Barnstorm Theatre Company is delighted to announce its latest production, a heart warming and enchanting adaptation of the beloved Aesop’s fable, The Tortoise and the Hare, set to run from 24 February to 14 March 2025. This timeless story, reimagined by award-winning playwright Brendan Murray, will captivate audiences of all ages at The Bank on the Parade in Kilkenny (R95 Y672).
The tale of Hare & Tortoise has been passed down through generations, teaching valuable lessons about perseverance, humility, and the true meaning of success. In this engaging adaptation, audiences will be transported through the changing seasons, beginning in the first bright bloom of spring, journeying through the sunny, spirited summer, the cosy crisp autumn, and ending in the sparkling snow of winter. The story bursts to life with fun, music, and captivating characters, making it a perfect experience for families and school groups alike.
Who’s the fastest? Who’s the winner? Excitable, energetic Hare or patient, peaceful Tortoise? Ready? Steady? GO!
The fable follows the Hare, who is confident in his speed and ability to win any race, and the Tortoise, who, though slow and steady, understands the value of determination and persistence. As the story unfolds, audiences will witness Hare’s overconfidence and complacency, leading him to take a nap during the race. Meanwhile, the Tortoise continues to move forward with unwavering focus and determination. The show stars Leanne Bickerdike as Tortoise and Éanna Grogan as Hare.
Leanne says “The characters are both very unique and bring two fun but different energies to the play, which I think the kids are really going to love.” She has just finished production on The Dublin Riots in the Axis Theatre as part of a commemorative piece for the year anniversary of the Dublin riots. Throughout September and October, Leanne worked alongside Barnstorm Theatre in their revival of The Bus written by Maeve Ingoldsby. This play ran as part of this year’s Dublin Theatre Festival, alongside a theatrical run in the Watergate Theatre Kilkenny. Leanne also had a sell-out run of her one-woman show RETCH, as part of the Dublin Fringe Festival 2023. Leanne was nominated for both The Bewley’s Little Gem Award and Best Performer.
Éanna feels very lucky to be working on such a high-quality production so close to home. He is a graduate of The Lir – National Academy of Dramatic Art (Class of 2019). Éanna has been involved in theatre and performance from an early age. The Clonmel native says “Hare & Tortoise reminds us that imagination knows no age limits, leaving both children and adults reflecting on the beauty of seeing the world through fresh eyes. The energy of Hare brought out the inner child I had long forgotten.”
Hare & Tortoise is also the first production for young audiences by Barnstorm’s new artistic director Janice De Bróithe. Energetic and enthusiastic Janice is passionate about theatre and especially theatre for young audiences. Janice’s love of theatre started from a young age and as a youngster she was involved in the Spotlight Stage School and Carlow Youth Theatre. Performance and the arts is in her blood and her father, Tom Brophy, was a founder member of Dolmen Musical Society in Carlow. Janice went to University College Cork where she studied Drama & Theatre Studies and also has a postgraduate diploma in Theatre Directing with LAMDA. Most recently Janice co-directed First Light, an immersive site-specific theatre spectacle made with and for the people of Carlow at Carlow Arts Festival. Janice also co-directed The Local by Asylum Productions which was a highlight of Kilkenny Arts Festival in 2023. Janice is very much looking forward to bringing Hare & Tortoise to life on stage. “I am excited to be bringing my first Barnstorm production to the young audiences of Kilkenny. This is a gentle story for little ones, ideal for schools, ages four to seven. Hare & Tortoise are fantastic characters that children will absolutely identify with, and it’s full of fun energy and imagination and sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.”
This enchanting adaptation not only brings to life the charming characters of Hare and Tortoise but also emphasizes the importance of friendship, opposites, and growing up. Brendan Murray’s Hare & Tortoise promises to ignite imaginations and create lasting memories for children and adults alike. The production’s vibrant and engaging storytelling, combined with its beautiful musical score, ensures an unforgettable theatre experience.
Have you spotted Hare & Tortoise on the parade yet? Yes, Barnstorm is performing the show in The Bank on the Parade, Kilkenny. The previous KBC bank premises were recently purchased by KIDCo, a registered charity formed to promote projects for the benefit of social and economic development in Kilkenny. Barnstorm is dedicated to making theatre accessible to all, and collaborating with KIDCo brings a great new dimension to the Parade.
Barnstorm believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre, and Hare & Tortoise is a perfect introduction to the world of performing arts.
