Theatre Show inspires cuddly toy portraits

Exeter residents and their childhood cuddly toys are featured in a new exhibition by five young photographers.

The photos explore the special connection people have with their old favourite toys, and the stories behind them. The exhibition is the culmination of Quirk Theatre’s project reflecting on the themes of their new Christmas Show, The Velveteen Rabbit.

The company will be performing their new take on the traditional story during December. In the run up to the performance, they’re encouraging people to think about childhood memories, moving on, and the value of the toys we play with.

Producer Katherine Stevens said:
“In the show, a special toy turns into a real animal because it is loved by its owner. Through this project we’re encouraging people to remember their childhood experiences and think about the special connections they had with their favourite toy. Local people were invited to bring their toys along for a portrait, and we’ve heard some lovely stories during the process.”

Stories include a lion named Jaundice, given to his owner when she was born with the illness, a refugee from Damascus who was given a special gift when he left for England, and ‘Lucky’ – a prize in the Bonniest Baby competition.

During the project, artist Nicky Thompson has provided mentoring for the participants, helping them to create a series of portraits and choose the best ones for the exhibition.

Quirk aim to entertain audiences but also to provoke thought. The Velveteen Rabbit explores change, the transition from child to older child to young adult, what toys mean to us, and letting go of things as you grow up.

The toy rabbit in the play is compared with iPads, LOL dolls and mobile phones, but manages to reach beyond the technology and touch her owner’s heart – Quirk have set the original story in the present day. The main character in the show is worried about the approaching changes in her life, about going to a new school and how she will fit in – concerns shared by many young people through all stages of growing up.

The photography exhibition, TOY is at Exeter Phoenix until 17 Dec, after which it moves to CoLab Exeter.

Quirk’s Christmas show for children, their families and anyone who’s ever been a child, will be at Exeter Phoenix and The Plough, Torrington: