Children’s theatre company visits venues in Wales with thoughtful new show helping children to reflect on their experiences of isolation.

Theatr Iolo, the children’s theatre company based in Cardiff, are set to delight young audiences with a new show based on the 1975 children’s book, Owl at Home, by Arnold Lobel. The autumnal tale for children aged 5-11 is about an owl who lives by himself, but finds fun and friendship amongst the solitude.

Owl at Home has been written for the stage by Rina Vergano and is directed by Theatr Iolo’s Artistic Director, Lee Lyford, starring actor and musician George Williams as Owl. Although the original story is over 45 years old, this new version of the classic tale is set to be more relevant than ever, as the story explores and reflects upon what it’s like to spend lots of time by yourself; something children are more than familiar with due to the pandemic.

“We know that some children found the isolation of the pandemic really difficult, but for others they absolutely loved being at home. And course for many, their experience was a mixture of the two! This show gives children and families an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences and hopefully to remember the positives of spending time at home.”
Lee Lyford, Artistic Director

Owl at Home will also be the first Theatr Iolo production that works towards achieving the Theatre Green Book baseline standard, where at least 50% of the materials used in the making of the production come from reused or recycled sources and at least 65% go on to have life elsewhere following the show.

“We’re so excited to be using the Theatre Green Book to help make our productions more environmentally friendly. It’s such an important thing to be able to share with our young audiences. To be able to show them that if you are creative and put thought into what you’re making, then you can reduce the environmental impact whilst still retaining the magic!”
Michelle Perez, Executive Director

Owl at Home is a thoughtful and funny show about an Owl who lives alone in a cosy little home in the woods. With no one to talk to, Owl sings to himself and looks for ways to pass the time. He wonders about things a lot, but sometimes his imagination runs away with him and ordinary objects begin to take on a life of their own! Amongst the chaos, Owl finds an unexpected friend who’s willing to follow him to the ends of the earth... whether he likes it or not! An enchanting tale with music, Owl at Home shows us how friendship can be found in the most unlikely of places.

Owl at Home will take place from 19 October until 5 November 2022, at The Riverfront in Newport, Pontardawe Arts Centre, Torch Theatre in Milford Haven, The Welfare in Ystradgynlais, Chapter in Cardiff, and Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon.

Selected performances of Owl at Home will be Audio Described for young audiences who are blind or have a visual impairment. There will also be an opportunity for these audiences to go on a Touch Tour of the set prior to these performances. In addition to this, Theatr Iolo will also be offering a Relaxed Performance at Chapter in Cardiff. These are designed for young audiences who might need a more relaxed environment, such as those with autism or learning difficulties.  For more information please visit theatriolo.com

For schools, Theatr Iolo are offering workshops that explore what it feels like to be lonely or isolated, in a fun and creative way. These workshops are designed to help schools explore the impact of the pandemic on their learner's wellbeing. To find out more about workshops for schools please email hello@theatriolo.com
 

Owl at Home

The Riverfront, Newport
Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 October, 10am (Preview performances)
Saturday 22 October, 10am + 2pm
01633 656757
newportlive.co.uk

Pontardawe Arts Centre
Monday 24 October, 1pm + Tuesday 25 October, 10am + 1pm
01792 863722
pontardaweartscentre.com

Torch Theatre, Milford Haven
Thursday 27 October, 10am + 4.15pm
01646 695267
torchtheatre.co.uk

The Welfare, Ystradgynlais
Saturday 29 October, 2pm
01639 843163
thewelfare.co.uk

Chapter, Cardiff
Tuesday 1 – Thursday 3 November, 10am + 2pm (HALF TERM)
029 2031 1050
chapter.org

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon
Saturday 5 November, 10am + 2pm
01874 611622
brycheiniog.co.uk