FLOCK THEATRE MAKERS
Creativity | Connection | Community
There's A Tiger In The Garden
A new piece of theatre for children and families based on the award-winning book by Lizzy Stewart
OUR WORK
In development
Winter Bear
Our second show for children and families is about to go into R&D this autumn working with members from Voices In Exile's and Green Spaces and Migrant Welcome Project.
"Theatre can help us build our future, rather than just waiting for it."
Augusto Boal
ABOUT FLOCK THEATRE MAKERS
Flock Theatre has a combined 40 years experience creating performance and participatory work for a range of different organisations including The Royal Shakespeare Company, the Old Vic, Glyndebourne Opera and Unicorn Theatre. Our work focuses on creating innovative, multi- sensory events for children, families and communities across Sussex because everyone deserves access to the arts.
We are four local parents/theatremakers who wanted to create something special after a challenging 18 months for the arts and families. We really value your support.
We are four local parents/theatremakers who wanted to create something special after a challenging 18 months for the arts and families. We really value your support.
'I've been isolating for a year. Hearing music on my doorstep really lifted my spirit.' Advent Sessions Audience
SEPTEMBER 2021
THERE'S A TIGER IN THE GARDEN
In September 2021, Flock Theatre presented the world premier of Lizzy Stewart's prize winning book There's A Tiger in the Garden for young audiences on the Sussex coast. Using puppetry, imaginative design and music – audiences join Nora as she discovers dragonflies as big as her head, plants that can eat you (and your toy giraffe) whole, a polar bear that likes fishing and maybe, just possibly, a tiger in the garden. It was the first time the book was presented as a live performance.
The show was created to target families and young people aged 3-8 who, for the past year, have had no access to the musical and multi-sensory events typical of the early years landscape. Whilst targeted at these groups it is suitable for ages 0-103 and is the perfect first theatre experience. The work aims to benefit families by providing playful, imaginative and safe ways to bond together beyond the stress of the pandemic. This interactive performance has been designed to tour parks and outdoor venues allowing us to bring high quality artistic provision to young communities alongside Covid guidance and restrictions.
The show was created to target families and young people aged 3-8 who, for the past year, have had no access to the musical and multi-sensory events typical of the early years landscape. Whilst targeted at these groups it is suitable for ages 0-103 and is the perfect first theatre experience. The work aims to benefit families by providing playful, imaginative and safe ways to bond together beyond the stress of the pandemic. This interactive performance has been designed to tour parks and outdoor venues allowing us to bring high quality artistic provision to young communities alongside Covid guidance and restrictions.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
"Magical! The music, the puppets, all the details! It must have been so much work. But it was so much appreciated!"
"My kids were mesmerised by the puppets and songs. I found it quite emotional going to see live theatre again."
"Gorgeous production. My 3 year old had such a lovely time."
TICKETS
The 2021 dates for this performance are now finished. Please check back for details on where it might go next or join our mailing list to find out more.
PROGRAM
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Listen Again
Original music composed by Freya Wynn-Jones
Photos (C) Ruth Richardson-Childs
Community Performances
As part of our commitment to bringing extraordinary theatre to young people and families we were delighted to partner with the following groups for our community performances.
"Bringing the performing arts to our community will allow these children and their families to grow beyond the here and now and let their imaginations flourish with creativity. With affordable access to a children's shows such as 'There's a Tiger in the Garden' families may find a new-found appreciation for artful expression, a child may write a story that takes them on a journey around the world, kids may bring the show to life by expanding their pretend play. All of these kids are filled with creative potential that can profoundly impact their futures and by bringing the arts to them, you will be sending the message that their potential is recognised, supported, and most importantly, worth caring for."
- Emily Griffiths, Teacher, Moulescoomb Primary School
SUPPORT US
If you want to support the work we are doing to bring affordable theatre to families, please feel free to make a voluntary donation here. Money received will go towards subsidising families who might not be able to otherwise afford a ticket and support our work moving forward.
Front matter, or preliminaries, is the first section of a book and is usually the smallest section in terms of the number of pages. Each page is counted, but no folio or page number is expressed or printed, on either display pages or blank pages.
Front matter, or preliminaries, is the first section of a book and is usually the smallest section in terms of the number of pages. Each page is counted, but no folio or page number is expressed or printed, on either display pages or blank pages.
FLOCK TEAM
Meet the team behind Flock Theatre Makers
Emma Higham
Kelly Vassie
Freya Wynn-Jones
Contact us:
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FAQs for There's A Tiger In The Garden
Please see below for a list of frequently asked questions.
Are tickets available on the door?
Any unsold tickets will be available to buy on the door 30 minutes before the performance.
My little one is under 3 - will they be able to enjoy the show
We've aimed the performance at ages 3-103. That's because of it's length (40m) and that it follows a story and has quite a lot of language in it. That might be different to some of the sensory experiences you might see for early years theatre work and it's not been conceived specifically thinking of the engagement and developmental milestones of under 1s. However all the makers involved have children under 2 and have created this piece knowing that their little ones will also gain much pleasure from it. Several of us have been reading this book to our children since they were a few months old. It's a relaxed environment so if you have a two year old that you are worried won't sit still, please don't worry. We'd love to have you with us.
Do you offer wheelchair spaces?
We have been told that all our venues are wheelchair accessible but the performance does take place upon grass. Please email us at flocktheatremakers@gmail.com to let us know if you have access needs so that we can do our best to make it as easy and enjoyable for you to attend as possible.
What facilities are available onsite at each venue?
