The Inglenook | Family Area
We would like to welcome you into this year’s Family Area - the Inglenook
The Inglenook (our Family area) is at the heart of the Festival - a cosy circle of Bell-Tents and our beautiful Baby Yurt. During the day young inquisitive minds can explore and create, with shows and workshops inspiring wonder and encouraging curiosity. As dusk falls, gather around our fire and enjoy music, stories and marshmallows.
Wise Words encourages families to step out of their day to day lives and into a magical land of stories and poetry - where children dress up as the most wondrous wild creatures and enjoy raucous pillow fights, crazy adventures, mischief and mayhem.
Entrance in to the gardens is FREE. Whilst you are here, there will workshops, shows and activities for you to enjoy - some free and others ticketed. Here are a few of out Top Tips:
The Three Musketeers | Three Half Pints | A Work in Progress show
The 17th Century has never been so silly!
Chaos, mayhem and stupidity reign supreme as the Three Half Pints swish their swords, buff their boots and flourish their feathers in their most ridiculous adventure yet.
Will they defeat the dastardly evildoers? Will they rescue the damsel in distress? Will they actually read the book before writing the show?
Join the CBeebies comedy favourites in a brand new slapstick adventure of chivalry, swordplay and suddenly falling over.
Most Suitable for those 5+
When: Monday 1st May
Tickets: £5
More Information: HERE
A Heart at Sea | Half a String Theatre Company
Be enthralled by this epic musical folktale told on a miniature scale. A Heart at Sea uses haunting live music to tell the story of a young Boy who bottles up his heart and throws it into the sea. Original song-writing is set to breathtaking visuals centred around a beautifully carved wooden chest that holds the secrets to the story.
Produced by Half a String
Most Suitable for those 6+
When: Saturday 29th April
Tickets: £5
More Information: HERE
Hansel & Gretel | Matthew Sharp
From the edge-of-the-oven cunning of Hansel and Gretel to the blissful sounds of Bach, join us for a feast of fairy-tale and fireside favourites. Beloved stories, bewitching music and the be-once in a lifetime chance to join in and help our heroes and heroines along the way come together in one unforgettable, epic and intimate show.
A one-man musical, story-telling show for children 3+ and families, written and performed by ‘extraordinary cellist, virile baritone, compelling actor, Matthew Sharp’ (The Daily Telegraph) – ‘the virtuoso of the arts’ (The Times).
Produced by Wheels on Debussy & supported by Arts Council England.
Most Suitable for those 3+
When: Saturday 29th April
Tickets: £5
More Information: HERE
Kids Fu | Music & poetry
Bring your children to a lively show where poems, songs, stories, games and improvisation meet. In this special kids version of one of the UK’s leading spoken word shows, your little ones become poets and musicians in an hour of fun, dreaming, games and spoken word musical mayhem.
Most suitable for those 7-11 years
When: Sunday 30th April
Tickets: £5
More Information: HERE
You’ve Got Dragons | Taking Flight Theatre
‘Dragons come when you least expect it. You turn round … and they’re there.’
Lots of people get them. Even really really good people get them. And sometimes they are hard to get rid of. So what can a young child with a bad case of the dragons do?
A fully accessible inter-generational show featuring creative captioning, BSL and audio description it is a treat for all the family … and remember ‘no dragon is more powerful than YOU’!
Most Suitable for those 3+
When: Monday 1st May
Tickets: £5
More Information: HERE
The Explorer | A marionette show | Lori Hopkins
After crash landing on an unusual island, the brave Explorer encounters wild beasts, rough seas and futuristic technologies.
With original music, stunning visuals and a whole host of surprises this performance will make imaginations soar.
This is a 20 minute performance followed by a 25 minute Meet the Puppet session during which the children can ask us questions and get to know all our secrets.
Most suitable for those 3 – 8
When: Monday 1st May
Tickets: £5
More Information: HERE
The Lass who came out at the cry of dawn
This is a story of bravery, magic and love. A bold and resourceful young heroine ventures forth on an adventure to rescue her beloved sister, whisked away and imprisoned by the dark wizard on Mischanter Hill. But she cannot do it alone…she needs your help.
Cleverly adapted for audience participation, members of the audience take on the roles of the characters as the storyteller weaves the narrative around them. Full of song, rhymes, magic and laughter, the story shows that love is the most powerful thing of all.
Most suitable for those 4+
When: Saturday 6th May
Tickets: £5
More Information: HERE
Aspen Astronemer
Aspen is a young witch who vows to help two struggling friends overcome their fear of disappointing others - to find their own truth and to celebrate their individuality. This interactive story is told through spoken word but will also involve image illustration and origami, championing the importance of creativity and imagination in the development of self-love and acceptance.
Most suitable for those 7-11
When: Sunday 7th May
Tickets: £5
More Information: HERE
Shake, Rattle & Roll | Workshop
Shaking and banging and crashing and jingling. All the things those little musical people love to do best. Come and make some sweet (or not so sweet) music with the brilliant musician and percussionist Kevin Richardson.
Suitable for all ages
When: Saturday 29th April
Tickets: £5
More Information: HERE
Puppet Making Workshop
Construct a puppet in this fun hands-on workshop! Cut, paint and stick your way to your very own tiny “table-top” character.
This workshop is being run by Peter Morton who created the amazing Heart at Sea, an epic musical folktale that you can see at Wise Words before or after this workshop.
Most suitable for those 6+
When: Saturday 29th April
Tickets: £5
More Information: HERE
Stories on the River | Emily Hanna Gazenbrook
Come and enjoy wondrous stories and tall tales as you drift down the river in a punt. Emily Hanna Grazebrook will take you off to far away lands created by your imaginations but still have you back in time to enjoy all the other things on offer in the Secret Garden.
Boats leave each hour at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm| Trips last approx 45 mins
Suitable for all ages
When: Saturday 29th April
Tickets: £5
More Information: HERE
Tales woven from woodsmoke | Emily Hennessey
Gather around our campfire and listen to Emily Hennessey, storyteller to end all storytellers weaving tales through the wood smoke. There may even be marshmallows!
Suitable for the whole family
When: Sat & Sun 6th & 7th May
Tickets: Donations
Just turn up and enjoy and if you do, chuck some pennies in our pot!
More Information: Saturday HERE & Sunday HERE