Theatre / soap soup theatre
Bristol theatre company design creative experiences for children undergoing long-term healthcare treatment
Soap Soup Theatre is a community interest company making “accessible, innovative theatrical experiences” for children and young people in Bristol and the South West. Their work is multi-disciplinary, covering anything from animation to audio storytelling, puppetry, and educational programmes.
They are currently running a crowdfunder for their newest project, Minny Stynker, which is aimed at children with long-term health conditions across the region – those to whom access to creative experiences may often be difficult.
The show aims to address and overcome these obstacles, helping to combat anxiety and feelings of isolation for children undergoing sustained treatment, particularly for ME, Long Covid, and those recovering at home from cancer.
is needed now More than ever
It has been devised by artistic director Tomasin Cuthbert, and developed in collaboration with young patients and their families, alongside Bristol Children’s Hospital and the charity Action for ME.
Minny Stynker, Soap Soup Theatre – photo: Paul Blakemore
Utilising cutting-edge projection-mapping from Christopher Harrisson and augmented reality (AR) technology alongside live performance and puppetry, Minny Stynker will make its debut at Tobacco Factory Theatres on May 29, where it will run for four days.
It represents the first time Soap Soup have utilised these sorts of digital tools in their work, and the potential impact, in Cuthbert’s words, is nothing short of “extraordinary”.
Money raised in the crowdfunder will support publication and AR development costs for a picture book that will be distributed to hospitals, hospices and regional healthcare settings, as well as to schools, mobile libraries and community spaces.
Photo: Paul Blakemore
The book will harness creative technology such as animated illustration, sound design, music and voice, allowing a fully realised, immersive experience for the reader.
“Soap Soup brought a burst of creative energy and joy to our seven-year-old son and to our entire family,” reflects Kate, one of the parents involved in the project.
“Our son is recovering from a bone marrow transplant and leukaemia so can’t mix or go to school. He’s spent months in hospital and in bed. It was a huge boost to him, and wonderful for us to watch.”
Photo: Paul Blakemore
Emily Malins is arts programme manager at University Hospitals Bristol, and is similarly enthusiastic about the positive bearing this kind of work may have on patients. “Reports highlight the significant role creativity can play in improving health and wellbeing,” she says.
“More specifically, research shows that engaging in the arts can aid recovery, reducing pain relief and boosting mental cognition.”
Minny Stynker (age recommendation 3+) is at Tobacco Factory Theatres on May 29-June 1 at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Tickets are available at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.
Visit www.soapsouptheatre.com for details of upcoming news and events. The crowdfunder is open now.
Main image: original illustration by Tomasin Cuthbert
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