POSTPONED: Paper Aeroplane
Sarah Gaffney-Lang, Families Editor
Explore complex emotions light-heartedly in Lots of Odds’ brand-new show for children, Paper Aeroplane at Waterside Arts. Prepare for flight with two new friends as they take to the skies, leaving the every-day behind in pursuit of faraway lands. They touch down in mysterious new places and discover oceans to swim in, rocks to clamber over and bridges to cross. But where will they fly to next?
the mood is never sombre though, as the mix of music, puppetry, physical movement is genuinely entertaining.
Directed by Amber-Rose May (who tutors at Blackheath Conservatoire) with performances from husband-and-wife Michael Gonsalves (who played Baloo in the Lion and Unicorn Theatre’s 2013 production of The Jungle Book) and Claire Burns, Paper Aeroplane sensitively explores themes of loss, bereavement and grief in a format that is entertaining, light and yet addresses challenging emotions directly in a manner appropriate for the audience. The subject matter – loss and grief – is deeply personal to Gonsalves since the death of his father a few years ago. Now, he feels a need to raise awareness around the challenges young people (and especially children) face as they attempt to piece their lives back together and navigate a world often discussed by grown-ups in hushed tones.
Paper Aeroplane is Lots of Odds’ latest show and follows their hugely popular production The Goose Who Flew (which focused on community, integration, and empathy as overarching themes). This is what they do best – produce work that has been co-created to an extent – with input from children to explore and respond to, issues they face. The mood is never sombre though, as the mix of music, puppetry, physical movement is genuinely entertaining.
While you are there, enjoy refreshments at Waterside Art’s Sup Bar & Coffee House which serves a wide selection of beers, spirits, wines, coffees, and teas pre- and post-show. Preordering is available for large groups and interval drinks.
We think Paper Aeroplane is a truly touching production with inspiring aims around generating discussion on a hugely important topic – particularly amid the coronavirus pandemic. Entertaining and moving in equal measure, this show is not to be missed.
Aimed at children age three and up.
Please note that due to the current coronavirus restrictions this performance has been postponed until at least May 2021.
