Best-selling children’s author and illustrator James Mayhew is the new patron of Norwich Puppet Theatre. Ahead of a special fundraising event this Saturday, he explains he wanted to become involved with one of the great jewels of children’s theatre
Days after being announced as the new patron of Norwich Puppet Theatre, award-winning children’s author and illustrator James Mayhew, is already helping to arrange a unique fundraising event for the children’s theatre. For Brush with Music on December 3, James will be painting live illustrations whilst world-renowned musician’s violinist Alex Redington and concert pianist Siu Chui Li will present a dazzling hour of much-loved classical music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns and others.
As well as being an illustrator and author of children’s books, James is a storyteller, artist and concert presenter/live art performer. He says: ‘Norwich Puppet Theatre is one of the great jewels of children’s theatre, not only in this region, but nationally. It is somewhere we should cherish, celebrate and nurture and I aim to do all three by becoming a patron.
‘I’m very honoured to have been asked to support such a unique and beloved place. I look forward enormously to forging a truly creative, inspiring and imaginative partnership, and helping the team develop new audiences through innovative and exciting new projects and performances for everyone.’
For over 40 years Norwich Puppet Theatre has created new shows for family audiences, performing in Norwich before touring in the UK and internationally. Its Creative Engagement Team works across the county providing hands-on experiences for schools, charity organisations, and public events – and it is one of only three dedicated puppet theatres in the country.
Theatre Director Peter Beck adds: ‘I am thrilled that James Mayhew is joining us as patron of Norwich Puppet Theatre. James is an award-winning children’s author and illustrator who has been creating his much-loved books for over thirty years. His work is widely known in homes, schools and libraries across the globe. James shares our passion of providing creative experiences for young people. His involvement will undoubtedly serve as inspiration to them.’
Brush With Music – Tuneful Tales & Musical Myths, With James Mayhew, Alex Redington and Siu Chui Li, takes place at Norwich Puppet Theatre on Saturday December 3, at 7.30pm. While Siu and Alex play, James will paint LIVE illustrations, capturing the fairy tales, legends and characters described in the music. The art created live on stage will be generously donated by James for auction at the end of the performance to raise funds for the Norwich Puppet Theatre. Tickets £6 Children, £12 adults. Visit Norwich Puppet Theatre
The provisional programme:
Stravinsky – Petrushka, Dance Russe
Dvorak – Rusalka, Song to the Moon
He Zhanhao/Chang Gang – Butterfly Lovers concerto
Rimsky-Korsakov – Arabian song from Scheherazade
Saint-Saëns – Danse Macabre
Mussorgsky – The Old Castle from Pictures at an exhibition
Tchaikovsky – Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker
Featured image of James Mayhew – copyright Nathaniel Rosa
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