Video Menu
Choose up to 6 performances from: Music, Puppetry, Dance, Circus, Theatre and Storytelling (sections below, each divided by a line.)
Events for families, adults, and young people.
Click the pictures to watch videos or visit the artist website (where no video is available).
Participating Libraries this season are:
Alconbury Weald, Arbury Court, Barnwell Road, Bassingbourn, Cambourne, Cambridge Central, Chatteris, Ely, Histon, Huntingdon, Littleport, March, Northstowe, Ramsey, Sawtry, St Ives, St Neots, Whittlesey, Wisbech.
Libraries not on this list may be included in another season.
Music
Tiny Magic Orchestra
This interactive family concert is a wonderful introduction to classical music. Join musicians from Britten Sinfonia on a musical journey across the universe. Explore the mountains, listen to sounds of the ocean and jet off to space in the musical company of Richard Strauss.
Suitable for Families (3-7yrs)
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.brittensinfonia.com
Toot! MishMash Ensemble
A delightful musical journey; experience the charm of the wind quintet. A performance filled with warmth, excitement, and magic. Be mesmerized by music from Cuban composer Paquito D'Rivera and let Handel's Sonata for Oboe envelop you in its welcoming embrace.
Suitable for Families (7-11yrs)
www.mishmashproductions.co.uk
Minima
Live musical accompaniment to screenings of some of the most iconic classic silent horror films, like Phantom of the Opera. Minima is a Bristol-based four piece band specialising in instruments include cello, double bass, guitars, dulcimer, mandolin, synthesiser and drum kit..
Suitable for Adults and young people (13yrs+)
HEARING LOOP
www.minimamusic.co.uk
Auburn Acoustic
The band performs intimate, stripped-down Americana. Songs featured from their last 5 albums, and brand new tunes. “Intimate kind of retro styled blues”, Gary Hill, Music Street Journal (USA)
Optional song-writing workshop.
Suitable for Adults and Young Adults 14+
www.auburn.org.uk
Hero & Leander
Sing, dance and cry with us in this bittersweet gig/ theatre show. Six multi-instrumentalists tell an epic seaside tale through folk, indie, sea shanties and choral music. A story of bad rulers, worse weather, and how we keep going when everything is flipping terrible.
Suitable for Adults and Young Adults 14+
RELAXED
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.jackdean.co.uk
Oysland
A 5-piece, London Klezmer band who embody the new generation of Jewish roots music. Serving an exuberant and soulful cocktail of wedding tunes and lamenting lullabies. Swooping through centuries of forgotten music, Oysland preserve original heartfelt melodies and foot-stomping beats.
Suitable for All Ages
HEARING LOOP
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.oysland.co.uk
Magic, Myth & Mystery by Moonrakers
Four-piece Moonrakers perform sparkling and unique arrangements of traditional British folk songs and tunes as well as their own compositions. Their multi-instrumental show comprises harp, cello, fretted instruments, accordion, whistles, and female/male vocals.
Suitable for All Ages
HEARING LOOP
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.moonrakers.net
Coco Mbassi
Coco blends music styles of African roots, classical, jazz, gospel and acoustic soul. Singing with heartbreakingly clear pitch and feeling, she takes to the stage just a few months after the release of her new album. Coco will be accompanied by a quartet including some of the UK’s best jazz musicians.
Suitable for All Ages
RELAXED
www.cocombassi.co.uk
The Pocket Choral Society
Hailing from the hard to find village of Pocket comes an off-the-wall a cappella choir of four.
Combining beautiful harmonies, with much laughter, original music with comedy songs on the minutiae of life and even improvised singing sessions.
Suitable for Adults and Young Adults 14+
www.pocketchoralsociety.co.uk
Sonare
Vocal ensemble Sonare presents My Soul, There is a Country: The Best of British Choral Music. The quartet takes you on a guided tour of some of the country’s greatest musical achievements. The social and political events that shaped them and the human stories behind.
Suitable for Adults and Young Adults 14+
www.sonarechoir.com
Graffiti Classics
16 strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices with 1 aim: to make classical music wickedly funny and fantastically exhilarating. A classical concert, a gypsy-folk romp, an opera, a stand-up comedy set and a brilliant dance show all rolled into one!
Suitable for All Ages
RELAXED
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.graffiticlassics.com
PAPRIKA: The Balkan and East European band
Paprika is the UK's leading Balkan band, boasts a lineup of two accordions, violin, guitar, bass, and percussion. This electrifying group blends Eastern European, Balkan, Gypsy, and Classical music into a whirlwind of frenzied virtuosity. Performances interweave fiery melodies and foot-tapping rhythms.
Suitable for All Ages
HEARING LOOP
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.paprikamusic.com
Ball and Boe by The Opera Dudes
A fabulous tribute to Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, one
of the most popular double acts to have emerged in the last few years. In their inimitable style full of humour and personality, the Dudes sing original arrangements of Ball and Boe favourites from the West End, the movies and Las Vegas-style showstoppers.
