Medusa's First Kiss
A Little Angel Theatre and Cuckoo Bang Theatre co-production
A brand new punk rock musical
Book & Lyrics P Burton-Morgan
Music & Lyrics Holly Mallett
For everyone over 10
Following the short film commission from Little Angel Theatre in 2022, the world premiere of Medusa’s First Kiss plays at Little Angel Theatre this season.
Medusa has just started at Olympus High. Look, there’s sports star Atlas out on the field, Aphrodite cheerleading from the side, goth Persephone hanging out by the school gates and don’t forget mysterious school-witch Circe… Maybe this is the school where Medusa will finally learn how to fit in. But soon enough she’s out with the gods, as mean girl Athena writes a load of nasty words on her locker and even her own snakes-for-hair decide to give her the cold shoulder. She’s on her own.
Will she ever find friends, let alone love? And who will help her along the way?
Through playful knitted puppetry and electrifying punk rock music from Holly Mallett (Moxy in CBBC’s Andy & The Band) and P Burton-Morgan (In The Willows, Little Mermaid, Jungle Book) this brand new musical of self-acceptance and friendship is brought thrillingly to life. Percy Jackson meets Heartstopper, with rock songs.
Click here to download our digital programme.
★★★★ “Delightful, adorable, something for all ages”
To Do list London
“Powerful and uplifting”
Audience Feedback
Production photos by Ellie Kurttz
In the rehearsal room…
Age guidance
Medusa’s First Kiss is aimed at everyone over 10. Our shows for older children are challenging, and explore ideas that are relevant to them and to all of us – we don’t give an upper age because we are recommending the show for young people and adults too. These shows can be less suitable for children under the given ages for many reasons, including more mature themes, complexity of language and narrative, and subject matter or scenes that some may find scary or upsetting. We appreciate that everyone is different and age ranges can only be a rough guide, so it’s most important that you read all the guidance before booking for the child you would be bringing.
This show has standard theatre seating – rows of chairs facing the stage. There will be up to 58 people watching the show.
Visually, the show does not contain anything likely to be troubling (unless you are afraid of snakes!). However, the characters are young people at secondary school exploring emotions and relationships, including romantic relationships. The story deals with bullying, including online bullying. There is a scene where girls talk and sing about dealing with unwanted attention. Another song touches on adult relationships when Hera / the headteacher sings about her marriage to Zeus.
There are some references to sexual orientation and gender identity. The character of Circe uses they / them pronouns and one of the snakes says they identify as non-binary.
There is sophisticated vocabulary in places, and ideas and references that might be new to young people, but it isn’t necessary to understand every word, or to be familiar with the mythical Greek figures, to follow Medusa’s story. All ages can enjoy the music and puppetry, but children who are much younger than the teenage characters may not relate as well to the feelings they are expressing or the issues they are facing.
The Visual story for Medusa’s First Kiss can be found here.
School Bookings
For KS2, KS3, KS4 / For everyone over 10
Curriculum links
History/English – Greek myths and legends
PSHE: Exploring identity and feelings around confidence and friendship
The Visual story for Medusa’s First Kiss can be found here.
Tickets for school groups are £7 for each adult and each child (weekdays before 3pm, during Islington term time only). Free adult tickets are available for children who need 1:1 support.
Before requesting a booking, please check dates, times and availability here. Maximum school capacity for this show is 64 people per performance.
Please fill in our school booking enquiry form here.
Download our information for undertaking a risk assessment for school visits here.
Accessible Performances
BSL Interpreted Performance: 4.45pm on Thursday 4th April
Click here to book tickets.
These performances are provided for those who use British Sign Language. The interpreter will be at the front of the stage and lit with a spotlight. They will provide a linguistic and artistic interpretation of the show for people who are D/deaf or for whom BSL is their preferred language.
Relaxed Performance: Sunday 7th April 2024, 2pm
No online booking for Relaxed Performances – please call 020 7226 1787
Relaxed Performances are provided for people who would benefit from a more relaxed environment, or are uncomfortable with sudden lighting changes or loud noises, including those with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, sensory or communication needs or a learning disability. Find out more here.
The Visual story for Medusa’s First Kiss can be found here.
What is a visual story? Find out more here.
If you are interested in arranging a weekday Relaxed Performance for a school group, please contact boxoffice@littleangeltheatre.com
Credits
Book & Lyrics by P Burton-Morgan
Music & Lyrics by Holly Mallett
Directed by P Burton-Morgan
Choreographed by Mark Smith
Musical Supervisor Erika Gundesen
Sound Designed by Adrienne Quartly
Lighting Designed by Jess Brigham
Set & Costume Designed by Ellie Mills
Puppets Designed by Aya Nakamura, P Burton-Morgan
Associate Directed by Beth Wilson
Additional Puppetry Construction by Ellie Mills
Shadow Puppetry by Ellie Mills
Stage Managed by Josie Shipp
Stage Managed by Duncan Earlham
Performed by Holly Mallett, Chloe Morley and Nadia Wyn Abouayen. (The role of Medusa is shared by Holly and Nadia)
Videography by Jamie Scott-Smith and Joseph Lynn
Photography by Ellie Kurttz
Illustration by Amberin Huq
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Magic. Pure innocent, delightful puppet magic. A wonderful family outing.
– Benedict Cumberbatch
Little Angel Theatre is a magical place. They have brought many of my books to life on stage, and they do so creatively whilst remaining faithful to the books. It is wonderful to see so many children enjoying this special THEATRE.
– Julia Donaldson
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– Neil Gaiman