Chicken Licken: A Tale Jam, a new musical version of the traditional children’s story, is to tour the North East in late March and during April. It is written, narrated and directed by Ruth Mary Johnson who has directed a string of hugely popular children’s shows throughout the North East, including Do Not Enter the Monster Zoo, Hey Presto!, Man on the Moon and The Worst Princess, and recently directed The Winter’s Tale for young audiences for the National Theatre.
“A Tale Jam,” explained Johnson, “is a bit like a Story Gig and the show starts with a band about to play a gig until something unexpected happens. I have always been interested in how performers and audiences can share ownership of the story being told and our audiences will play a key role in deciding what happens.
“I can't wait to meet our audiences who will help us to “Tale Jam” this feathery tale of fake news and fun.”
Newcastle-based composer, actor and musician Calum Howard will play the villainous Foxy Loxy. He has toured across the UK and Europe with several bands and has played several live radio sessions on BBC 6 Music, performed on Later with Jools Holland and supported Placebo on their 20th anniversary UK arena tour. He also composes soundtracks for films and animations, performs live cinema scores, and continues to perform and release music with the live electronic band Grey Tapes.
Having already performed in Man on the Moon, Do Not Enter the Monster Zoo and Izzy Gizmo: a Story Gig, he says, “I am eggstatic to take on the role of musical director for Chicken Licken: a Tale Jam and can’t wait to take this storytelling band on the road!”
Completing the company of three is Northumberland actor Liam Scarth playing Chicken Licken. He trained at East 15 and his credits include Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood with Chapterhouse, Playing Up at Northern Stage; and, most recently, The Climate Change Project with Cap A Pie Theatre. He works regularly with Mortal Fools and Lawnmowers Theatre Company as a facilitator.
The show tours to:
- Caedmon Hall, Gateshead (29 March at 1:00, 30 March at 11:00).
- Anfield Plain Library (6 April at 10:30)
- Pelton Community Centre (6 April at 2:00)
- Peterlee Library (8 April at 10:30)
- Newton Aycliffe Library (8 April at 2:30)
- Greenhills Community Centre (10 April at 10:30)
- Blackhall Community Centre (10 April at 2:30)
- The Witham, Barnard Castle (11 April at 11:00
- The Lodge. Blackhill and Consett Park (12 April at 10:30)
- Arts Centre Washington (13 April at 11:00 and 2:00)
- The Gala Theatre, Durham (14 and 15 April at 2:00 and 4:00)
- Tow Law Community Centre (17 April at 11:00)
- Crook Library (17 April at 3:00)
- Chester-le-Street Library (18 April at 10:30)