The Owl who was Afraid of the
Dark
MARKETING PACK
Contents
3.
Hello from Plop!
4.
Plops story
5 - 6. Box Office Information
7.
Brochure Copy
8.
Brochure Copy (short version)
1
9.
Production images
10.
Sample School Letter
11.
Sample Press Release
12.
Our Stage Adaptation
13.
About the Author
14.
About Blunderbus
15.
Get in touch?
Hello from Plop!
Hello,
My name is Plop, and I’m a baby Barn Owl.
I used to be afraid of the dark, and as soon as night came, I would hide away in my
little nest-hole, not even daring to stick my beak out for a second.
But one day, my mummy told me that dark isn’t scary at all, and I should perhaps
go down into the world below to find out for myself. So, I did.
I met lots of lovely people along the way, and quickly learned that night-time isn’t
scary at all. In fact, it’s filled with magical, moonlit adventures. I love being a nightbird now, and I’m not scared of the dark at all.
My friends at Blunderbus have arranged for me to fly along to your theatre to tell
my amazing story. They have also asked me lots of questions about my adventures,
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and typed everything into this little booklet so that you can spread the word about
my visit to your theatre!
After all, it’s going to be a hoot!
Your new friend,
Pl o p x
Plop’s Story (for you)
Plop is a baby Barn Owl. He lives at the top of
a tall tree, in a field. He is fat and fluffy. He has big round eyes and very knackety knees.
Plop is exactly the same as every barn owl that has ever been - except for one thing. He
is AFRAID of the DARK.
One day, Mrs Barn Owl suggests that Plop fly down into the world and find out about the
dark for himself. So, Plop climbs out of his nest-hole, peeps over the edge, wobbles a bit,
and falls off his branch.
And so, begins Plop’s adventure.
On his journey, he meets a host of colourful characters, each with their own story to tell
about the night-time, and just how magical it can be. Plop discovers for himself that dark
is kind, dark is exciting and dark is wonderful.
But, most of all, Plop learns that being a night-bird can be so much fun!
3
Box Office information
Plop’s story
Plop is a baby Barn Owl. Plop is exactly the same as every barn own that has ever been,
except for one thing. Plop is AFRAID of the DARK.
One day, Mrs Barn Owl suggests that Plop fly down into the world and find out about the
dark for himself. And this is where Plop’s adventure begins. Join Plop as he journeys into
the night-time world of campfires, fireworks and moonlit adventures.
Based on the children’s classic by Jill Tomlinson, this funny tale is brought to life with an
irresistible blend of music, puppetry and storytelling.
About the book
Written by Jill Tomlinson, and first published in 1968, the story has become a children’s
classic. Originally written as a novel, Jill’s poetic language and colourful characters can
now
also be found in a brand new picture-book, available from Egmont Publishing.
Suitable for
Little people aged 3 - 7 will love this funny, heartwarming tale. But, big people will also
have lots of fun, too. You can’t help but fall in love with Plop and his funny antics.
Length of show
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The show is 55 minutes long, but we recommend that you leave just over an hour, as our
storytellers welcome the children into Plop’s moonlit world before the show begins, and
afterwards there’s a chance for a photo with Plop and friends, too!
Key selling points
This charming stage production, with music, songs, exquisite handcrafted puppets and lots
of fun and surprises, remains true to Jill Tomlinson’s original story.
Children can join in with Plop and his new friends along the way, singing, dancing, clapping
and laughing. The show is not dark or scary, and there are no loud bangs or flashing
lights.
You’re in safe hands - Blunderbus has over 17 years’ experience in bringing
well-loved stories to life for 3 - 7 year olds, and their grown-ups.
Brochure Copy
Please use the information below in your brochure, on
your website and for future marketing campaigns. You can
find a shortened version of this copy on the next page (pg7).
Show Copy (Full version)
The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark
Based on the bestselling children’s classic by Jill Tomlinson.
Plop is a baby Barn Owl. Plop is exactly the same as every barn own that has ever been,
except for one thing. Plop is AFRAID of the DARK.
One day, Mrs Barn Owl suggests that Plop fly down into the world to find out about
the dark for himself. And this is where Plop’s adventures begin...
Join Plop as he journeys into the night-time world of campfires, fireworks, starry nights
and moonlit adventures. This gentle, reassuring tale, by acclaimed Blunderbus Theatre,
is brought to life with an irresistible blend of music, puppetry and storytelling. Especially
for little people aged 3-7, and their grown ups. Come join us, - it’s going to be a hoot!
Press Quotes
“Packs charm in bucket loads.” The Stage
“Totally captivating.” The Primary Times
5
Our website & social media
We will list this event on our own website and social media with a link to your online
ticket bookings page for this show. Please add a link to ‘blunderbus.co.uk’ from your
own website.
