Stockholm’s Boulevard Theatre to Perform for the First Time in London

LONDON, 16 March 2015 – The Barnes Festival was founded with the aim of presenting some of children’s literature’s best known names alongside a few special treats that the audience will be unlikely to see anywhere. For our first festival we are presenting the UK premiere of the stage production of Chris Haughton’s award-winning picture book, A Bit Lost, by the Boulevard Theatre from Stockholm.

The Boulevard Theatre is one of Sweden’s largest independent theatre companies but they have never before performed in the UK.

Their very funny production about being lost and finding friends which combines playful puppetry with mime and physical humour, is directed by Svetlana Biba, who is also a creative consultant to Cirque de Soleil, and features set design and puppets by Oliver Smart, whose many credits include designing and delivering a masterclass for the War Horse puppeteers at the New London Theatre.

‘The theatre of the imagination at it’s best’ said Expressen about the Boulevard Theatre.

A Bit Lost was the first book by author Chris Haughton in 2011 and established him as one of the most exciting new voices in children’s literature. It went on to win numerous publishing prizes both in the UK and internationally including the AOI Best of British Illustration Gold Prize, the Booktrust Best New Illustrators Award and the Irish Children’s Book of the Year.

Chris worked closely in London with the ‘brilliant’ Oliver Smart and the Folded Feather theatre company in the designing of the puppets.

He said he seen the show twice in Sweden ‘and loved it’ but has never seen the show performed in English and is looking forward to coming to Barnes. ‘I am so happy that the stage show of A Bit Lost is coming to the UK and that children here will have the chance to enjoy it too.’

A Bit Lost will be performed by the Boulevard Theatre at the OSO Community Arts Centre as part of the first Barnes Children’s Literature Festival at 3.00pm on Saturday 25 April. Perfect for the very young aged 3+.

Actors: Emma Swenninger and Jonathan Silén
Director: Svetlana Biba
Lighting Design and Technology: Kundali Löfstrand
Music Composition: Jörgen Aggeklint
Set Design/Dolls: Oliver Smart (UK)
Costume: Nerea Villares (UK)

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM www.osoarts.org.uk/