| Storymaker Theatre dates | You can see the Storymaker Theatre at: Children's Centre in Baguley on Friday, 2 February, from 10am to 4pm Parents can sign up for the storytelling pack and find out more about telling stories with your children from family practitioner, Vera Waters. |
The 'Magical Storymaker Theatre' is a portable theatre and storytelling space. It was originally designed as a gigantic four poster bed, but the idea developed into a hexagonal box of delights – creating a mini theatre in the round. The audience climb up steps into the space, curtains are drawn all around them and the show begins! The idea to create such a magical space was commissioned to enable us to create an intimate storytelling atmosphere in almost any environment – an atmosphere such as storytelling around a campfire or before bedtime. We can bring the theatre to people who may not otherwise get to engage with theatre and storytelling, to places where it would not usually be found. The aim is to inspire and ignite imaginations and get families hooked on telling stories, reading and writing them themselves! Who designed it?
 | | Audiences are enthralled |
The 'Magical Storymaker Theatre' has been designed by Mimi Faulks – a freelance creative producer who trades under the name 'Another Curious Idea'. She spearheads a number of unique, innovative arts projects, including designing the family arts activities for the 91Èȱ¬ Springwatch Festival in June 2006 and creating the Funday Sunday events at the Green room Theatre. Working on this project with Mimi is husband 'Ben Faulks', an actor and theatre writer. He won the 2004 M.E.N Fringe Performer Award and is currently appearing on the latest T-Mobile TV advert (in a very stripy jumper!) Mimi & Ben often work together on creative projects and have conjured up this magical storytelling experience. What can people expect? The tale of the Land of Dreams (written by Mimi & Ben Faulks especially for the theatre) & an adaptation of 'The Magic Porridge Pot'. These two stories are made interactive, fun and inspiring for parents and kids alike, by actor Ben Faulks. Music, imagination and both beautiful and comical storytelling are woven together to create a unique experience which aims to capture the imagination. In the 'Land of Dreams' kids meet a very special genie who takes them on an adventure in the Land of Dreams - expect magic carpet rides, bizarre adventures and an exhilarating journey! The Magic Porridge Pot uses puppets to create a unique interpretation of this classic story. Families decorate the theatre to create a magical patchwork set and help bring the story alive with their own ideas. The making of the theatre The bed was built by Lee from L.D Joinery - a Cheshire based Joiner. It was quite a task finding a carpenter who would take on the building of such a bizarre structure! The original design of a regular shaped 4 poster bed would have been the easy option, but it soon became apparent that although much more challenging to build and create, that a hexagon shape would suit the theatrical function of the bed. The finished product of a 12ft square hexagonal box of delights - makes for a gorgeous space and the results are fantastic! Inside there are seats and a huge foam mattress, all made by Sherlock Foams of Stockport. The curtains and puppets have been made by freelance artist Isobel Pickup. We decided upon a patchwork, box of delights feel for the theatre – its colourful, magical and fun! | 
