Much of the wonder of Christmas lies in the innocent joy experienced by children at the simplest things… some of them involving their animal friends.
The first, Sam McBratney’s Guess How Much I Love You, follows the playful bedtime interaction between the Big Nutbrown Hare and his son, Little Nutbrown Hare. The story ranks among the most popular storybooks ever written for children.
The second, I Love My Little Storybook, was written and illustrated by Anita Jeram, who also illustrated Guess. This one centres on a child’s love for his most cherished book,
Mermaid Managing Artistic Director Jim Morrow outlines the Guess story for BarrieToday.
“The father attempts to tire the son out before settling him down in his bed of leaves for the night. It’s a true love story between a parent and a child who engage in a fun game and playful activity together before bedtime.”
Morrow adds, “I am personally enchanted with McBratney’s storytelling and Jeram’s illustrations and as a father of four, I can relate to this game of love, one I also played with my children when they were very young.”
In Storybook, “the audience is introduced to a young bunny who loves his picture book. Each page of his favourite book represents a new adventure that we have captured on stage trough puppetry, object movement, and beautifully composed music.
“The book,” continues Morrow, “is a joy to read and Mermaid’s adaptation celebrates the little bunnies’ enthusiasm and heightened imagination.”
The performers who bring the stories to life are two performer/puppeteers, Alex Cubbon and Melissa MacGougan, who, to quote Morrow once again, “skilfully animate all the objects (props/sets/puppets) in full view of the audience. Their movements are seamlessly integrated so that the audience's focus is mostly on the puppets.”
Mermaid has also engaged Mel Watkins from
Morrow cannot enthuse enough about his troupe – small in number but large on talent. “We are very proud that the beautiful work is enjoyed by audiences all over the world.”
Guess How Much I Love You and I Love My Little Storybook play the Mady Centre for one showing only, Saturday, Dec. 2. Show time is 2 p.m., and to learn more about it, please click here.
