Hull’s youngest children are invited to snuggle up and get cosy at The Herd’s latest show, a sensory, musical adventure through the land of sleep.
Counting Sheeps, created by local Theatre Company The Herd, follows the story of two sheep who can’t get to sleep in a relatable story for babies, toddlers and the (very tired) adults in their lives.
The show includes bespoke sensory design made with babies and toddlers in mind, with opportunities for audiences to experience the show through touch and play, as well as story and music.
The show is touring the heart of communities in Hull, travelling to 20 venues over a six month period, to ensure as many babies, toddlers, parents and carers have the chance to experience it.
The Herd’s co-artistic director, Sam Caseley, said: “As a Hull company, we love sharing our shows with children in Hull, so for this show, that’s our focus.
“In a show that’s all about getting comfy, we’re going to places where families feel comfortable – Family Hubs, Libraries, Community Centres and Schools. Hull City Council, Hull Libraries and Back To Ours are partnering with us on the show, because they believe, like us, that young families deserve brilliant artistic experiences.
The show’s director, Ruby Thompson, said: “This show is being made by a group of brilliant artists and performers who really care about creating genuinely extraordinary experiences for very young children.
“We’ve got gorgeous live music, and plenty of sensory interaction in a show that also has a familiar storyline for adults – what on earth do you do when your child won’t go to sleep? It’s going to be a funny, heartwarming and tactile experience for the whole family.”
The creative team behind Counting Sheeps has experience producing high quality arts experiences for children and young people with shows, installations and projects made for The Southbank Centre, The Barbican, Tate, Hull Truck, Cast in Doncaster and Royal Exchange Manchester.
The cast includes Finlay McGuigan, who’s recently appeared at The Polka Theatre and The Unicorn and Parkey Abeyratne who has done shows for Leeds Playhouse and English National Opera.
Hull actor Sophie Clay (A Super Happy Story: About Feeling Super Sad) plays a sheep alongside Stasha Dukic, an experienced Early Years Artist who has worked with Playground Kent.
Tickets are released monthly on The Herd Theatre’s website, with tickets being free or very low cost.
Counting Sheeps is funded by Arts Council England and Hull City Council, with support from Hull Libraries and Back To Ours.
To find out more or book tickets, visit the Herd Theatre’s website here.
