The Squabble

‘The Squabble’ is a new production that introduces a sensory theatre experience in a safe and gentle manner. It is aimed at young children aged 3 to 7 years old.

Set in a sand pit, the drama is played out sensitively and skillfully with two hands. The hands are simply and expressively hands and also become both creatures and emotional characters.

The story is a universal one of life, of meeting new friends, of sharing the space, of conflict, and eventually reconciliation, love and peace.

 Two hands meet, play, quarrel and reconcile. What could be simpler? Life told and summarised with two hands. The puppet and the theatre in the most simple of settings.

HOW THE SHOW WORKS

We begin with playing calm music and sensory sounds. We use the ‘Hang drum’, which is played with the hand. When the children are ready, we start the performance.

The play begins and lasts approximately 30 minutes. It is told without words, with pictures, movement, lighting and sound effects, small pieces of music and the sound of the sea. After the performance the children are invited to explore a number of sensory boxes and activities lasting a further 15 to 20 minutes, depending on audience size and space. Note: The post show activity is optional.

The whole production including performance and post show sensory activities will take no more than 60 minutes.

The maximum capacity is 25children with accompanying adult friends and carers. The total audience capacity should be a maximum of approximately 50 people, depending on venue. This is to ensure that everyone can see well and to maintain a calm and intimate theatre experience. The show and activities will be run a minimum of 2 times per venue. A 3rd run is possible for an additional fee.

The minimum space for the performance set is 3m x 3m plus audience area. We need a space that can be darkened. A blackout is not needed, but blinds or curtains on all windows will allow our lighting effects to create the atmosphere. We do travel with some cloths for blacking out so we can help with this if necessary.

We also bring some low stools and benches to help create the audience seating.