Swallows and Amazons

Arthur Ransome’s much-loved classic is given an exuberant makeover by Helen Edmondson, with songs by Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy – in the Norwich Players’ high-energy, theatrically inventive production of Swallows and Amazons, coming soon to the Maddermarket Theatre stage.

When John, Susan, Titty and Roger are granted their wish to set sail on their beloved boat Swallow, they know it will be the holiday of a lifetime. With fearsome foes, secret islands and dastardly pirates to contend with this is one summer that should never end. Because where there be pirates, there be adventure….

The Norwich Players have been successfully staging alternative family Christmas shows for years. Swallows and Amazons is the first time they have produced a family show in the summer. General Manager Rebecca Wass feels that summer is the ideal time for a family show: “there isn’t always enough things to do to keep the children occupied.  In the last two weeks of the holiday, you might want some light relief from entertaining them, and therefore this is the perfect show.”

“Not only is it entertaining for the young people, there is also something for all the adults,” she adds.

Director Jez Pike has a long affinity with the story, having worked in the Lake District, where the play is set, and  learnt to sail on Derwant Water.  The cast includes the main house show debut of Tom Price, having previously been a student of Mad Red (the Maddermarket’s own theatre school). He is joined by one of Norwich Players’ longest-serving members, Tim Seeley.

An entertaining and creative show that uses recycling as its central point, Swallows and Amazons features a live pianist, singing, puppetry and lots of fun – including a very messy battle scene at the end!

Swallows and Amazons opens Friday 18th August at 7pm and runs through to Saturday 2nd September. Matinee performances, on selected dates throughout the week, at 2pm, Sunday performances at 4pm. For more information, see the Maddermarket Theatre Facebook Page or follow them on Twitter.

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