The Most Marvellous Shadow Show is an interactive, large-scale shadow theatre – missing one key component: the performers!

The shadow screen is a glowing porthole in a decadent circus frame, and you are invited to take to the stage. Come behind the circus walls and explore the play of light and shadow, learn the theatrical ropes and join the shadow circus!

Through the use of layered frames, you can play with colour and shape, adding scenic elements and creating bold visual worlds. You can relax and watch the shadows take shape, or take it in turns to join the Tigerboat puppeteer at the Porthole Shadow Stage: You can use your body to create shadow forms, or use one of the theatre’s existing shadow puppets – or even bring your own! Whilst the storytellers get to work behind the screen, the audience are out the front, watching these little silhouetted vignettes spring to life before them.

The installation will be supported by a series of free drop-in community workshops, where you can make your own shadow puppet and have a go on the portable shadow screens.

Artist Bio:

Tigerboat is a Community Interest Company from Portsmouth, creating work that builds community with creativity and imagination at its heart. Their work is family-focused, with a big emphasis on storytelling and on tactile, immersive shared experiences.

Tigerboat was founded by Alice Kristina Rose, a local artist and costume-maker, whose specialism in theatre for young children has led her to work with companies across the country, such as Tall Stories, English Touring Opera, Oily Cart, Little Angel Theatre, Tangled Feet, and Jacksons Lane, amongst many others, and whose recent work includes roles as Costume Supervisor for a national tour of The Elmer Adventure and for The Snail & The Whale in London. Alice believes passionately in a feeling of community and in the importance of play, and wants her work with Tigerboat to bring little moments of shared joy to families of all backgrounds across our city.