Magical North East play arrives in theatres for half term
As families get ready for half term - a new children's theatre production is preparing to tour the North East
Last updated 21st Oct 2022
Children of all ages are being encourage to believe in themselves - and a bit of magic - with an inclusive play arriving in North East theatres this half term
Meggie Magicia will be heading to Alnwick, Gosforth, Durham, Hexham, Saltburn and South Shields over the next few weeks - followed by shows in schools for kids who might otherwise miss out on the theatre.
The team behind the show are determined to make it accessible for all - with British Sign Language interpretation in Durham, and relaxed performances with no haze, flashing lights or loud noises.
Meggie Magicia was created by writer Wendy Errington, and she co-produced the first run of the show in 2021 at Newcastle's Alphabetti Theatre.
Charlotte Ryder stars as Meggie, and had to learn some magic tricks to get into character.
She tells us how it feels to work with and for children:
"Kids are the most wonderful audience to perform to - because they have no filter!
"You can tell if they're enjoying something or if they're not enjoying something because they will let you know!
"But in a lot of ways it's really lovely because you can tell - when it works - the magic does feel real!"
The show is being directed by Natasha Haws, who tells us it's really important for the standards to stay as high as if they were directing a play for adults;
"I don't think we should belittle the thought process, or the creative process just because it's bairns watching it.
"I think their brains and minds, and the way they take in story - and what they find interesting in a stage production is equally as important, if not more important - because it might be the first thing they've ever seen on stage."
And stage manager, Becky Glendenning, who has previously created shows for children and adults alike, agrees;
"You have to be aware they are taking everything in and it's almost like you have to pour almost more care into making sure that every single part of that performance is working as it needs to - and not patronising them!"
You can find out more about the play via the Meggie Magicia website.