| Admin History | Adaptation of the story by Hans Christian Anderson by Charles Causley for Kneehigh, tells the story of a soldier who acquires a magic tinderbox capable of summoning three magic dogs to do his bidding. When the soldier uses the tinderbox to bring a sleeping princess to his chamber, he is arrested but escapes execution through the intervention of the three dogs. This was the first co-production with Plymouth Theatre Royal and premiered at The Drum Theatre - Theatre Royal Plymouth in 1990. The Tinderbox later toured nationally with Charlie Barnecut and Janice Chambers replacing Tristan Sturrock and Maggie Hutton. In a further tour, Jim Carey took the role of the Hangman, and also rearranged the music for live instruments.
Set design by Bill Mitchell featured oversized furniture and a chequerboard floor, with audience seated around.
The production received good reviews with Frank Ruhrmund of the Western Morning News reporting that the play was an 'excellent family fare', following a performance at the Acorn Theatre in Penzance. (FCP8/D/5/3)
Original Cast & Crew
- Soldier - Mike Shepherd
- Hangman/ Major-Domo - Tristan Sturrock
- Witch - Maggie Hutton
- Princess - Nicola Rosewarne
- King - Giles King
- Director & Designer - Bill Mitchell
- Music - Stephen McNeff |