All venues are accessible and have public toilets and cafe facilities nearby within the park. Some are cash only. Further venue information can be found here:
- Royal Spa Nursery: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/leisure-and-libraries/parks-and-green-spaces/queens-park
- Stoneham Park: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/leisure-and-libraries/parks-and-green-spaces/stoneham-park
- St Ann's Well Gardens: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/leisure-and-libraries/parks-and-green-spaces/st-anns-well-gardens
- The One Garden, Stamner Park:https://www.onegardenbrighton.com/
Is there parking?
There is paid on street parking available at most venues and The One Garden has a visitors carpark. We cannot ensure spaces will be available so do give yourself time to arrive and get settled early.
What happens if it rains?
We will do everything we can to keep going in the event of bad weather. Please do check our Wet Weather Policy for more information.
Are you hosting any relaxed performances?
As a piece created for children and families, we hope to create a relaxed environment for everyone to attend. We do use pre- recorded sound as part of the performance but do not anticipate anything being at loud levels. If you’d like to speak to us more about this, please do get in touch.
What time can I arrive?
We will be ready to welcome people 20 mins before the advertised performance start time. If you arrive earlier, you can enjoy the park and facilities whilst we get ready.
Is there seating available?
The piece has been designed to take place on grass in a picnic style. Please feel free to bring blankets along with you and get comfy. We will provide a small number of picnic chairs for each performance. Please feel free to bring something along yourself if you know a member of your party might need to sit on a chair.
Do babies need a ticket?
Babes in arms (pre-walkers) do not need a ticket and can attend free of charge.
Are you offering exchanges/refunds?
If for any reason, you can no longer make a performance, we will do our best to support a change of show dependent on ticket availability. Please contact us to discuss this. As I’m sure you are aware, theatre companies and arts professionals have been hugely impacted by the pandemic we would prefer to accommodate a swap to another day.
What covid guidelines are in place?
We will be adhering to all guidelines in effect on the day of the performance. To see a copy of our Covid guidelines or risk assessment, please get in touch.
Wet Weather Policy
We are a small company seeking to create work in the face of the pandemic. As such we are reliant on ticket sales to support our team who have given so much to creating this work. Please see below for our wet weather policy on refunds and exchanges.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In case of wet weather, we will attempt to continue with the performance. We recommend audiences come prepared for all eventualities of a British Summer Time (flip flops, wellies, sunglasses and rain macs).
In light to medium rain, and where the weather is not considered to pose a risk to audience or performers, we intend to carry on with the show. If the weather does pose a risk (performance area flooding/lightning) we will postpone the start time for up to half an hour. If the weather improves the show will go on.
Should the weather change mid performance, we will continue unless it becomes unsafe or to heavy (impacting what you can hear), at which point we will pause and hope to restart. If the weather does not improve a decision will be made by the company to cancel the show. On the rare occasion that the weather does not improve, it will not be possible for us to complete the
Refunds/Exchanges
If the show is cancelled before it begins or within the first twenty minutes, we will try our best to exchange tickets for another performance, subject to availability and offer refunds if alternative performances are not suitable.
If the show is cancelled after the first twenty minutes we cannot offer refunds but will transfer tickets to another performance where available.
What time will you decide whether the performance will be cancelled due to bad weather?
We will never cancel a performance before the advertised start time. This is because bad weather can be incredibly localised and it's amazing how sometimes it dries up just in time for the action to start.
Can I bring an umbrella?
Yes, but please refrain from using an umbrella during the performance.
We are a small company seeking to create work in the face of the pandemic. As such we are reliant on ticket sales to support our team who have given so much to creating this work. Please see below for our wet weather policy on refunds and exchanges.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In case of wet weather, we will attempt to continue with the performance. We recommend audiences come prepared for all eventualities of a British Summer Time (flip flops, wellies, sunglasses and rain macs).
In light to medium rain, and where the weather is not considered to pose a risk to audience or performers, we intend to carry on with the show. If the weather does pose a risk (performance area flooding/lightning) we will postpone the start time for up to half an hour. If the weather improves the show will go on.
Should the weather change mid performance, we will continue unless it becomes unsafe or to heavy (impacting what you can hear), at which point we will pause and hope to restart. If the weather does not improve a decision will be made by the company to cancel the show. On the rare occasion that the weather does not improve, it will not be possible for us to complete the
Refunds/Exchanges
If the show is cancelled before it begins or within the first twenty minutes, we will try our best to exchange tickets for another performance, subject to availability and offer refunds if alternative performances are not suitable.
If the show is cancelled after the first twenty minutes we cannot offer refunds but will transfer tickets to another performance where available.
What time will you decide whether the performance will be cancelled due to bad weather?
We will never cancel a performance before the advertised start time. This is because bad weather can be incredibly localised and it's amazing how sometimes it dries up just in time for the action to start.
Can I bring an umbrella?
Yes, but please refrain from using an umbrella during the performance.
Covid Guidelines
We have considered the audience's enjoyment of the performance with the latest government COVID guidance and restrictions in mind. As an outdoor performance, the risk of COVID transmission is much reduced. We have a limited capacity for each performance and ask audience to follow some simple steps, for yours and everyone else's safety.
We have considered the audience's enjoyment of the performance with the latest government COVID guidance and restrictions in mind. As an outdoor performance, the risk of COVID transmission is much reduced. We have a limited capacity for each performance and ask audience to follow some simple steps, for yours and everyone else's safety.
- Please do not attend if you, or anyone in your party, has COVID symptoms (high temperature, loss of sense of smell/taste, new continuous cough).
- It is not mandatory to wear a face mask but please feel confident to wear one if it makes you, or anyone in your party, feel safer.
- Please remember to disinfect your hands regularly. Hand sanitiser will be available on entry.
Our Partners
There's A Tiger In The Garden is made possible thanks to the following partners
All photo and video materials belong to their owners.
