Little theatregoers will be inspired with live classical music from Australian Chamber Orchestra when The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escape) comes to The Art House in May.
It was written by award-winning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer (Magic Beach, Are We There Yet?), with an original score by Bryony Marks (Barracuda, Summer Heights High).
A prequel to Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale The Princess & The Pea, it is a whimsical and fantastical adventure about celebrating the little things in life as a sensitive princess is turned into a rebellious one, who longs to leave behind the glittery trappings of royalty to truly see the world.
Princess Isabella must find the courage to leave behind everything she knows to discover the things she doesn’t.
“The fact that this show is about the small things in life – and celebrating those small things to the point that the more you look for them, the more fascinating they become – is guiding all of our creative decisions,” Kruckemeyer said.
Marks said audiences could expect to hear a variety of different music styles in the page-to-stage adaptation.
“We start with a concert string quartet sound, so something that’s taking itself as seriously as you do when you go and hear chamber music in a concert hall, and then we splinter off into a variety of genres that are dictated by the sensations of the different scenes in the story,” she said.
“In one particular scene, for example, there’s a frenetic train sequence, and the music sketch that I’ve written for that scene is in a modern music style in that it’s frantic and arrhythmic.
“And then that evolves into a sizzling-hot lazy day at the seaside, and the music becomes almost jazzy.
“So different genres will brush up against each other.”
Marks said she was very aware of a short attention span in enthusiastic young audiences and the show contained lots of action and excitement.
The show was programmed as part of the theatre’s 2025 Education Program and caters to school groups (though general public seats are available).
The performance also includes a post-show Meet The Musicians session where audience members can ask questions about the performance, music and instruments.
The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee) will be at The Art House at 10am on Tuesday, May 6, and Wednesday, May 7.
It is recommended for ages 3-10.
Book on the theatre’s website: thearthousewyong.com.au
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