances from Wednesday 10 – Saturday 13 August.

They will be retelling the classic story of The Tortoise and the Hare and who will win the race. With school sports days having just taken place, everyone knows it’s not always the hare who comes out on top!

For the first time, Kitchen Zoo are presenting performances of The Tortoise and the Hare in a new format, with the show being unpacked and told directly from a suitcase while the audience watches.

As Bob Nicholson and Hannah Goudie-Hunter, Co-Artistic Directors of the company explain; “Holidays are such exciting times and many adventures can be found and had from a suitcase. We want to celebrate this and spark children’s imaginations and encourage them to ask what might happen not only in our story, but on their own adventures.”

Kitchen Zoo are known for their joyful, energetic theatre for families. They have previously brought their performances The Owl & The Pussycat, The Three Bears, WOLF!, and The Tin Foil Astronaut to ARC. Like those, The Tortoise and the Hare - A Suitcase Story, will include music, puppetry, clowning and fun, but all from just one suitcase!

As well as celebrating a classic story, this production is also special because, as well as Bob and Hannah, the show will feature award-winning trombonist, percussionist and composer Hannabiell Sanders.

The Tortoise and the Hare – A Suitcase Story has been created with the support of ARC Stockton, Queen’s Hall Arts Centre and Gosforth Civic Theatre. It is supported by the Unity Theatre Trust.

Rehearsals - Photo: Von Fox Productions

Annabel Turpin, Artistic Director of ARC says: “We always know that our audiences are in for a treat when we work with Kitchen Zoo – brilliantly stories energetically told with words and music and a genuine appreciation for how children view the world.“

Katy Taylor, Artistic Director of the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre adds: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Kitchen Zoo. Their children’s productions are always action packed, bringing stories to life with humour and music.”

 

Tickets:

The Tortoise and the Hare – A Suitcase Story is suitable for families with children age 6 and their grown ups, and is at ARC Stockton from Wed 10 – Sat 13 Aug at 11.30am & 2.30pm. Tickets are priced at £8 per person (or £6.50 per person for groups of six or more) and can be booked online at www.arconline.co.uk or by calling ARC on 01642 525199.