PARENTS looking for something to entertain their children over the half-term break need look no further than Victoria Hall Theatre in Old Harlow.

Half-Term Productions – a new venture from award-winning local playwright Simon Mawdsley and actor/director Caroline Petherbridge – present a fun-packed, musical version of Aesop’s classic tale The Hare & Tortoise, aimed at children aged from 3 to 11.

“Day-time shows for children are something new for Victoria Hall Theatre,” says Caroline, “But, as a parent myself, I know that there is huge demand for things to do with children during half-term, and Victoria Hall is an ideal place to stage something like this.”

2013 was a big year for husband-wife team Caroline and Simon. His comedy-drama “Housebound” won the Best New Play at The Cambridge Drama Festival and, after winning similar awards at festivals around the country, was runner-up at the All-England Theatre Finals, with Caroline picking up Best Actor award. They then went on to produce a critically-acclaimed version of Brief Encounter at Victoria Hall Theatre.

The Hare & Tortoise is something quite different, but an opportunity both relish. “Children can be the fiercest critics – if they don’t like something they’re not shy about letting you know!” says Simon, “The art is to keep them fully engaged – in this case for about 45 minutes – and the story of Hare & Tortoise is perfect for that. There are some great characters, a big race, and a moral that even the youngest children can relate to. Added to that there are some great jokes, songs to join with and four fantastic performers playing the parts.”

The performers are themselves no strangers to the stage; Tasha Saxby, Yusuke Iizuka, Molly Jenkins and Simon and Caroline’s own daughter, Summer – having appeared in countless shows at Victoria Hall over the years.

There are performances three times every day from Monday to Friday, at 10.30am, 1.00 pm and 3.30pm.

Tickets are £5 for children and £7 for adults and are available online on: http://halftermproductions.ticketsource.co.uk/
Or by calling 0844 8700 887

THE HARE & TORTOISE adapted by Simon Mawdsley
presented by HALF-TERM PRODUCTIONS
at VICTORIA HALL THEATRE MONDAY 17th – FRIDAY 21st FEBRUARY