In celebration of Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s best-selling children’s book The Detective Dog marking 10 years, Tiny and Tall Productions are bringing their beloved stage adaptation to theatres across the UK this spring. This version of the show is specially created for Deaf and hard of hearing family audiences. I caught up with some of the actors to find out all about it.
Tell us about yourself?
Eleanor Pead – I am an actor, facilitator and producer based in Bristol.
Megan Brooks – I’m an actor and audio describer based in Bristol.
Amy Murray – I’m a Scottish actor and deaf performer.
We all love family Theatre and working with young people.
Tell us a bit about the show Detective Dog
Eleanor Pead – Detective Dog is an engaging piece of family theatre using Bsl, projections, captions, songs and puppetry to bring a beautiful storybook to life. The show tells the story of Nell, a dog with a keen sense of smell, who solves mysteries with her young owner Peter. Together they go on an exciting adventure to solve the mystery of who stole the books from Peter’s school!
How are rehearsals going?
Megan Brooks – the shows are going really well. there’s a mix of audiences – those that have read the book before and those that are new to the story. It’s lovely seeing different people’s reactions during the show and how focussed young people are.
What can you tell us about the stage set?
Amy Murray – I trained in an art department in Scotland so I really appreciate the care that has gone into the set. The projections and set are closely based on the original illustrations by Sara Oligave. The visual elements and colours of the show are amazing, it’s like the book has come to life!
What is the most challenging thing about doing the show?
Amy Murray – keeping energy high
Eleanor Pead – yes, it’s a short show but it’s like doing a dance for 47 minutes because you’re constantly moving.
Amy Murray – Also crawling under the projector!
The best thing about touring the show?
Megan Brooks – I love touring and seeing new places and it’s always great meeting the audiences after the show.
What have been some of the best highlights since doing the show?
After one of our shows a deaf adult told us it was the first time she felt relaxed during a piece of theatre and that she’d not seen integrated theatre like that before. We’ve also eaten some great cakes.
What is the best reaction you have had from an audience member?
“I like the golfers because they were weird”
If people want to follow you on social media where can they find you?
Instagram and Facebook – @tinyandtallproductions
Finally, in three words, why should people come to your show?
Amy Murray: visual Bsl music
Megan Brooks: you’ll have fun
Eleanor Pead: silly smelly signing
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