Melancholy combines physical theatre, table-top puppetry and animation to tell the story of an inventor and his created puppet daughter as they come to terms with the loss of their wife/mother.
Certain Dark Things Theatre Company is an award-winning company who create physical theatre performances with a dark twist. Their latest show, Melancholy, will transport audiences to another, slightly whimsical world, whilst exploring a theme that will resonate with everyone. As the title suggests, the theme of grief will run subtly throughout the show, however this imaginatively devised piece of theatre is intended to be as heart-warming and enjoyable as it is moving.
A non-verbal piece of movement theatre, Melancholy is enjoyable and accessible to audiences of all backgrounds, languages and hearing capability.
The show will be performed by a talented three strong cast; Stephen McCabe as the inventor, and Sarah Morgan and Laura Romer-Ormiston as the puppeteers who bring the inventor’s puppet daughter to life on stage. Emily Knight’s intricate, Tim Burton-esque animation will complement the live action, acting as a narrative device and allowing the audience to see the inventor’s memories of his past.
In addition to the show, which will be followed by a post-show talk, Certain Dark Things will also be running a young people’s Puppetry Workshop on Wednesday 7 June, the day before the show, at New Greenham Arts. Participants aged 11 – 16 will have the opportunity work with members of the company to learn the basics of table-top puppetry and experiment in the art of bringing inanimate objects to life. The workshop is an excellent, fun enrichment opportunity for young people who might already show an interest in the arts, performance or design.
Enter the world of the inventor as he treads the fine line between insanity and genius at New Greenham Arts, Newbury at 8pm on Thursday 8 June. Tickets for Melancholy cost £13 (£10.50 concessions). Age guide 11+. Tickets for the Puppetry Workshop on Wednesday 7 June cost £5 per person. Workshop age guide 11 – 16 years. To book tickets, please visit the Corn Exchange website, www.cornexchangenew.com or call the Box Office on 0845 5218 218 (calls cost 2p per minute plus your telephone company’s standard access charge).