PRESS RELEASE
21 October 2015
Immediate release
A MAGICAL STORY ABOUT FAMILY, LOVE AND THE POWER OF
DREAMS COMES TO HALF MOON THEATRE ON SATURDAY 31
OCTOBER IN A NEW ADAPTATION BY OLIVIER NOMINATED
PLAYWRIGHT EMMA REEVES
tutti frutti and York Theatre Royal team up to bring the enchanting children’s tale Snow Child to
Half Moon Theatre on Saturday 31 October, in a new adaptation by Olivier nominated playwright
Emma Reeves.
As autumn leaves fall and the foxes, wolves and bears hide among the trees, we bring you a magical
story about family, love and the power of dreams.
The first snow falls. Watching the village children play, a lonely couple yearn for a child of their own.
They build a small figure from the ice and snow, and wish very, very hard… until the strength of their
longing brings the magical snow child to life before their eyes!
She’s a girl like no other. As she dances in the wild landscape and talks with the animals, she brings
joy, fun and laughter to the whole village. But it’s not easy, bringing up a wild daughter of the
blizzards and the wind. As the seasons turn, and winter gives way to spring and summer, will the
Snow Child and her parents find their ‘happily ever after’?
Inspired by Arthur Ransom’s adaptation of The Little Daughter of the Snow, the play is directed by
Wendy Harris and features atmospheric music by Ollie Birch, beautiful movement by Joanne
Bernard and promises to be a winter wonderland of poignant, inventive storytelling to enchant
children and families alike.
Last year playwright Emma Reeves adapted Jacqueline Wilson's Hetty Feather for the stage and was
subsequently nominated in the Best Entertainment and Family category at the 2015 Olivier Awards.
Emma has also written some episodes for the forthcoming television version of Hetty Feather. Her
other stage adaptations include Carrie's War, Little Women, Anne of Green Gables and Cool Hand
Luke. She co-created and wrote the hit CBBC series Eve.
Emma Reeves commented: “I wanted the show to address fundamental questions about parents
and children and, generally, what it means to be human. I wanted to write a story about
unconditional love, and how we (wittingly or unwittingly) test the people we love - and how we try
to forgive them when they fail. Above all, I thought it was a magical story. I want our audience to
love the character of the Snow Child as much as I do.”
Chris Elwell, Director of Half Moon, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome back tutti fruitti to
Half Moon with their enchanting new adaptation of the classic children’s story by Olivier Award
nominated playwright Emma Reeves. Prepare to be transported to a world where anything is
possible and meet an irresistible heroine. Snow Child may have a winter setting, but this is a heartwarming tale which will captivate audiences all over again”
Snow Child runs for two performances on Saturday 31 October at 11am and 2pm and is suitable for
children aged 3+ and their families. All tickets are £6 and can be booked through Half Moon’s
website at www.halfmoon.org.uk or by calling 020 7709 8900.
ENDS
LISTINGS DETAILS
tutti frutti and York Theatre Royal present
Snow Child
Saturday 31 October at 11am and 2pm
Ages 3-7 | 55 minutes
Half Moon Theatre
43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND
Tickets: £6
Box Office: 020 7709 8900 or online at www.halfmoon.org.uk
ON SALE NOW
NOTES TO EDITORS
CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM
Mei Mac - Child
Paula James – Mother and animal
Mark Pearce – Father and other animals
Written by Emma Reeves
Inspired by Arthur Ransome’s adaptation of The Little Daughter of the Snow
Directed by Wendy Harris
Designed by Kate Bunce
Movement by Joanne Bernard
Music by Oliver Birch
FURTHER DETAILS
For further information or to arrange interviews, photographs and press tickets please contact
Stephen Beeny on 020 7709 8907 or stephen@halfmoon.org.uk
A selection of images can be downloaded from Dropbox:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0mp566u2v446bv1/AAAdL4k6zK-LGFbdQtOhg-F3a?dl=0
ABOUT HALF MOON
Half Moon is a local organisation with a national remit, committed to supporting young people at
every stage of their creative development. Working from their base in Limehouse and throughout
the community in Tower Hamlets, Half Moon makes a big impact on the lives of young people. Half
Moon’s wide-ranging programme reaches 49,000 people annually and engages those who are often
excluded from arts activity. Half Moon’s activity includes a season of professional plays for young
audiences, national touring productions and an extensive creative learning programme, including
seven youth theatres.
Half Moon receives regular funding from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and are a National
Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England.
Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/halfmoontheatre
Twitter: @HalfMoonTheatre
For press enquiries please contact: Stephen Beeny
Communications Manager
stephen@halfmoon.org.uk
020 7709 8907