HELP! A Monster Ate My Story
Award winning Wellington-based author and illustrator Ruth Paul brings her much loved picture book characters to the stage in HELP! A Monster Ate My Story. This joyful new theatre adventure for children and families stomps through the April school holidays at Circa Theatre, Wellington from Tuesday 7 to Sunday 19 April.
When a mischievous Mish Mash Monster starts gobbling up stories, Ruth and her favourite characters Lion, Jellyfish, T Rex and Kiwi must band together to stop it. With help from the audience, the characters work to save their stories and rediscover the joy of imagination and collaboration.
Working from a straw bale studio on a small farm just outside Te Whanganui a Tara, Ruth Paul brings together characters from her popular books including Lion Guards the Cake, I Am Jellyfish and Stomp. She has written and/or illustrated 28 children’s books published in Aotearoa and internationally and is a multiple winner of the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Packed with original songs by Charlotte Yates, including the theme song HELP! A Monster Ate My Story, (watch the music video now), one of Aotearoa’s most respected songwriters, and brought to life through bold design by World of WearableArt veteran Fifi Colston, the production is directed by acclaimed theatre maker Jacqueline Coats. Together, the creative team delivers a playful, music-filled celebration of creativity and storytelling for tamariki and their grown ups.
“It’s great to see children light up when a story sparks their imagination. This show is about that moment when ideas feel just out of reach, and how play, teamwork and a bit of courage can bring them back.” says Ruth Paul.
The cast features Ruth Paul alongside Tadhg Mackay and Toi Whakaari graduate Te KuraHuia Henare-Stewart, who together bring a host of familiar characters to life through storytelling, movement and song.
The season includes a special post show Q&A with Ruth and the cast after the 1.30pm performance on Thursday 9 April.
Circa Theatre presents
HELP! A MONSTER ATE MY STORY
CIRCA TWO
7 to 19 April
No shows Friday 10 April
Tickets available via Circa.co.nz