Trolling for young theatre fans

AN outrageously entertaining and deliciously dark tale from the writer of the West End hit Matilda the Musical comes to Blackhall and Washington Arts Centre next month.

Our Teacher’s a Troll by Dennis Kelly features two terrible twins with a talent for turmoil who are faced with a new head teacher with green scaly skin, sharp gnarly fangs, and a long spiky tail. Can the twins save the school from the child-eating Troll. The UK tour is an exciting collaboration between Paines Plough and Half Moon Theatre, fresh from its success this summer at London’s Southbank Centre, Brighton Festival and this year's Edinburgh Fringe.

The show for ages seven+ and their accompanying trolls (or parents) features actors Sian Reese-Williams (Genesis Walker in Emmerdale) and Abdul Salis (Curtis Cooper on Casualty, Doctor Who, Love Actually, National Theatre production of War Horse).

Chris Riddell, who was recently appointed the next Children’s Laureate, drew the distinctive Troll illustration for the show’s publicity, which has already sparked the imaginations of young audiences.

* Our Teacher is a Troll, Friday, October 23, Blackhall Community Centre (Tel: 0191-5867396) as part of the TakeOff International Children's Theatre Festival, 01325-352004 or takeofffestival.org.uk/ and Arts Centre Washington on Saturday, October 24 at 11am + 2pm. Tickets: £6 or £20 for a family (admits four). Box Office: artscentrewashington.co.uk or 0191-219-3455.

Viv Hardwick