Otto and The Robin
‘It would be hard to top this wonderful new family show for sheer warmth, originality and character.’
It is winter time and cold enough to snow. Otto lives at the edge of the Dorset village of Piddle under Puddle. He’s been invited to the annual Christmas party hosted by the chatty baker, and old school friend, Maggie. It isn’t that he doesn’t want to go, it’s just that he is very shy. He has decided to stay home on his own not talking to anyone, but one day a cheeky robin arrives and gradually a friendship develops which sees them singing duets and drinking tea together. When the robin goes Otto realises how lonely he has become and how he must be brave and step outside and make friends.
The show features a beautiful hand made puppet (by Polly Beestone), an original soundtrack and songs played by Otto on his banjo (composed by Angel Exit regular Tom Ball), and stunning design by Sarah Dicks (AUB graduate, The Ballad of Martha Brown, Cirque Bijou, Battle for the Winds). Otto was played by Oliver Grant in the first run (War Horse, Stick Man) and by Edward Grant on the second run. Lynne Forbes, Co-Artistic Director of Angel Exit Theatre operates the Robin and plays Maggie. The show is directed by Tamsin Fessey, co-artistic director of Angel Exit Theatre. During the development stage at Lighthouse, Angel Exit Theatre were joined by children’s book author and illustrator Alexis Deacon (Kate Greenaway nominated, Beegu, Croc and Bird, While you are Sleeping) who helped develop the story.
Otto and the Robin was commissioned by Lighthouse Poole and played there for three weeks Christmas 2015. The show completed a second run at Omnibus in Clapham Christmas 2016. The production was developed with funding from Arts Council England and support from Dorchester Arts and Marine Theatre’s programme R&D by the Sea.
Angel Exit were delighted to have been one of three finalists for an Offie (Off West End Award) for Otto and the Robin in the Best Production for Under 7s Category 2017.
‘Angel Exit Theatre has created an inspiring seasonal treat.’
‘From the moment the show started my Son snuggled up closer and we sat without moving for a long time, I almost didn’t want to breathe as I’d never seen him so transfixed.’
‘It would be hard to top this wonderful new family show for sheer warmth, originality and character. Perfect for Christmas, this quaint winter tale from Angel Exit Theatre is set in the fictional Dorset village of Piddle under Puddle and is a welcome alternative to the familiar festive stories.’
‘This show is fantastic. The audience engagement is spot on and really draws the crowd in. From dancing to shouting and casting magic spells it really keeps them engaged.’
Written by Tamsin Fessey and Lynne Forbes, directed by Tamsin Fessey, performed by Lynne Forbes with Oliver Grant (Lighthouse) and Edward Day (Omnibus Clapham), original music and songs by Tom Ball, design by Sarah Dicks, set building and stage management by Matthew Llewellyn Smith, puppet design by Polly Beestone.
