Prince Charming
By Jenny Worton
A Little Angel Theatre Production
For everyone over 6
Fine today … can’t get out of bed tomorrow. That was three months ago. I’ve been in these pants ever since.
It’s a lot of pressure being Prince Charming. There’s all those dragons to fight and kingdoms to save, not to mention being charming all the time. It’s enough to make anyone a little worried.
Holed up in his bed, Prince Charming is making a list of his worries – from being struck by lightning or getting stuck in quicksand to the problem of his unfortunate name. Somebody needs to come to our Prince’s rescue.
This musical is funny, endearing and suitable for anyone who’s ever felt a bit anxious.
Click here to view the Digital Programme.
“Enthralling, gloriously offbeat fantasy”
The Guardian
“Heartfelt Brilliance – a MARVEL to witness”
Seen Anything Lately
“Beautiful, touching and funny!”
Audience Member
“There will be children in every audience who recognise and identify with it”
Sardines Magazine
“An incredibly clever little show that really hit the spot”
CuriousMum
Production Photos
by Ellie Kurttz
Age guidance
Prince Charming is aimed at everyone over 6.
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 benches facing the stage. There will be up to 90 people watching the show (sometimes more if you come when there are school groups).
This isn’t an interactive show and there aren’t any particular points where the performers ask the audience to respond. However, even at shows for an older age range we don’t expect children to always sit silently – it’s ok to respond vocally. The audience stay in their seats while watching, but you can leave and re-enter the auditorium at any time.
The story is all about dealing with fears and worries, so this could affect children who share Prince Charming’s fears or feel sad for him, but the focus is on helping him to feel better and the tone is warm and humorous. Scenes where he is frightened by the dark and a thunderstorm may be alarming for younger children or those who are sensitive to the effects. The only time the prince is in danger is when he is stuck in quicksand, and then he acts calmly to get himself out. Other fears discussed include ‘the question of my existence’ and ‘the last day of the world’.
This is quite a ‘wordy’ show, with long conversations between the main characters in every scene, which will be more fun and engaging for children who are of an age to relate to Prince Charming’s thoughts and to get the references and jokes, for example when he complains that he’s ‘a general character…just a one size fits all character’ or when Gomo keeps saying ‘Tick!’ to imply she’s ticking his worries off on a list, and he objects.
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School Bookings
For KS2, KS3, KS4 / For everyone over 6
Curriculum links
English: Alternative fairy tales and exploring fairy tale characters
PSHE: Feeling sad, scared, lonely or afraid. Ways of expressing how you feel and dealing with emotions.
The Educational pack for Prince Charming can be found here.
The Visual story for Prince Charming 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 115 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: Thursday 30th May 2024, 2pm
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: Saturday 22 June 2024, 4pm
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 Prince Charming 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
Written by Jenny Worton
Directed by Elgiva Field
Designed by Oliver Hymans
Lighting designed by Sherry Coenen
Composed by Tom Gray
Associate Musical Direction by Anthony England
Lyrics by Jenny Worton and Tom Gray
Costumes by Allen & Adcock
Puppet Construction by Naomi Oppenheim
Set Build by Will Aubrey-Jones
Design Assistants – Valeriya Voronkina, Marcus Crofton.
Stage Managed by Alex Bradford
Performed by Elisa de Grey and Ruth Calkin
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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
My FAVOURITE theatre in the whole world!
– Neil Gaiman