• Over 10,000 school children will see the new production this June
• Show producers support travel costs for several schools to ensure pupils can experience theatre for the first time
• Basil and the Ice Witch is the brand-new musical adventure for 2018 and the sequel to the original Tickledom musical
• A production written, composed and produced in Wales
The musical Tickledom with its flower folk and magical kingdom has been entertaining audiences across Wales for a number of years and the team behind that success are now premiering its sequel Basil and the Ice Witch and it’s on its way to two of Wales’ major cities this summer.
Playing at Cardiff’s New Theatre from 19 – 23 June 2018 and Swansea’s Grand Theatre from 26 – 30 June 2018, over 10,000 children from schools in and around the South Wales area are scheduled to see the show as part of its specially scheduled school performances.
To ensure that children across the landscape of the two cities have an opportunity to see the show, which for some, might be the first time they experience the magic of theatre – the show’s producers have kindly supported the travel expense of coaches to and from the theatre for a number of schools. Richard Perry, the shows co-producer said “It is well established that a theatre visit and exposure to live performance has a huge positive impact on young people. We’ve made the decision to help schools make this happen by assisting where possible with transport costs and arrangements to remove one of the barriers to attendance. We are delighted that so many schools have appreciated this gesture and will be bringing such a large number of excitable primary school children to experience the magic of live theatre. So much so that we are having to schedule more daytime performances in both cities. More importantly we can guarantee them a fun, entertaining and educational experience and who knows, ignite a creative spark at the same time.”
This brand-new production which follows on from the original Tickeldom adventure, is based on the flower kingdom of Tickledom. The show aims to highlight and promote sustainability, equality and diversity whilst being an uplifting family musical which will leave audiences young and old blossoming this summer.
The show is written by John Manders and composed by award-winning Matthew Brind – the Welsh duo who were once referred to as ‘the Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice of Wales’.
Tickledom has been a long-standing passion for John Manders, in-between his variety of jobs which include being a full-time police officer, a former Welsh Youth International rugby player now Rugby Club administrator, school governor, actor and lecturer!
Cowbridge based Matthew Brind is the musical genius behind Tickledom’s productions. Matthew who is a composer, arranger, orchestrator, conductor, musical director and producer has previously worked on hit TV shows like X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, America’s Got Talent and Strictly Come Dancing. He’s recently been working on Paddington 2 the movie with Hugh Grant, as arranger and music producer.
John said “We pride ourselves in offering a fun and entertaining visit to the theatre for those 3 to 103, but those outside that bracket are welcome too! We have moved on from the original Tickeldom story by following our lead man Basil as he sets off on another adventure, with brand new songs and some new colourful characters alongside the original Tickledom favourites. Prepare to laugh, sing and clap along in this fully staged professional production which we hope will also showcase local talent and inspire the next generation.”
Has Fluella the Ice Witch struck again? When Princess Violet loses her knowledge of flowers, plants and herbs, Basil sets off on a perilous journey to discover the truth and find the mysterious Evergreen who he hopes can break the spell.
Local auditions are already underway, and the producers expect to cast exceptional local musical theatre performers playing the roles of Prince Tarragon, Princess Violet, Marigold, Dan D. Lion, Sting and Nettle, and Doc Leaf, as well as some new friends including the Good Witch Hazel and Daisy. Basil and the Ice Witch is a delightful new show for all the family with schools and general public performances now on sale at both venues. Schools need to check with theatres for up to date availability.
https://tickledom.com/ / https://www.facebook.com/Tickledom/
Tickets for Tickledom’s Basil and The Ice Witch’s public performances start from as little as £8. It plays at New Theatre, Cardiff from on 19 – 23rd June 2018 and Grand Theatre, Swansea on from June 26-30 2018, with Saturday family matinee performances at both venues at 4pm.
The show is suitable for busy-bees of all ages. To book, visit New Theatre, Cardiff on www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk / 029 2087 8889 or Swansea’s Grand Theatre via www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseagrandtheatre / 01792 475 715.