The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

The Questors 18th-21st March

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The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is running 18-21 March at 7.45pm, with a matinee on Saturday 21 March at 2.30pm. Tickets are £7, £5 for concessions, and £3 for those under 19. To book tickets, or for more information about getting involved with Questors Academy Youth Theatre, see www.ealingtheatre.com

 

 

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Wolves howl, a train appears out of nowhere, and hauntingly beautiful songs echo across the stage... The Questors Academy Youth Theatre's production of The Wolves of Willougby Chase, running 18-21 March, promises scares and surprises for the whole family.

The song-filled show, an adaptation of the much loved classic by Joan Aiken, is set in an alternative past, where a tunnel from the continent has left England swarming with wolves. It follows cousins Bonnie and Sylvia as they get caught up in the evil plans of their terrifying governess, Miss Slighcarp.

It comes alive with a revolving house that reveals secret passageways, a gaggle of geese, and a pack of growling wolves prowling around the stage...

One of those wolves will be played by 14 year old Miryem Budak, who is also playing Dr Field.

"When playing a wolf you have to think of its sense of smell, its hunger, its aggression — the emotions a wild animal would have," she says. "This story is so exciting, filled with villains and secret passageways! Also I really love the songs! It's going to be fabulous and I certainly wouldn't want to miss it!"

Director Rachel Knightley has gone for a steampunk feel to the show, to emphasise the fantastical elements of the story.

"This adventure story is ahead of its time in so many ways," she says. "What we now call steampunk – Victorian fashions meeting futuristic elements, modern values and a sense of fun – is all here in a rich, dark, frightening and funny story. It's so exciting bringing those values to life."

The young cast is made up of members of Questors Academy Youth Theatre and are aged 11-17. One of the talented youngsters is Marley Brown, who will be stepping onto the stage in the Judi Dench Playhouse at The Questors Theatre for the first time to play Simon the Goose Boy, after joining Questors Academy Youth Theatre in September.

"This is the biggest acting experience I've had so far, and it's been really great," he says. To people coming to the show I would say it has all you need for a good night out at the theatre - and also thank you so much for coming!"


18th March 2015