THE NIGHTINGALE
The most beautiful song is the song of freedom...


Photo: Andy Bilewycz © 2007


In a far away land to the East an old Emperor believes he has everything!
Then he hears of a little nightingale living in the woods, beside the deep, blue sea…

So begins Angel Heart Theatre's skilfully told tale about greed and the perfection of Nature.
Based on Hans Christian Andersen's story we offer this special show for everyone over 4 years.
Magnificent puppets, beautiful storytelling, evocative shadow theatre and original live music.


Middle photo: Martin Stoltze © 2007

Comments about 'The Nightingale':

Delightful show, beautiful music and singing, wonderful puppets- entertaining for all the family
and inpirational for the children. Thank you.
-The Young family

There were so many layers to it... so much that a parent and child can take home and talk about.
-Elin Berggren, teacher

Magical tale woven by the puppet masters.
-The Herald Express

This was my 'family' birthday treat-Thank you...Even my 13 year old son enjoyed it!
-Audience member, Salisbury Arts Centre

I thought Death was really cool!!
-Tom, aged 6

Thank you. I liked it. I cried a little at the end.
-Anna, aged 7

I don't think I've seen them all sitting so quietly!
-Teacher at The Topsham School

Thank you so much. It was just magic. Very healing and just what children can be nourished by.
-Audience member, Hawkesbury Upton Village Hall

A wise tale threaded with mischievous humour and wonderful puppetry. A pure gem of original theatre.
-Conrad Batten, artist


About the making of 'The Nightingale':

We use rod puppets in the show. Their heads, hands and feet were carved in limewood. Each head took about two days to carve and each puppet body took a week to complete. They were then given a fine finish to compliment the magnificent costumes by textile artist, Sue Field.

We use shadow puppetry for both setting the mood and helping to tell the story. The six scenes in The Nightingale and each of their puppets were designed using traditional Japanese wood-block prints as inspiration and then patiently cut out by Devon-based visual artist, Jo White.

The song was specially composed by Sophie Greatorex. As well as singing Sophie also plays enchanting bamboo flute during the performance.

'NIGHTINGALE'

Open your wings and fly to The Green Wood,
for that is where you belong.
Such natural beauty, contented when free;
enchant us once more with your song.

You comfort our sorrow, awaken our joy,
you sing from your heart of gold.
From dawn at the water's edge tears run down,
for the most beautiful song in the world.

For a Nightingale's voice lingers on in your dreams,
like ripples on the sea of your soul.
She will never abandon you, with fear in your heart;
if you cry she will answer your call.

You comfort our sorrow, awaken our joy,
so true is your heart of gold.
From dawn at the water's edge tears run down,
for your tale is freely told.

Open your wings and fly to The Green Wood,
for that is where you belong.
open your wings and fly;
and sing your freedom song.

Lyrics by Sophie Greatorex © June 2007


Photos: Andy Bilewycz © 2007 Liskerrett Community Centre, Liskeard.