Press Release

Press Release,
‘Brilliant the Dinosaur’ by Richard Stilgo. Whirlwind Theatre Summer Production.
What is large, green, very theatrical and 160,100,000 Million year old? Whirlwind theatre latest recruit -‘Brilliant the Dinosaur’!
Whirlwind Theatre is inviting 45 local children to join the professional cast and go prehistoric in ‘Brilliant the Dinosaur’ by Richard Stilgo, this years popular and exciting summer school production. Whirlwind is also looking for hundreds of bicycle inner tubes to make a 10ft long Diplodocus, a mastery of design and the largest puppet that Whirlwind theatre has ever made. Dr Ife Ackintunde, Gospel singer and local celebrity, is the voice of the dinosaur with his warm African and jazz tones. He will be learning to operate the front of the puppet which is no mean feet as he is completely blind.
‘Brilliant the Dinosaur’ is written especially for children and was first performed at the Chichester Festival Theatre to glowing critical acclaim. ‘I don’t know why children are fascinated by Dinosaurs, perhaps it’s because they are huge and exciting but safely extinct’ says Richard Stilgo. The story is set a few years from now in a South Coast town ravaged by hurricanes. The latest storm opens a canyon in the cliff and reveals the town’s oldest and least known inhabitant a real and living Diplodocus.
‘Brilliant the Dinosaur’ has a light fun comic Opera feel, with close harmonies, a high speed sung argument and a singing dinosaur, and fits very well into Whirlwinds theatrical style. Myette Godwyn, Artistic Director, says that it reminds her of the music she was brought up with, touring with her fathers renowned company ‘The Palm Court Theatre Orchestra.’ Myette is very proud to be able to direct one of Richard Stilgo's shows as she met him several times as a child, because he was topping the bill with her parents. He is one of Britain’s best loved and known theatre composers and is famous for teaming up with Andrew Lloyd Webber for Starlight Express. He also is a great supporter of inclusive children’s theatre and has a company very similar to Whirlwind in the South of England.
‘Brilliant the Dinosaur’ should not be missed, either to see or to be in, a very memorable fun time by all.
Whirlwind Theatre is Ofsted Registered and has a welfare team that support the children through out the production and workshop time. Up to 70% of fees can be claimed back through Child Tax Credits allowing for more children to take part. Rehearsal start on the 28th July and the performances are on the 13th to the 15th. August. Each day begins at 9.15am and finishes at 3. 30 pm (not weekends).
If you would like a place, of would like to donate inner tubes, please ring the office on 01524 812851, or on line at Bookings@whirlwindtheatre.org.uk. To view past work please look at the web site www.whirlwindtheatre.org.uk.