Suitable for All Ages
HEARING LOOP
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.operadudes.com
Ríoghnach Connolly
BBC Radio 2’s Folk Singer of the Year, a flautist, lyricist and musical activist. She grew up surrounded by rich musical heritage and the Armagh Pipers’ Club in the northeast of Ireland. She performs in bands; The Breath, HoneyFeet and more.
Suitable for All Ages
www.midnightmango.co.uk/rioghnach-connolly
-ellis-davies
Puppetry
Along Came A Magpie
In the intimate setting of a potting shed, we meet our Gardener. She loves the smell of the flowers, the feel of the earth and watching her plants bloom. But along came a magpie who turns her potting shed upside down! Join our gardener and magpie as they navigate the intricacies of friendship.
Suitable for Families (2-6yrs)
BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED
CAPTIONS
RELAXED
www.scarletoaktheatre.com
Jack and the Beans Talk
Garlic Theatre present a charming and inventive puppet show about what might happen if you throw things out the window! Jack lives on a small farm with his mum and very little to eat. Imagine his surprise when he swaps his cow for some magic beans and starts to hear a whispering in the breeze.
Suitable for Families (3-8 yrs)
RELAXED
www.garlictheatre.org.uk
The Lost Colour
Join Malcolm, professional painter and amateur alchemist, on his quest to find the pinky-est pink paint on the planet! Through cracking rocks, mashing every vegetable, and even bottling and fermenting his own cow’s wee, he’s created every colour imaginable… except for pink! All on top of a van!
Suitable for Families (4+ yrs)
OUTDOOR ONLY
www.halfastring.co.uk
The Detective Dog
Tessa Bide Productions bring alive Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie's well-loved story, The Detective Dog, with puppetry, surprising sells and to-tapping music. Whether it’s finding a lost shoe or discovering who did a poo on the new gravel path, Detective Dog Nell is ready to sniff out the culprit!
Suitable for Families (3-8yrs)
BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED
RELAXED
www.tessabide.com
The Witch and The Egg
Witch does what witches do best…live in a nest, fly around scaring people and eat biscuits. She’s a miserable, bad tempered old witch who doesn’t like company, the last thing she wants in her life is an giant EGG! Luminous tales, with a flock of shadow puppets tells an engaging and heartwarming story.
Suitable for Families (3-9yrs)
HEARING LOOP
www.luminoustales.com/the-witch-the-egg
Dance
Choogh Choogh by Beeja
‘choogh choogh’ takes families and young children on an interactive train journey through India exploring cities, landscapes, people and food through classical Indian dance, theatre and play. Experience the sights and sounds of the journey, evoked through South Asian dance, music and theatre.
Suitable for Families (0-7yrs)
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.youtu.be/zZCqPUVIFbE
The Weather Machine by Kate Flatt
A playful work for young children and their families, where two witty characters make magic out of dance and weather – from the pitter patter of the lightest rain shower to the awesome howl of a storm, from footsteps in the snow to the joyful celebration of sunshine.
Suitable For Families (3+)
RELAXED
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.thirdversioncreative.com
Book 4 Shorts
Experience an inclusive Hip-Hop Dance Adventure by BirdGang Ltd. Join two talented friends on an exciting, interactive journey where your help is needed to tell the story! This dynamic performance will be followed by a chance to participate in a workshop where everyone can learn some of the fantastic dance moves.
Suitable for Families (5-11yrs)
BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED
AUDIO DESCRIPTION
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.birdgangltd.com
Soothe
Infusion Physical Theatre brings to life the movement of mental well-being in a thoughtful examination of brain/body chemistry using original music and multimedia. Dive into an emotive dance exploration of the three modes of emotional regulation: threat, drive, soothe. Post show Q&A.
Suitable for Young Adults and Adults 11+
www.infusionphysicaltheatre.net
The Explorers
Join the FRONTLINEdance Explorers Team on their multi-sensory, wondrous adventure, where you get to help bring to life two stories, with dance, colour, sound and teamwork! This fully inclusive contemporary dance performance and participatory show is relaxed, accessible and fun!
Suitable for Families (3+)
BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED
MAKATON
RELAXED
AUDIO DESCRIPTION
www.frontlinedance.co.uk
Thumbelina
Rachel Dean presents an enchanting tale of a miniature girl finding her place in the big wide world. A gentle and playful performance with the beauty of the natural world at its heart. Brought to life through live music, dance and song, Thumbelina is helped by the audience to escape from a hungry toad and more.
Suitable for Families (3-8yrs)
www.racheldeandance.co.uk/thumbelina
LORE
A production from award-winning dance company James Wilton Dance. It’s a folklore inspired journey into a pagan world of gods, demons and humans, all embodied through otherworldly athleticism. LORE is about connection to nature, feeling the energy that flows between our bodies and the earth.
Suitable for Adults and Families (8+)
AUDIO DESCRIPTION
www.jameswiltondance.com
Circus
One man. One ball.
Truan Jay Mathias and his magical crystal ball are on a mission to spread astonishment and wonder. A mix of circus tricks, juggling, an electric unicycle, dance and comedy. An enthralling show that combines gentle humour, beauty and human struggle.
