This Easter holidays, York Theatre Royal have a treat for parents and young children alike as The Storm Whale splashes into the Studio with eight daytime performances.
Ahead of the show opening in York we caught up with writer/director Matt Aston to talk all things The Storm Whale and how you bring a beloved story from page to stage…
What can audiences expect from the show?
Our show is based on the two books by Benji Davies’ The Storm Whale and The Storm Whale in Winter. It follows the story of a young boy Noi and his friendship with a whale – and looks at how through the power of friendship and courage you can overcome loneliness.
Those who know Benji’s books will absolutely believe that his characters have come right off the page and to life on the stage. Lydia Denno’s designs are stunning and the show is a real visual treat with puppets beautifully crafted by Keith Frederick.
The music by Julian Butler is also fabulous and there are some gorgeous earworms in there that you won’t be able to stop humming after seeing the show.
How do you go about adapting a story like this?
I worked on a stage adaptation of Benji Davies’ book Grandad’s Island first which was a delight to make. The Storm Whale was already published at this point but when Benji later wrote The Storm Whale in Winter I saw straight away how both stories could work together as a complete story arc to make one show.
Bringing stories like these from the page to the stage is really all about pulling out the wider story of what is going on underneath by developing the characters and their relationships. The book is the starting point and then you look at how you can bring it to life through the music, the puppetry and the sets.
Whenever I do a show for children, it’s always vital to think about the grown-ups who will be coming with them. It’s important to ensure that the parents, grandparents and carers are not forgotten and that there is something for them to enjoy. It’s a really moving story about the power of friendship and love overcoming loneliness and both adults and children alike can relate to that.
How important is it for children to experience theatre at a young age?
For me, there isn’t anything like the experience of live theatre. The power of just sitting in a room and listening to a good story being simply told is truly magnificent. I really believe that the art of storytelling is central to a child’s development and whether that’s through music, movement or puppetry, it can make such a difference at an early age to have exposure to that.
We’ve had some really lovely feedback from parents about how children have been really transported by the stories and going home and acting them out. The power of the live experience of watching theatre is for me really special and I can’t wait for a whole new audience of 4,5 and 6 year olds to come and see it.
Finally, why should people come and see the show?
It’s captivating, heart warming and has got a really good heart. There is something for all ages to love – it’s a theatrical experience for the parents as well as the children. For fans of the books, it’s a great way to see them brought to life on the stage and for those new to the stories, you’ll hopefully find a new favourite!
The Storm Whale is at York Theatre Royal’s Studio from 15 April to 19 April.
The show is co-produced by York Theatre Royal, Engine House, Little Angel and The Marlowe, Canterbury.
Find out more information and book your tickets here.
