After a sell-out tour of the southwest in 2017, Wiltshire-based theatre company The Last Baguette are bringing this touching, madcap and heart-warming Christmas show for all the family to Swindon Central Library. Formed in Paris in 2009, the group are company in residence at Pound Arts, Corsham and bring international theatre artists to North Wiltshire to create high quality touring theatre.
“The energy and commitment of the company is infectious. This is unique small scale theatre with a great heart. Accessible and definitely daft… the pace never falters and the use of physical theatre ensures beautiful imagery and memorable moments.” Theatre Bath
Having delighted audiences in 2017 The Last Baguette return with their adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl. “It is a wonderful story,” says director Susana Alcantud from Spain, “it goes right to the heart of what Christmas means.” In this magic, humorous and poignant show, The Last Baguette use visual storytelling, live music and puppetry to shine a light on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic winter tale. The script is written by T. A. Woodsmith, winner of the Sunday Times Playwriting Award.
The show follows Alice, a match seller in Victorian London. We meet her in the morning and follow her throughout the day, as she encounters the funny and zany characters of the vibrant city streets.
In an attempt to stay warm she strikes a match, then a second and third. In the cold the flames blaze to life and the flickering fire illuminates her fantastic Christmas visions. With each strike we enter the tumultuous world of her imagination, meeting talking turkeys, dancing rats, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their chattering Christmas tree.
The Last Baguette specialise in creating touring work that can be performed in a wide variety of venues. ‘We are performing in local libraries and village halls as well as theatres, because we believe it is important that everyone has access to high quality theatre, no matter your geographic or economic situation” says Sidney Robb, producer. The Last Baguette are company in residence at Pound Arts, Corsham and make fast-paced, irreverent physical comedy. Their work is entertaining, accessible and eccentric. The company was formed from a shared love of theatre, bakery and humour in Paris by graduates of the Philippe Gaulier and Jacques Lecoq schools in 2009. They believe in the power of physical comedy and silliness to talk about important issues of our times.
“Expert physical comedy and storytelling from The Last Baguette. The live music and song was a real treat too. Stunning costumes, men playing women, puppets, songs about poo, bags of humour for young and old.” Gemma Alldred, Programme Manager, Bridport Arts Centre
For booking information or to find out more about the project, the theatre company’s website is: www.thelastbaguette.com or contact them on thelastbaguette@gmail.com
Age Guidance: Suitable for everyone age 4+
Trailer: https://youtu.be/Az8nddV8UuE
Twitter: @TheLastBaguette
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/last.baguette
Swindon Central Library, Tuesday 18th December, 6.00pm
Booking: At the library / 01793 466454 / poundarts.org.uk
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