Suitable for Families (5yrs+).
RELAXED
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLlBbJNeJoc
Theatre and Storytelling
Pirate Bonnie's Good Ship Adventure
Fidget Theatre present a welcoming, music-filled play. Pirate Bonnie is looking for treasure - but no ordinary treasure, for she is no ordinary Pirate. The treasures she seeks are the long-lost stories of swashbuckling Pirates. We’ll hear pirate songs and pirate tales, as the ocean breeze fills our sails!
Suitable for Families (3-8 yrs)
RELAXED
www.fidgettheatre.com
The Greenhouse
Join us in a magical journey into the plant world.
Follow gardener Peppina in her quest to grow Pimpernell, the most beautiful plant ever seen. Discover how the apple tree grows apples and how the willow tree fights off the caterpillar. A bit silly, a bit poetic and you get to plant your own sunflower!
Suitable for Families (4-12yrs)
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.sophienuezel.com/project/the-greenhouse
Queenie and the Pooka
Queenie is a Traveller girl who dreams of exploring the world as a famous dancer and musician, telling tales of traveller folk. Unfortunately her parents don’t Approve. But a shape-shifting Pooka has mischievous plan for an adventure. This tale by SpinArts, uses dance, music & theatre to capture imaginations.
Suitable for Families (5-11 yrs)
HEARING LOOP
www.spin-arts.com
Framed
A thrilling family whodunnit by PaddleBoat Theatre. Legendary detective Rufus Caper has been framed! Expect live music, puppetry and clowning. He needs you to help uncover the truth. Find clues and spot suspects before Rufus goes down for a crime he didn’t commit!
Suitable for Families (7yrs+).
RELAXED
CAPTIONS
www.paddleboattheatre.co.uk
Big Goldilocks and the Three Bears Plus
A comical retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears with a 6' tall pop-up book. Big oldilocks wanders into the forest but soon gets lost and hungry. The forest animals (the audience) decide to escape before she gets too grumpy. goldilocks arrives at the Three Bears house... what next?
Suitable for Families (3-8 yrs)
HEARING LOOP
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.boostercushiontheatreforchildren.com
The Canoe Race: a story from the Marshall Islands
A timeless journey to a remote coral reef in the Pacific ocean to meet Sky Mother and her handsome sons. Watch the pictures come alive as Tonka Uzu draws in response to Marion Leeper telling the story in this engaging and thought-provoking performance perfect for adventurers and nature lovers.
Suitable for Families (5-11 yrs)
HEARING LOOP
www.instagram.com/tonkauzu
The Mystery of the Blue Moon Saloon
An American Wild West town 1870. A theatre company, a lone Gunslinger 'The Wanderer' and a dead actress. Ragged Edge Productions present a daft and entertaining radio play live on stage. The audience have the chance to help to make the sound effects and take part in recordings.
Suitable for Families (7+ yrs)
HEARING LOOP
www.raggededgeproductions.co.uk
Pepper and Honey
A story of identity, belonging, and biscuits... Croatian born Ana's arrived in the UK. She focuses on life in this new land while haunted by the voice of her Grandma. She is calling Ana to stay true to her identity and yearning for her to come home. Biscuits baked live in the performance.
Suitable for Adults and Young People (10yrs+)
BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED
CAPTIONS
www.notnowcollective.com
Hidden Histories
A celebration of three people from the past through dance, spoken word and song. Set in 2024, the cast tells the stories of these figures, considering who is remembered and why. After the performance join the cast to create a unique piece of art.
Suitable for Young Adults and Adults (11+yrs)
HEARING LOOP
OUTDOOR / INDOOR
www.louisejordan.co.uk/puphiddenhistories
Conception Mary Shelley: The Making of a Monster
October 1840: Does gothic writer, Mary Shelley have the courage to confront the past? Will she find solace at Villa Diodati where she, Percy Shelley and Byron spent that unforgettable summer? A voyage of self-discovery leading to a brutal confrontation with her creation. Discover why Mary really wrote Frankenstein.
Suitable for Young Adults and Adults 12+ yrs
BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED
www.clairobscur.co.uk
Havisham by EMUL8 THEATRE
Miss Havisham is in town! Come meet her in the flesh. Find out why she waits forever at her wedding feast for a husband who will never arrive. Delve into the dark psyche of Miss Havisham’s fractured world and live the experiences that drove her to the brink and over the edge of insanity.
Suitable for Young Adults and Adults 12+ yrs
www.heatheralexandershows.co.uk/havisham
A Waltz in New Orleans
The yarn of the greatest jazz musician you’ve never heard of, the braggadocios and fictitious Henri ‘Second Line’ DuBois. “The story I have to tell you is about how something beautiful, something excellent, was created in spite of unfairness and vexation”. A story of rhythm, jazz, opera and West African music.
Suitable for Young Adults and Adults 12+ yrs
BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED
HEARING LOOP
www.instagram.com/awaltzinneworleans