Young theatre audiences and their families can experience Shakespeare in a fun and imaginative way when UK writer and actor Tim Crouch performs in March at the national theatre, on the Peacock stage. I, Peaseblossom and I, Malvolio introduce two of the Bard’s better known plays through their lesser known characters with disarming theatricality. Tim most recently wooed audiences with acclaimed performances of I, Malvolio in New York and Vancouver. Paying tribute to Tim Crouch’s artistry, Fiach Mac Conghail, Director of the Abbey Theatre said: “I am delighted to bring such a talented artist for the first time to our national theatre and I know that Tim’s shows will inspire a new generation to be curious about Shakespeare.”
Created for children aged 6 plus, I, Peaseblossom explores the story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream through the eyes of Shakespeare’s magical fairy, Peaseblossom. Neither male nor female, and not the most talkative of characters – Shakespeare only gave Peaseblossom one word to utter – this fairy inhabits the world by observing all the things that adults get up to in their lives – their conversations, love affairs, arguments, tears. In I, Peaseblossom, Tim Crouch allows us to experience how the innocent child, caught up in all the mayhem, perceives the complicated world of adulthood. This one man show is a beautiful prism through which young Shakespearians can view A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I, Malvolio is aimed at the 12+ age group.
I Peaseblossom runs on the Peacock stage from March 6th to 22nd. There are morning and afternoon performance for schools with tickets priced at €7 per pupil or €5 per pupil in DEIS schools.