Preview: Yellow is The Colour of Sunshine

tutti frutti theatre company presents this world premiere, written by Brendan Murray, at Carriageworks on 18 May, and at Seven Arts on 13 June.  In between and beyond those dates, performances take place in various towns across the UK until 14 July.

Yellow is the Colour of Sunshine is for children of 3 and above.  The production uses sign language, spoken word, movement, Japanese-inspired design and a cast of three to tell the charming story of two friends.  Young and old alike can follow the tale of a small boy and girl – one big and noisy, one small and quiet – who learn how to tell what’s in their hearts, with the help of some dancing magpies.

A life of playing by the blue sea, running through the green fields and dancing in the yellow sunshine changes when the sky turns grey.  

tutti frutti consulted with Professor David Cottrell, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Leeds University, who as scientific advisor on Yellow is the Colour of Sunshine, has played a role in developing its themes of encouraging emotional literacy in young people. 

 tutti frutti’s Artistic Director Wendy Harris says, 

“New writing is one of the vital aspects of our work as a theatre company for young people; we commission and collaborate with leading children’s playwrights to create high-quality original new plays. For Yellow is the Colour of Sunshine, we wanted to create a piece for theatre’s youngest audiences and their families and carers that explores emotions and the importance of identifying and understanding feelings. As with all our work, we’re doing this in a positive, fun and creative way to make a memorable shared experience. 

 We’ve been on an exciting journey with our creative team which involves bringing Brendan’s superbly playful script to life with striking Japanese design and wonderful original music by Christella Litris. This includes working with a d/Deaf performer in addition to a dancer and spoken word performer – to really open up communication through a production that speaks in many languages to create a vibrant and magical show for children and their adults.“

Designer Kate Bunce, Movement Director and performer Holly Irving, Composer Christella Litris and Lighting Designer Sara Burns.

Leeds-based company tutti frutti has for three decades been producing  theatre for young audiences, including interpretations of classics as well as new writing.

 Playwright Brendan Murray’s award-winning plays for young people and families include for tutti frutti The Hare And The Tortoise, Monday’s Child and When We Lived In Uncle’s Hat.  He studied drama at Huddersfield Polytechnic before embarking on a career as a playwright, director and teacher. He was the recipient of the Writer’s Guild Of Great Britain Award for Best Play: Children and Young People in 2009 and 2012.

Director: Wendy Harris; Designer: Kate Bunce; Composer: Christella Litris; Movement Director: Holly Irving; Lighting Design: Sara Burns.

www.tutti-frutti.org.uk 

Photographs provided by Amanda Trickett PR.

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