The Bike Shed Theatre announce Christmas family show

Exeter’s Bike Shed Theatre, currently in the running for My Theatre Matters! Most Welcoming Theatre Award, is collaborating with the acclaimed, Bristol-based The Wardrobe Ensemble on a contemporary adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic tale, The Wild Swans.

A refreshing mix of comedy, physical theatre and live music, Eliza and the Wild Swans invites both children and adults alike to beat the winter winds and be transported to another universe. The story begins in a frosty town where Eliza, determined to beat the endless cycle of every-day life in a laundrette, escapes into the wilderness of her imagination for adventure. Along the way, she meets extraordinary characters who join her on a fierce quest to unite her family and bring about love in a cold-hearted place.

The Wardrobe Ensemble comes to Exeter fresh from its run of Riot at The National Theatre as part of the Limited Editions season which showcases work from Britain’s most exciting theatre makers. Riot premiered in Edinburgh 2011 to great acclaim, picking up five-star reviews and a nomination for Best Ensemble from the Stage Awards marking the company out as ‘one to watch’. The collaboration on Eliza and the Wild Swans underpins The Bike Shed’s commitment to presenting work from talented emergent companies and offering local audiences the chance to see high quality theatre from nationally recognised artists. David Lockwood, Director of The Bike Shed, said:

‘The creativity of this company is astounding. They use of every tool in their kit to make their imaginative pieces of theatre. All ideas are tested, the rubbish ones are discarded and what you're left with are beautiful, dazzling, well-crafted productions that impress and move in equal measure. It is fantastic to have one of the best emergent companies in the country down with us in Devon to create a magical Christmas show this year.’

Praise for The Wardrobe Ensemble’s Riot at Edinburgh Fringe included:

‘A cutting accuracy that draws genuine belly-laughs from the audience. A peerless performance’.
★★★★★ WHATSONSTAGE

‘The company weave live music and storytelling together with entertaining effect… A breathless, excitable quality’.
THE STAGE - MUST SEE!

‘A well-directed, well-choreographed, and well-performed hour of truly original theatre… nothing short of astounding.’
★★★★ FEST