Run, run, as fast as you can for Stuff and Nonsense’s production of The Gingerbread Man

Acclaimed family theatre company Stuff and Nonsense have announced their UK tour of The Gingerbread Man. Created in close collaboration with primary school children, this deliciously mischievous production combines inventive puppetry, original music and plenty of humour to reimagine the classic tale for young audiences. The Gingerbread Man opens at The Albany, Deptford and then performs at Lakeside Arts, Nottingham in February, with further dates to be announced.

From his creation in the kitchen to his adventures on stage and his introduction to the world, the story follows the Gingerbread Man, the bravest biscuit of all time, as he sets off on the journey of a lifetime. Using his wits to escape anyone who finds him tasty, he encounters a host of unexpected characters and adventures along the way. His journey takes him far beyond the traditional tale, as he travels across farms, railways and the world, chased by the wiley fox. Performers Hobbit and Jake England-Johns use hand-crafted puppets and props to play the many characters and create the settings the Gingerbread Man encounters along the way, inviting audiences to follow his epic quest.

Niki McCretton, Artistic Director of Stuff and Nonsense Company shares, This production of The Gingerbread Man is a contemporary adaptation of a classic tale. It was exciting to develop this story, working with children (ages 3-9) during our R&D, revealing that this story still holds great interest for them.

Their fascination seems to lie in the energy of The Gingerbread Man who must run, without knowing why or who he is. Children seem to enjoy the dangers and the opportunity to explore different ways they would survive. I was excited to explore how he finds his feet in the world.

The original story is a brilliant catalyst. I love its energy and pace, as well as all the different animals and characters he comes across. In the original, he doesn’t even know where he is running to, so this is an opportunity to be inventive and find him in an imagined destination – a place that represents hope, and a child’s idea of what their life might be when they grow up. It also shows a struggle, determination, loneliness, resilience and the courage to be dauntless.

Founded in 2000, Stuff and Nonsense Company has performed to more than 400,000 audience members and is recognised for their thought-provoking and playful family theatre. Led by Artistic Director Niki McCretton, Stuff and Nonsense work with children, families, artists and theatres across the globe to make memorable and rewarding shows.

The Gingerbread Man was created with public funding from Arts Council England, support from The Berry Theatre, Hedge End & The Point Eastleigh, with additional support from Salisbury Playhouse and The Lyric Theatre Bridport.