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Wonderful Beast’s Storm of Stories

There’s a storm coming, but this isn’t just any storm it’s got nightingales, tsars, wild men, fairies and changelings… join Wonderful Beast for their third wondrous celebration of myths, legends, folk and fairy tales brought to life by world-class artists and members of the community, through theatre, opera, storytelling, music, dance, and visual art.

The festival gets underway with a magical newly commissioned community opera, The Nightingale, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s story of the same name. Composed by John Barber, the opera features students from Aldeburgh and Leiston Primary Schools and Alde Valley Academy, The Wonderful Beast Singers and Aldeburgh Young Musicians who will all perform alongside a fabulous professional cast. This is Wonderful Beast’s second community opera after the wild success of The Six Swans. The Nightingale is produced in partnership with Pro Corda and will be performed at Leiston Abbey, 29 and 30 April.

The epicenter the festival is the Pumphouse on the atmospheric Aldeburgh marshes, themselves a hot bed of bogles and will o’ the wisps. Throughout the weekend there will be an exciting range of performances and activities, from Orla and the Sun, a musical experience for babies and early years, free art workshop activities with artists, illustrators and writers, Shakespeare for children, storytelling for families and late night performances for grown-ups by storytellers from the legendary Crick Crack Club; plus there will be a chance to see the previously sold out Return of the Wildman, a one man show starring Martin Bongor written by local writer Thea Smiley. Impromptu music and readings of favorite tales in ‘Story Corner’ will keep you entertained whilst enjoying delicious food and drink from local suppliers.

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As well as working with world-class artists, Wonderful Beast prides itself on working with members of the community to provide accessible events for local people, and the festival’s closing event does just that. Featuring local storyteller Stephen Bayfield and step dancers Doreen West and Lenny Whiting, Tales for Tea will be a glorious celebration of comic Suffolk tales.

So, whether it rains or shines make your Bank Holiday weekend a story to remember.

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Storm of Stories will take place from 28th April to 2nd May:
28th April – Aldeburgh Library (10.30-11.30am)
28th April – Leiston Library (1.30-2.30pm)
30th April to 2nd May – The Pumphouse

For more information/tickets visit: www.wonderfulbeast.co.uk, or book via The New Wolsey Theatre, Box Office: 01473 295900, tickets are free.

The Nightingale will take place 29th April (7pm) and 30th April (3pm & 6pm) at the Barn Concert Hall, Leiston Abbey.

Tickets: www.procorda.co.uk

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