Don't miss The Bus!

Wednesday, 9th April 2008

Barnstorm Theatre Company's Spring Production 2008

Have you ever been "the new kid on the block”? Scary isn't it?

Imagine you are just ten years old and starting at a new school. At least in class there is an element of adult supervision and control. On the school bus you are on your own in a minefield of shifting allegiances, uncertain loyalties, sudden hostilities, pranks and casual cruelties, and you must learn for yourself the rules for survival and acceptance.

Barnstorm Theatre Company is proud to present its 2008 Spring production - The Bus. Written by Maeve Ingoldsby and Barnstorm's Artistic Director, Philip Hardy, this play is suitable for children aged 6 - 12 years. Set aboard the school bus, the play follows the progress of the new boy as he is faced with the politics of the school bus, where he meets a myriad of characters from which he must distinguish the cool from the not so cool, swots from dossers, the geeks from the lads. He has to learn where to sit, who to talk to and when to lie low – in short how to survive as one of the gang. Through his eyes, we discover the mischief and mayhem of those bus journeys.

The Bus employs a highly physical style of presentation, incorporating elements of music and song, with moments of high comedy, tense confrontation and emotional truth, to create an exuberant, insightful and highly entertaining piece of children's theatre. The play has a large cast - 7 actors drawn from all over Ireland. Together the cast will depict 17 characters in this fast paced show! Barnstorm first produced The Bus in 2002 and it is one of the company's most popular plays to date. As always with Barnstorm, although the play specifically reflects the child's world, its universal theme makes it relevant to all ages.

The Bus will be performed in the Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford on the 17th & 18th of April. There are performances for schools at 10am and 12pm. Tickets: €10, group rate - €9 per student and they are on sale now from box office on (051) 855038. The running time of the play is 65 minutes approximately.

Barnstorm Theatre Company is Ireland's leading producer of professional theatre for children and young people. Based in Kilkenny and in operation since 1991, the company has built up a strong reputation for high quality, innovative styles of theatre presentation for young audiences. Through a proven commitment to touring, Barnstorm offers the widest possible access to professional theatre to children from all communities throughout Ireland., Barnstorm Theatre Company is a non-profit organisation which is principally funded by The Arts Council, with additional support from Kilkenny County Council and the Friends of Barnstorm scheme.