Last night (15/12/17), we had a family outing to York Theatre Royal to see “The Book of Dragons”. Henry (5.5years) had specifically asked to see it and he certainly was not disappointed…
“It was even better than I even hoped it would be…”
York Theatre Royal presents E.Nesbit’s “The Book of Dragons” Adapted and Directed by Juliet Forster. He tells the story of a
“An alarming plague of dragons… dragons on the pavement,
dragons on the roadway, dragons basking on the front doorsteps of schools and libraries,
dragons preening their wings on the roofs of cars and houses in the hot afternoon sun.
Fortunately none of the dragons were the right size for eating boys and girls …”
The adaptation features a brother and sister called Harry and Effie who return as young adults to their childhood home where they find dragon tracks in the snow. It’s revealed the pair are dragon detectives.
Harry and Effie’s Book of Dragons is full of tales and legends, handed down from long, long ago, as well as really recent eye witness accounts. It records suspected dragon sightings, close encounters of the dragon kind, even dragon conspiracy theories.
They tell the stories they’ve gathered and these are brought to life through physical storytelling, live animation and shadow puppetry.
Elizabeth Mary Williams and Emilio Iannucci are fantastic; so engaging with the audience and totally unfazed when the children get involved as well! The Studio at York Theatre Royal is a fantastic place to take children for an introduction to the theatre. It is intimate and not at all intimidating. Children can see and feel part of the action.
The set is simple and effective. The costumes, particularly the dragons are really clever designed by Bethany Wells, supporting by great lighting and sound by Simon Bedwell and Jonathan Eato. Get there early to be dragon detectives in the theatre foyer!
Eliza is 3 in January and thoroughly enjoyed it, albeit wasn’t so sure about the Ice Dragon! Henry thought it was wonderful from start to finish and has come home a “Dragon Detective”…..his own Book of Dragons is in production as we speak!
York Theatre Royal Studio runs the Book of Dragons from Tuesday 12th December – Saturday 6th January.
Relaxed performance Thursday 21st December, 1pm.
Tickets £14.50-£11.50
Box office 01904 623568. yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
E. Nesbit’s The Book of Dragons is for children aged 3+ and their families.
“Night, Night, sleep tight
Don’t get up while it’s still light
Or the nasty dragons will bite!”
