The Borrowers
adapted and developed with Bea Roberts
Tobacco Factory Theatres, 2018-19
Below the floorboards of a large house in Bristol, we are plunged into the quirky, wonky, miniature world of young Arrietty and her family of Borrowers. Making use of anything and everything they find ‘upstairs’, from cotton buds to crisp packets, string to Subutteo players, the Borrowers are the original up-cyclers.
However their quiet existence is torn apart by the arrival of a family of Human Beans and soon the quiet ticking of the grandfather clock is replaced by Hoovers, TVs and the sound of Tom Jones on the radio. Arrietty longs to see what life is like for the new family of giants and her friendship with the eight year old Eddie is the opportunity to do just that.
Adapted and Developed with Bea Roberts
Designer - Rosanna Vize
Composer, Musical Director and Sound Designer - David Ridley
Lighting Designer - Jess Bernberg
Circus/Aerial Director - Gwen Hales
Choreographer- Vic Hole
Assistant Director - Jenny Davies
Cast- Jessica Hayles, Craig Edwards, Peta Maurice, Simon Armstrong, Ellie Showering, Lucy Tuck and David Ridley.
"DELIGHTFULLY WHIMSICAL...THIS SHOW IS READY TO SMACK A BIG SMILE OVER YOUR FACE"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★- Broadway World
"DELIGHTFUL, PERFECTLY JUDGED ADAPTATION OF MARY NORTON’S MUCH-LOVED STORY"
★ ★ ★ ★ - The Stage
"A CHARMING, CAPTIVATING CHRISTMAS SHOW"
★ ★ ★ ★ - The Fix Magazine
"THIS CAPTIVATING FAMILY CHRISTMAS SHOW...FIZZES WITH EXUBERANCE, INVENTIVENESS AND FUN"
British Theatre Guide
“RAUCOUS FUN"
The Guardian
"IT’S CLEVER AND IT’S GREAT...THE MAGIC OF THEATRE IS DEFINITELY HERE"
Weston Super Mum
"WITH POCKETS FULL OF MISCHIEF, IMAGINATION, AND PARTICIPATION, IT’S A TRULY T’RIFFIC PERFORMANCE WITH MAGIC AND COURAGE FOR ALL AGES, AND IT’S INFECTIOUS"
★ ★ ★ ★ - Reviews Hub
"THERE’S PLENTY HERE FOR ‘BEANS’ OF ALL AGES TO ENJOY. THE PLAY’S LIGHTLY ADDRESSED MESSAGE OF TOLERANCE, KINDNESS AND RESILIENCE, NO MATTER WHAT SIZE YOU ARE, SEEMS A VERY SUITABLE CHRISTMAS TAKEAWAY."
★ ★ ★ ★ - Stage Talk Magazine