Press Release
World Class Childrens Theatre Comes to Shetland
Shetland children are getting the chance to see world class children’s theatre next week as part of the 21st Bank of Scotland Imaginate Festival.
Created especially for 9 - 12 year olds, The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk is a tale of friendship and the complex pressures of school. Simon and Martin are the new boys in school and quickly become best friends. On one ill fated school trip a misunderstanding leads Simon to become known forever as Pondlife McGurk. Why did Martin betray him, and will they ever be friends again? You can find out the answer to this question by attending the public show on Thursday 27 May at Bells Brae Primary School.
Whalsay Junior High School P5 class are participating in a ground breaking project with Imaginate, and played an integral part in persuading all involved to bring this play to Shetland. SIC Schools Service Creative Links team, Shetland Arts and Imaginate have all responded happily to this challenge. There are two performances for schools in Brae Hall and Whiteness and Weisdale Hall as well as the public performance.
Councillor Rick Nickerson said “We are delighted to have theatre of this calibre coming to Shetland. I am sure the bairns will have a great experience.”
The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk, is by Scottish theatre company Catherine Wheels. Martha, a previous production brought to Shetland by Catherine Wheels, inspired one pupil to state “it was so good it should have been on TV, it would even make cops and robbers get along”. High accolade from a 7 year old. The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk has just played in Edinburgh, and is also receiving great reviews from children, teachers and journalists alike.
Tickets for the public performance at Bells Brae Primary School (7 pm) on Thursday 27 May are available from Shetland Box Office, priced at £5 for adults and £3 for children.