Theatre Alibi is hosting a fortnight-long festival at Emmanuel Hall for children aged 0-12 that features interactive workshops and activities plus performances by two touring theatre companies.
The festival opens with performances of Igloo by Travelling Light on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 January and Dogs Don’t Do Ballet by Little Angel Theatre on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 February.
It then continues during half-term week with a series of morning and afternoon events from Monday 12 to Saturday 17 February.
These include daily interactive performances with librarians Mich and Emma combining local folk tales and stories contributed by local schoolchildren, plus an exhibition constructed from cardboard to which festival participants can add throughout the week.
Every day during the half-term week there are activities hosted by local artists and creators as well as special guest workshops.
On Monday 12 February Plymouth-based theatre collective Above Bounds performs Silly Squirrel, an interactive show for under sevens, and special guest Paddleboat Theatre will host a story workshop for children aged four and above.
On Tuesday 13 February Exeter-based Quirk Theatre leads a collage making workshop and special guest Tom McLaughlin, an author and illustrator from Devon, offers the opportunity to create your own comic.
On Wednesday 14 February the London-based Discover Children’s Story Centre leads an interactive special guest storytelling workshop and Ashburton book store Gnash Comics hosts a zine-making workshop.
On Thursday 15 February Above Bounds returns with Silly Squirrel and special guest Martin Berry, creative director at Exeter Northcott, leads a workshop based on the work of Shakespeare that uses poetry, words and games to create short scenes.
On Friday 16 February Laura Loft from Big Music Collective, a music and well-being project, hosts an interactive story reading with live narration, percussion and sing-a-longs.
And on Saturday 17 February special guests Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre will lead an workshop based on their illustrated characters Adventuremice.
Emmanuel Hall
Emmanuel Hall in Emmanuel Road has been the permanent home of Theatre Alibi since 1982.
As well as hosting performances for children and families, the venue has also become the temporary home of St Thomas Library.
The library was forced to move from its previous premises in Church Road at the end of last year.
The What If…? festival of children’s stories takes place from Wednesday 31 January to Saturday 17 February 2024 at Emmanuel Hall.
Special guest workshops cost £10 plus booking fee for one adult and one child.
Festival passes for other activities cost £2 for either a morning or afternoon session.
A festival pass is included free when booking a special guest workshop.
For more information visit the Theatre Alibi website.
To book tickets visit the TicketSource website.
