Assembly
We all know you can easily get lost in a good book…but this production goes much much further than that, with the story spilling out from the pages and filling the entire room. Intricate papercraft, imaginative lighting and a beautifully handcrafted pop-up book combine to create a captivating world of magic, mystery and wonder…
We are greeted by the softly lit sight of the Bookbinder, fast asleep at his desk, surrounded by his tools and a sign reading ‘apprentice sought’…lone performer Ralph McCubbin Howell immediately has us intrigued. As he wakes, we are invited into this dark fairytale, following a a young boy who becomes a Bookbinder’s apprentice and, being keen to showcase his talents; takes on a repair of an old and rather eerie book. However, time is against him and forgetting to ‘never do anything that cannot be undone’, his final work is flawed. And so begins a fantastical journey into an unfamiliar world hidden within this curious book, where the apprentice must find a way to repair the gap he has unknowingly created. Using the exquisite pop-up book alongside clever lighting, shadow puppetry, detailed paper creations and simple props, the story gradually comes alive around us. We too are transported into this far off land following the apprentice as he struggles to restore what he has damaged.
Innovative and intimate, with superb storytelling drawing us deeper into the tale- the attention to detail is astounding. Arrive early to get the best view of the magic unfolding before your eyes…
My mini reviewer said : ”The beautiful puppets and set and the story-teller transported me to another realm…I liked the inky water bit best. ”
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