A joyful adaptation of Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-selling book, Stick Man, will be playing at the King’s Theatre on the 22nd and 23rd September. Touching, funny and original, this creative production features a trio of actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and dancing.
We caught up with one of the three stars, Kate Malyon, to find out more.
Tell us about the Stick Man stories?
Stick Man tells the story of a Stick who gets separated from his Stick family and his family tree and the hazardous journey he has trying to find his way back to them. He eventually gets help from a very special person.
What do you hope the audience will take away from the production?
If you don’t leave the theatre humming the tunes with a spring in your step, I’ll eat my hat. There’s also a really important message people can take away from the show – if you go for a jog, take a map.
What was your initial response to the script?
When I first read the Stick Man script, I was so pleased… and relieved. It’s a beautiful and true adaptation of the book. Full of all the fun, adventure, characters and lovely language so associated with Julia Donaldson’s writing.
Did you always want to be an actor?
Apart from a small stint of wanting to be an archaeologist after watching Jurassic Park, I don’t remember ever wanting to be anything else. It’s always been acting. I grew up doing a lot of local productions and being a member of most of the local drama, dancing and singing groups. Once I’d finished school I auditioned for drama schools and went to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts for three years. Since then I’ve been doing lots of lovely and varied work.
What was your favourite book growing up?
I don’t think I can choose just one.. I loved the Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories. I was also a big fan of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes. Ooh and The Famous Five. And The Faraway Tree. And The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe… this is a hard question!
What would you say to encourage people to buy a ticket?
Stick Man really is the family show not to be missed. We’ll take you on a real adventure, with music, singing, fun characters and maybe even a little routine with some rubber rings! But I can’t say any more about that. You’ll have to buy a ticket and come see for yourself.
