Soonchild

Red Earth Theatre in association with Arena Theatre Wolverhampton & Derby Theatre present
Soonchild
Based on the book by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Alexis Deacon

An epic Arctic adventure bathed in the brilliance of the Northern Lights.

Soonchild is a bold, beautiful and imaginative show for the whole family, bringing Russell Hoban’s enduring story magically to life using fantastical 3D and shadow puppets, superb storytelling, sign language, creative captioning, live music from acoustic trio, Threaded, plus a whole lot of fun and surprises along the way.

Set somewhere north of the Arctic Circle, Soonchild is the story of Sixteen-Face John, his wife and their baby, the Soonchild – who refuses to be born until she can hear the World Songs.

Follow John on a thrilling quest as he meets a constellation of cool characters including the most magnificent of all Polar creatures – the Ice Bear. John must find the World Songs and save the world, before it’s too late.

Dig out your snowshoes for an Arctic Adventure that’s so big-hearted it will melt an iceberg!

Soonchild is visually stunning, featuring a set which is full of elegance, clever tricks and majesty, transporting audiences to the Far North to experience the cosmic brilliance of the Northern Lights.

Red Earth Theatre have led the way in creating integrated and accessible theatre for families, making sign language and projected captioning an exciting and engaging part of the action on stage. Soonchild provides a very special chance for children and adults to enjoy theatre together whilst, at the same time being introduced to the visual and engaging nature of a new language – British Sign Language. Many children will love recognising and understanding some of the signs they will have learnt at school and through children’s television shows such as the BBC’s Mr Tumble.

The perfect introduction to the Arctic - its people and creatures , Soonchild is a gentle way to introduce children to themes of the environment and the role we all have in preventing climate change, Co-Artistic Director Amanda Wilde says, “It’s about the richness of life and the environment and the natural world gradually getting lost.”

Soonchild is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a modern classic brought magically to life in a fully integrated and accessible performance, created by one of the UK’s leading family theatre companies. A live theatre experience for the whole family, whatever their age.

Fully integrated BSL and creative captions