Three Feathers Theatre Company Presents
Tortoise and Rabbit

Edinburgh Fringe it’s race day! Don’t miss it! Who will win?! Tortoise or Rabbit? Three Feathers is a new and exciting theatre company, bringing you a fresh twist on a classic tale in an original show inspired by children. Edinburgh will see the world premiere of this interactive, multi-sensory retelling of the timeless classic, with original music, puppetry, bubbles and more. This delightful adaptation was inspired by working closely with SEN (special educational needs) children - particularly on the autistic spectrum. The enthusiasm and creativity of these brilliant kids brought a unique and playful interpretation to the tale producing a charming story for all ages to enjoy.
Three Feathers’ unique approach takes a traditional story, pulls it apart in fun workshops with groups of kids, then bounces the fresh ideas into a newly devised show, performed by grown-ups. Three Feathers was founded by American actress Natalie Imlay in 2014, building shows based on the ways that real children interpret and relate to stories. Natalie and associate director Emily Hodgson have joined forces to create a unique new theatre company to inspire and represent a child’s creativity and playful nature.

Listing information:
Dates: 15-29 August
Time: 1.40pm
Where: ZOO, 140 Pleasance, EH8 9RR
Tickets: £8, £6 for under 16 year olds
Box office: [email protected] or 0131 662 6892


www.threefeatherstheatre.com                               
Twitter:​ @ThreeFeathersT
Facebook: /threefeatherstheatre

For further information, interviews and ticket requests:    
Natalie Imlay/ 07756024132 / 
[email protected]

We had a fantastic workshop session this January, with loads of bubble fun! 'Tortoise and Rabbit' is really now taking shape. The adaptation of this timeless classic has been inspired by working with SEN (special educational needs) to create a playful, multi-sensory production. Watch this space for further updates.

A big, big thank you to Isaac Peral for some fantastic photos of our première performance. Take a look! www.isaacperalphotography.com

Three Feathers had a brilliant première at the Streatham Tate Library, to a lovely, enthusiastic audience. They were very kind to give us some feedback and this is what they thought:

We at Three Feathers are very excited for our première of 'The Giant with the Golden Hairs'. Don't miss this fun and playful show inspired by the minds of some delightful 7 and 8 year olds.

26 July, 2pm at Streatham Tate Library  

Free Admission - donations welcome

We at Three Feathers are getting very excited about our première performance of a children's adaptation of the Brothers Grimm's 'The Giant with the Three Golden Hairs' at the Whizz Bang Pop festival on July 26.   Have a look at the original story to see what inspired the children to develop this fun and unique adaptation. 

The Giant with the Three Golden Hairs

Enjoy!

The Three Feathers working method comes from the practice and theory I developed as part of my MA thesis at Mountview Academy.

Having always had an interest in children's theatre, I wanted to use my Masters to develop a child-led process for devising theatre for young audiences, with a heavy influence on creation through play. I began the project by investigating how children perceive stories. I decided to conduct workshops with children using a story that was unknown to them, so they didn't bring any preconceptions to their ideas. I was very fortunate to have my lovely nieces and nephew willing to take part in these workshop sessions (with the extra incentive of some chocolate after a session). 

We worked over a period of ten days doing various activities. Firstly I read the story to them. I had them draw pictures and discuss the story with me and each other. Then I conducted "floor work", which involved physical, vocal warm ups and a lot of drama games and exercises. I then asked the children to play out parts of the story. I then developed a script based verbatim on their words and ideas. My role in this process was like that of an editor. The first draft of 'The Giant with the Three Golden Hairs' was performed by adult actors for children. 

When working with my adult actors, I did not want a strict or traditional rehearsal process. I essentially gave my actors the script and asked them to and go and play. I wanted to maintain this element of play and spontaneity found in the workshop sessions and to try to replicate that on stage.  

The first work-in-progress performance of 'The Giant with the Golden Hairs' went very well, the children really enjoyed the show. Since then I have been developing this concept to create Three Feathers.