Brochure Copy
Please use the information below in your brochure, on
your website and for future marketing campaigns. You can
find a longer version of this copy on the previous page (pg6).
Show Copy (Shortened Version)
The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark
Based on the bestselling children’s classic by Jill Tomlinson.
Plop is a baby Barn Owl. Plop is exactly the same as every barn own that has ever been,
except for one thing. Plop is AFRAID of the DARK.
One day, Mrs Barn Owl suggests that Plop fly down into the world to find out about
the dark for himself. And this is where Plop’s adventures begin...
Especially for little people aged 3-7, and their grown ups.
Press Quotes
“Packs charm in bucket loads.” The Stage
Our website & social media
We will list this event on our own website and social media with a link
to your online ticket bookings page for this show. Please add a link
to ‘blunderbus.co.uk’ from your own website.
6
Production Images
Please use either the illustrated image or production
photograph below as your MAIN brochure image. Go to the
‘Owl’ show page on our website and follow the ‘Press Info’ link to download these high
resolution images, our company logo and all other artwork.
Choose one as your main brochure & web image
(See PDF)
Then, use any of the additional Production shots!
We’d love you to use some of the production shots below in your marketing campaign.
(See PDF)
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sample school Letter
Dear <SCHOOL NAME>
Swoop along to meet Plop and friends!
We’re delighted to announce that acclaimed children’s theatre company Blunderbus, are
bringing their magical new theatre adaptation of “The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark”
to <VENUE NAME> on <DATE>.
Plop is a baby Barn Owl. Plop is exactly the same as every barn own that has ever been,
except for one thing. Plop is AFRAID of the DARK. One day, Mrs Barn Owl suggests
that Plop fly down into the world to find out about the dark for himself. And this is
where Plop’s adventures begin. This gentle, reassuring tale is brought to life with an
irresistible blend of music, puppetry and storytelling.
This enchanting new adaptation of Jill Tomlinson’s much-loved classic is playing to packed
theatres both nationally and internationally with school audiences falling in love with Plop
the baby Barn Owl, whilst having an absolute hoot of a time!
It’s the perfect show for school audiences (ages 3 - 7), with opportunities to explore
‘Light & Dark’. But there are also links to PSHE ‘Going for Goals’ as the children
encourage Plop to become a real night-bird.
Primary Times has called the show “Totally Captivating” and school teachers across the
country have praised the show: “Fantastic and covered so many aspects of the school
curriculum” said Miss Kirtley, Class Teacher, from Rye St Anthony School.
Tickets are <PRICE> and are available from <VENUE NAME> Box Office on <TEL NO>
or online at <WEB ADDRESS>. If you would like to bring a school party along, then
please give us a call as group discounts are available.
Book to see the show, and we’ll also send you a copy of Plop’s Activity Pack, a
fantastic learning resource designed to support the performance.
So, why not book now to join Plop on his night-time adventures? After all, it’s going to be
a hoot!
See you soon,
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sample Press Release
PRESS RELEASE - a magical new adaptation of
The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark by Blunderbus Theatre
UK & International Tour 2015 - 2016 (touring UK, Europe, Malaysia & Dubai)
Internationally acclaimed children’s theatre company, Blunderbus, are bringing their
fantastic new production of “The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark” to <Venue and
City/Town> on <Date>.
Based on the much-loved classic children’s book by Jill Tomlinson, this funny, reassuring
tale about Plop, the baby Barn Owl and his fear of the dark has been created especially
for little small people aged 3 - 7, and their grown-ups.
Plop is a baby Barn Owl. Plop is exactly the same as every barn own that has ever been,
except for one thing. Plop is AFRAID of the DARK. One day, Mrs Barn Owl suggests
that Plop fly down into the world to find out about the dark for himself. And this is
where Plop’s adventures begin.
So far, over 100,000 people have watched the show, and it’s still playing to packed
theatres both nationally and internationally! Brought to life with an irresistible blend of
music, puppetry and storytelling, this enchanting show brings Jill Tomlinson’s classic tale
to a new generation of theatregoers.
“Packs charm in bucket loads”: The Stage.
“Totally captivating”: The Primary Times
The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark is at <Venue and Address>, Tickets cost
<price> and are available from <venue, phone number> <website> <Email>.
NOTE to EDITORS:
For over 17 years, Nottinghamshire-based Blunderbus has been creating magical theatrical
experiences for children and their families. Blunderbus specialise in shows for 3 - 7 year
olds, and performs to over 200,000 children each year, touring to theatres, arts centres,
schools and festivals across the UK and internationally.
