The Herd’s brand new show brings together immersive prehistoric design, hilarious silent comedy and audience play for a highly original theatre experience for young audiences.
The Last Dinosaur, which will be popping up in theatres and community centres in Hull, Barnsley and Stockton, is accompanied by a free, playful app so children can familiarise themselves with the show ahead of coming and revisit the story after watching. Young theatre-goers can expect laughs, music, puzzles and the chance to chalk their own fossils in this story about the fun that can be found when we come out of our shells.
It’s 65 million years ago. Dinosaur lives within the safety of their egg – shaded from the sun and sheltered from the rain. But then the egg cracks. Dinosaur is thrown head-first into an adventure of mysterious footprints, unsolved jigsaw puzzles and a plant that won’t keep quiet.
Director Tess Seddon says: “The Last Dinosaur is going to transport children and adults to a play filled prehistoric past! Sitting in a soft cave like set, audiences join Dinosaur on a big adventure. I’m really excited for children and adults to experience this show together.”
Playwright Sam Caseley adds: “This is a show that will chime with children everywhere – it’s a story about a Dinosaur who’s nervous about the world – everything seems a bit scary. But then they take a leap, they start exploring and things start to get fun. We’ve also made a really brilliant app to go with the show, so your Last Dinosaur adventure can keep on going!”
The Herd bring children, young people and families together in playful spaces to watch and share stories. Their work explores what it’s like to be young, the good bits and the hard bits. The Herd believe that children and young people deserve art that respects their rich, complex lives, and that by reflecting how children and young people see the world, we allow adults to view their own worlds differently. The Herd is run by founders Ruby Thompson and Sam Caseley.
Back to Ours Director Louise Yates says: “The Herd make gorgeous, playful theatre for children, and we’re looking forward to sharing The Last Dinosaur with families in neighbourhoods across Hull this autumn.”
Director Tess Seddon returns to The Herd after How To Fly Like a Reindeer (The Herd and Hull Truck) in 2019. She’s recently directed Pie in the Bus Stop as part of Decades (Leeds Playhouse), Mirror Mirror (National Theatre Online), Christmas Isn’t Cancelled (Leeds Playhouse Young Company) and Pomona (LAMDA). Tess is the Artistic Director of TheatreState and is currently working in association with Leeds Playhouse on Say Yes to Tess – A New Musical about her experience of standing in the 2017 general election which is due to go on a national tour.
Co-artistic Director and SLIME playwright Sam Caseley is a writer and composer. Sam has written and composed on all of The Herd’s work.
Designer Rūta Irbīte is The Herd’s Associate Designer. Other work includes A New Order (The Yard / Live Drafts), And The Rest of Me Floats (Rose Lipman / Birmingham Rep), Girl Meets Boy (The Yard / First Drafts), Sea Fret (Old Red Lion).
Running Time: 45 mins (plus 15 mins chalk play) | Suitable for ages 3 – 7
Company information
Directed by Tess Seddon Written and Composed by Sam Caseley
Designed by Rūta Irbīte Lighting Design by Jason Addison
App created with Hippotrix
Cast
Dinosaur – Jessica Murrain
Hull performances
23rd – 24th October – St. Michaels Church – 11am & 2.00pm (tickets)
26 – 27 October – St Stephens Neighbourhood Centre –11am & 2.00pm (tickets)
6th – 7th November – Thornton Village Hall – 11am & 2.00pm (tickets)
All performances are relaxed performances. The Last Dinosaur is a non-verbal show, accessible to D/deaf audiences and those with English as an additional language.