Plymouth children are acting up this Halloween

Children will be treading the creaky boards with Stiltskin Theatre Company this half term Halloween, thanks to funding from the Plymouth Armed Forces Community Covenant group.

Stiltskin were awarded £12,500 to run ‘Shape Shifters’, a young theatre company for eight to 12-year-olds. The company brings together children from forces and civilian families to experience what it is like to put on a show in a real theatre.

Shape Shifters began in September and members have been meeting weekly at the Barbican Theatre, where their first public performance will be taking place this weekend. After an intensive rehearsal week this half term, the young actors and actresses will be staging a super spooky adaptation of the Brothers Grimm tale The Three Hairs of Fortune.

Artistic Director Jacqueline Slade gave the fairy tale a creepy twist, ensuring each participant had a speaking part. The story is about a lucky boy called Felix who is given great fortune by three witches. The wicked king and queen, however, try to do away with him as the prophecy says he will marry the princess. He is sent on a challenge to pluck three hairs from the Black Witch’s chin.

The play also incorporates puppets and songs taught by musical director Shirley Tyack.

Iain Slade from Stiltskin said: "The children have been absolutely lovely. They have all made friends and are working hard to get the performance together for Saturday evening. Some of them have had absolutely no experience at performing or been within a theatre setting, but that has not deterred them."

A film of the performance and video diaries made during the rehearsals will be given to forces parents who are on deployment so they don’t miss out on the spooky show.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Co-operatives and Community Development, said: “Shape Shifters is a great project that not only brings children from civilian and forces families together, but also gives them an unforgettable insight into the world of theatre and music. Everyone has been working really hard on this weekend’s show and I’m sure it will be great success.”

The performance will take place at the Barbican Theatre at 7.30pm on Saturday 2 November. Tickets are on sale at the theatre and cost just £4 for adults and £2 for children. Call the box office on 01752 267131. For more information about Stiltskin visit www.stiltskin.org.uk.