For press & marketing enquiries:
Bill Davies on +44 (0) 1636 678 900 or visit www.blunderbus.co.uk
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Our Stage Adaptation
We wanted to tell the story in Jill Tomlinson’s own words,
which are so beautiful. This was a challenge, as there are lots of characters to meet, the
passage of time from day to night and back again. Then there’s a giant firework display,
glittering skies and moonlit nights. If that isn’t enough, there’s also a flying Barn Owl! So,
this is what we did:
Story within a story (the siblings ‘hanging frame’)
Our play is about siblings who are camping for the first time without any adults. But Sam,
(the youngest sibling) is terrified of the dark, and would much prefer to stay awake all
night long. After much head-scratching, the decision is made to tell Sam the story of
Plop, the baby Barn Owl. But, in telling the story, the siblings will play all of the parts!
Plop and Mrs Barn Owl
We made the decision to focus more on Plop’s relationship with his mum; we’d spend
time in the nest, getting to know them both, as Mrs Barn Owl tries to teach Plop to fly,
to hunt, to sleep all the way through the daylight hours. It’s a lovely, enchanting, funny
relationship, which Jill develops with such a magical touch.
Other characters
This is a 55 minute show, so it would not be possible to meet all of the characters from
the storybook. We decided that the best thing to do was introduce those characters we
felt were very different to one another. So, in our stage play, the audience will meet Plop
the baby Barn Owl, Mrs Barn Owl, The firework boy, the old lady, and the boyscout.
Night and Day (introducing Mr Sun & Mr Moon)
Plop’s story is told over three days and nights; in theatre performances, this is easy to
suggest with theatre lighting. But, for schools, we needed to signal the time of day, so we
invented Mr Moon and Mr Sun. They work as external narrators, who not only announce
the time of day or night, but also make comment about the action onstage.
Flying Plop and Puppetry
Along with the actor playing the role of Plop, we also use a ‘flying’ rod puppet to bring
Plop to life during the flight sequences, and a tabletop puppet is used for the interactions
in the human world.
Finally…
We’re very proud of this funny, charming, magical stage production. It remains true to
Jill’s original story, and of course, it has a very happy ending. Plop, the baby Barn Owl
becomes a real night-bird!
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About the Author
Jill Tomlinson never intended to be a writer. She trained
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as an opera singer, and then decided to have a family whilst her voice matured. But
illness intervened, and she had to find another outlet for her energies. She started on a
journalism course, and by the third lesson decided she wanted to write for children. So
she did!
She wrote five short stories about a hen wanting to visit an aunt and her chicks, and
Methuen thought that if she wrote another five stories on the same theme the book
would fi t well into their new ‘Read Aloud’ series. The book we now know as The Hen
Who Wouldn’t Give Up, came out, followed by The Cat Who Wanted to Go Home.
The next manuscript was produced in increasing physical difficulties, and had just been
accepted when the cause of the difficulties was identified - multiple sclerosis. The book
was The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark. Thereafter every book was a battle. Writing
became impossible. All her research - and each book about a young animal was
meticulously researched - was done by the family in response to her persistent and often
unanswerable questions. Not that you could guess all this from the finished product,
where her sympathy and sense of humour overrides everything. Jill used to claim that she
was unique in being an author who could neither read nor write.
So long as she could speak clearly, Jill loved to read her stories to the children of friends
and often, in her wheelchair, to classes in local schools. Her ‘eek’ when reading the Owl
was something to be remembered! She said that stories about young animals could go
straight to the emotional needs of young children, bypassing all barriers of class or colour.
Jill died, suddenly and unexpectedly, in hospital where she had gone for respite care
whilst her husband was away from home. She was 45. But anyone who has read her
books knows what she was like - bubbly and caring and irrepressible.
About Blunderbus
We are a professional theatre company with charitable status, established in 1998. For
over 17 years we have been creating magical theatrical experiences for children and their
families. We play to 200,000 children each year, touring to theatres, arts centres, schools
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and festivals across the UK and internationally. In the past 18 months, we have travelled
as far afield as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Dubai and Singapore.
We employ a small, but dedicated team of professional actors, designers, puppet-makers,
writers, directors and musicians to create our beautiful shows. Our team work ‘in-house’
to lovingly write, design, build, make, paint, sew and stitch every element for each show.
Everything you see onstage has been made by us for our audience to enjoy.
Our work would not be conceivable without the dedication of our core team, along with
the freelance artists and volunteers who work together to weave the magic for each new
project.
Quite simply, we love working with children!
Get in touch?
We’re keen to help spread the word about The Owl
who was Afraid of the Dark. So, if you want to chat
through your marketing ideas, or would like us to make our
actors available for press or radio interviews, then get in touch!
Who to speak to?
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Bill Davies, Artistic Director
+44 (0) 1636 678 900
bill@blunderbus.co.uk
We’ll say goodbye for now...
‘Some kids shows get the puppets right, others throw out
a few catchy songs, while some tell a good story. But,
Blunderbus does all three.”
The Scotsman
“Storytelling tailored for young hearts and minds.”
The List
“Packs charm in bucket loads.”
The Stage
“Totally captivating.”
The Primary Times
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