SLIME is a heart-warming comedy about friendship that tells the story of a slug, a caterpillar and their quest for a leaf. As part of the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme autumn season, SLIME will be performed at Kirkby Stephen and Orton in October. The Herd Theatre invites young audiences to enter the undergrowth of a transformed hall and squish, squelch and play their way through this funny and surreal show for the very young and their families.
Being a slug is hard.
Everyone thinks you’re disgusting.
When Slug tries to make friends with Caterpillar, Caterpillar has other ideas. Caterpillar thinks that slugs are gross. They’re covered in slime, they move weirdly and they have terrible taste in music. But when things get sticky, and Slug is the only one who can help, Caterpillar realises that having a slug for a friend might not be so bad after all.
Using only a handful of words, the story is told by two actors, through clowning, physical storytelling and original music. The show explores themes of friendship, prejudice and understanding difference and is inspired by the activity of a child and grown-up experiencing a picture book together.
Slime offers a unique theatrical experience, accessible to all, without rules for young children – so they can giggle, wriggle, talk and be as loud as they want. The set is tactile and immersive as the performers will have transformed the venue so that audiences enter a garden made of foam, filled with bold, colourful shapes and are invited to play with slug’s slime in 15 minutes of free play after the show.
“We’re really looking forward to having a show designed for young children at Orton Market Hall,” says volunteer promoter, Sally Seed. “SLIME involves minimal language and it will be very informal so that the show is accessible for those with hearing impairments, learning disabilities or non-English speaking audiences. The tactile elements of the show will work well for under 2s while the physical comedy will appeal to older children and grown- ups, so the whole family can enjoy the show together.”
The Herd Theatre is based in Hull. They make innovative shows about the world young people live in. Co-artistic directors Ruby Thompson and Sam Caseley set up the company in 2015 and have since produced five original shows – always including young people in their collaborations and creative process. Slime is written by Sam Caseley, designed by Ruta Irbite and directed by Ruby Thompson and was developed with early years children and staff at McMillan Nursery School.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Kirkby Stephen
Date/ Time: Friday 18 October 2.00pm
Venue: Kirkby Stephen Sports & Social Club
Tickets: All tickets £5
Bookings: Call 017683 71885 or online at www.highlightsnorth.co.uk
Orton
Date/ Time: Saturday 19 October 3.30pm
Venue: Orton Market Hall
Tickets: Children’s tickets £5 or a £20 family ticket
Bookings: Call 01539 624732 or online at www.highlightsnorth.co.uk
