SPONGE

Thursday 15 - Saturday 17 March 2018

Event Details

Roll, squeeze and pop yourself through the squishiest, squashiest show for babies, young children and their grown-ups! Sponge is a soft, bouncy adventure through playtime and dreamtime set to a funky 1970s soundtrack, including disco favourites The Hustle and Car Wash. Follow a dad and daughter as they take you on a journey through springy environments, fascinating in shape, texture and touch. You also get to meet the leggy character Splegs, who needs a bit of help walking. Have a boogie at the baby disco and enjoy playtime at the end!

 

Dance company Turned On Its Head makes exciting participatory theatre for early years, taking children on a creative journey, engaging audiences throughout its performances and encouraging lots of family interaction.
Everything in Sponge can be made with simple materials at home so there’s plenty more fun to be had after leaving the theatre.

Performances for ages 4 months – under 4s and their grown-ups

 

“Children are like sponges. They absorb all your strength and leave you limp, but give them a squeeze and you get everything back.” — Jane Geldart

“I was almost as excited as my son.” — ★★★★★ Time Out London

“Imaginative, suggestive and open-ended visual and material play that really gets toddlers going – the best kind of theatrical play session.” — Exeunt Magazine

“Fabulous show! Wonderful to see the delight on the children’s face!” — Stratford Circus, London

“Amazing how you introduced real theatre to babies in such an accessible way. Loved it! So did my 10 month old.” — artsdepot

“It was amazing. We have had so many families comment on how much they enjoyed it and it was so lovely to see the parents involved with their children, and the children just blossomed. We would recommend it and would love you to come back again if ever you can!” — Vienna. Early Years Practitioner, Penn Green Children’s Centre.

“Utterly charming, delightful and captivated the children and families. So deceptively simple and beautifully crafted!” — Polka Theatre

 

COMPANY INFORMATION

Supported by The Spark Arts
With thanks to Curve and Z-arts
All Sponges provided by Sydney Heath
Hodson, Rosie Powell, Martha Oakes

Turned on Its Head is based in the East Midlands and was created to push the boundaries of performance for children under 5 and their families. The company’s work is co-created with audiences with the moment of performance fused with the spontaneous reaction of the children (and parents).  In the work children become immersed in the theatrical experience on their own terms; and the performance gives space for engaging and respecting each child’s response. Performances are characterised by high and inclusive levels of authentic participation, incorporating improvisation with the children and their families as active participants in telling the story whilst also telling their story in that moment. As a result, audiences have a strong sense of ownership and belonging in the performance space, are actively involved and can continue with aspects of the performance at home.

 

@turnedonitshead /@Bimaginations #spongetheshow

This show is billed as part of Paint The Town festival in conjunction with Battersea Arts Centre and The Collaborative Touring Network:  www.lyriciarts.com