The Princess & the Pauper
The Princess And The Pauper (2021)
Coming from Hordern Ciani in 2021, The Princess And The Pauper is a magical new theatre adaptation of Mark Twain’s novel, “The Prince And The Pauper”. This show brings together the stunning new music of Teresa Barlow (composition includes television, theatre, and orchestral arrangements for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra) and Dave Simpson’s skilled and sensitive story-telling, as previously seen in Hordern Ciani’s musical productions of The Railway Children and The Secret Garden.
**NEWS FROM THE PRODUCERS **
It’s with regret that we are starting the week with the following news…
Due to a member of the production team testing positive for Covid, and in order to keep everyone involved with the show, including our audiences, as safe as possible, we have taken the decision not to open our upcoming production of The Princess and the Pauper tomorrow (17th August) as planned. We will now be opening on Tuesday 24th August at 7pm with performances every night until Saturday 28th, plus two matinees.
This has been a difficult decision for both Swanage Rep and The Mowlem, but our top priority is the well-being of performers, production crew, staff and audiences. With that in mind, three members of the backstage crew are now isolating as a precaution.
We are following all government guidance and are committed to delivering this production and the rest of the season safely and enjoyably for the people of Swanage and beyond.
If you have booked shows for this week (17th - 21st August) the box office will be in touch, and we very much hope you are able to attend one of the dates next week.
We’ll keep you updated on social media, but for now, we’ll see you from the 24th when the magic begins with The Princess and the Pauper.
Plot Summary
Tess Canty and Elizabeth Tudor look alike, but their lives could hardly be more different. Elizabeth is Princess, heir to the throne, whilst Tess is a miserable pauper. Until one day fate intervenes and for a while, each must see how the other lives.
Suitable for the whole family, this is an entertaining and rollicking tale of mistaken identities. This fully deaf-accessible production enhances the magic and musicality of the story with British Sign Language, incorporating deaf and hearing actors, sign song, and BSL-inspired choreography.
Development
In March 2021, the Culture Recovery Fund from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport awarded a grant for the development of The Princess And The Pauper as a show fit for 2021 and the challenges that social distancing may pose to theatre audiences. As long as theatres can stay open P&P aims to be entertaining. Future plans will be announced soon.
“As a theatre professional and the parent of a profoundly deaf child, the lack of accessibility to shows has saddened me. There have been so many productions that I wanted to share with my son, and such limited opportunity to do so. We would like to lead the way in showing how creating a fully accessible piece can enhance the experience for everyone. And for the deaf audience, this will not just be an interpreted performance, but an equal one. That is what I want my son to see.”
- Katherine Mount, Producer
