There is a world inside the well
A world of secrets yet untold
Where animals speak and toads will spell
Enter only if you’re not yet old

For time is almost running out
The special magic’s been forgot
We must hurry and find the spell
Will you journey down the well?

A production by Whale Chorus and Curious Legends, Well was an immersive narrative journey for young audiences aged 6-11, commissioned by the City of Newcastle’s 2022 New Annual festival. Theatre artists Conor Fox and Janie Gibson led children through a world of make-believe where they were invited to become the protagonists in an unfolding fairytale. Children entered an imaginative world through an immersive set where they encountered puppets, characters and riddles. The story unfolded through a series of games and challenges where children were invited to become creative problem solvers and work together to progress through the narrative. This production was a first stage development presentation and utilised the help of expert children to create the show.

Well centred children at the heart of the theatrical action and offered them a space to play, to govern the rules of their world and practise emotional bravery and empathy through creative play. With each challenge the children drew on a source of inner strength, be it compassion, collaboration or creativity. At the end of the theatrical journey the children emerged transformed and equipped with some new tools for living in our changing world.

Credits:
Co-produced by Curious Legends and Whale Chorus
Lead artist, designer and performer: Conor Fox
Lead artist, performer and producer: Janie Gibson
Performer: Stéphanie Rochet
Sound design: Huw Jones
Puppet maker: Rod Primrose
Photography: Photolook