DIG!

A play for babies and young toddlers!

Come and join us for music, singing and story – and stay to play amongst the plants in the garden we’ve created.

Running Time: 30 mins + 15 mins stay and play suitable for ages 6 months to 2 years.

This play has been specially written, made for, and tested on the age range 6 months to 2 years. It is ideal for babies who can sit independently through to toddlers forming their first words. The music and songs have also been composed especially for the age range. The story is gentle and simple. The audience join the gardener in his garden where they will meet the puppet mini bugs, bird and butterflies, see the sun rise and set, and experience the different weather over a day in the life of a garden. Each performance allows for only twenty babies/toddlers and their adults creating an intimate experience, and a friendly, rather than overwhelming, atmosphere.

Where will my baby/toddler sit? Your baby will sit with you, on our ‘garden’ floor, or on your lap on a chair. It is an experience that you will actively share together. The restricted audience number means that there will be plenty of room to get comfortable, and everyone will be able to see.

Will my baby/toddler be scared? We hope not! There are no sudden or loud sounds or events within the play. Although the puppets will come to say hello to the babies and toddlers, nothing will touch or ‘come at’ them. Our actor will sensitively respond to your baby and whether they enjoy being closer to the action or not. What if my baby/toddler cries / crawls away / needs feeding or changing during the show? We want you and your baby to relax and enjoy the show. Babies make noise. Babies and toddlers crawl and wriggle. Please do not worry that you have to somehow keep them quiet or still. If they do try to wander off please just gently guide them back to your lap. If you need to change a nappy you will be able to pop out and come back in again.

This is a very gentle introduction to theatre. It is carefully gauged to encourage your baby/toddler to engage with the set, story and the music. There are simple songs which you will easily pick up during the show, with movements which are easy to join in with.

The set recreates the gardener’s allotment. It has everything you might expect, grass, flowerbeds, even a garden shed. We don’t want to give too much away, but we hope you will feel magically transported as you and your baby sit amongst the plants. Will we get wet or muddy? No.

Can I take photos during the show? Please don’t. It distracts you, your baby and others from the story. You can take pictures during the stay and play session.

What happens during the stay and play? The 15 minute stay and play session is a chance to move and sing to some of the songs in the show, and to create rhythms and try out simple actions and puppetry using props inspired by the show. It is also a chance to take pictures, and for you and your baby to meet the actor.

Please note that there are two more showings at 11.30am and 1.30pm, bookable separately.