The Instrumentals
A Little Angel Theatre, Blouse and Skirt Theatre Company, Goblin Theatre and Mercury Theatre co-production
Aimed at ages 4 - 11
At her Grandfather’s wake, Belle is feeling down so she slips into the basement and discovers his old dusty instruments. But far from being junk, The Instrumentals are pure funk, and they teach Belle to ‘get down’ in a whole new way.
Bursting to life with brilliant puppetry and bold music, the Instrumentals is full of love and laughter, about the memories we hold and how we celebrate life. This is a show for all children with characters, story & inspiration from the African-Caribbean diaspora. It’s full of uplifting original music with soulful sounds and seventies grooves.
Combined with innovative puppetry and lots of comedy, this fun musical journey will have audiences dancing in the aisles!
Click here, to view our programme.
★★★★
“A powerful piece of children’s theatre that is moving in every sense of the word.” – Broadway World
“A gloriously uplifting perspective on how to engage with grief (…) Do not hesitate: get your boogie boots on to see this excellent show.” – Everything Theatre
Production photos
Age guidance
The Instrumentals is aimed at ages 4-11. The story deals with the different feelings (sadness, confusion and anger) associated with grief and the loss of a family member (Grandpa) – all in a way that is appropriate for this age group, and is ultimately joyful and uplifting, celebrating his life. There is a lot of dialogue, and younger children may not follow everything.
Please also see the following resources, aimed at adults, that may help you to support your child and discuss death with them:
Guidance on telling a child that someone has died: https://www.childbereavementuk.org/telling-a-child-that-someone-has-died
Guidance for supporting bereaved children and young people:https://www.childbereavementuk.org/supporting-bereaved-children-and-young-people
Book our workshops
School Bookings
For KS1 & KS2 / Age 4-11 – see above for notes on age guidance
Curriculum links
English: Wishing Story, finding and losing story, Biography.
Topics/History/Geography: London Immigration, links to Black Caribbean and African diaspora communities in London and Black-influenced music.
Music: Identify a range of instruments, and experience musical genres drawn from different styles and traditions
PSHE: Bereavement/family relationships
Our Educational Pack will be available soon.
The Visual Story will be available soon.
Tickets for school groups are £6.50 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 6th April 2:00 pm. 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 15th April 11:00 am.
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.
Visual story for The Instrumentals 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 and directed by Mia Jerome
Composed by Cal-I Jonel
Set Design by Oliver Hymans
Puppets designed and directed by Oliver Hymans
Sound Design & Music Production by Féz
Lighting Design by Joshie Harriette
Performed by Maya Manuel and Elliot Liburd
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