Co-produced by City of London Sinfonia and Landmark Theatres Trust Peterborough, The Wonderland Garden combines music and theatre to tell the story of a young person’s joy in discovering the wonders of the changing seasons, alongside their new friend Robin.
In a series of improvised soundscapes, three CLS orchestral players and a South Indian percussionist use their instruments to evoke the changing seasons as our protagonist forms a friendship with Robin (‘voiced’ by a flute or violin).
The Wonderland Garden provides a gentle exploration of the theatrical space with focused music and mostly nonverbal narrative, in a colourful garden set inspired by pop-up books.
The performance lasts about 25 minutes, followed by a 20-minute ‘stay and play’ session in which the audience is invited to interact with the musicians and their instruments.
The Wonderland Garden is an engrossing storytelling experience for little ones in a relaxed setting. Bring the whole family along for a charming introduction to the sound worlds of diverse musical traditions!
Director: Sarah Argent
Designer: Jennifer Taillefer
‘The most perfect piece of art to present to my daughter. I cried all the way through.’
—Audience member, Key Theatre, Peterborough
‘Mesmerising for adults and kids. Poetic.’
—Audience member, Deptford Lounge, London
‘My 18-month-old watched the whole thing! Very gripped, which is unlike him! And my 4-year-old was also engrossed in it! Very captivating!’
—Audience member, Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe
‘Wonderful initiative and engaging musicians – we would love more sessions! My 5-month-old loved it.’
—Audience member, Bethnal Green Library, London
‘My baby had such a good time, and so did I. Dancing at the end was a complete and unexpected joy.’