Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō, and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories | North Vancouver BC
The smell of freshly baked bread drifts through the audience as master bakers Bun and Bap try to contain a sticky situation – they’ve over-yeasted a lively batch of dough and it’s growing. When Yeasty Beasty rises up and begins to chase newly baked baby Loafy through forests, oceans, and floury snowstorms, Bap and Bun spring to action. But what are they to do? Imaginations and ingredients run wild in this scenario cooked up by Presentation HouseTheatre and UK-based Oily Cart Theatre to delight three to six year-olds and their favourite grown-ups. Appearing at Presentation House Theatre on weekends November 27 – December 5.
“The show involves baking antics, live music and lots of opportunities for the audience, both young and old to safely join in the fun.” says Kim Selody, Artistic Director, Presentation House Theatre. ”Everyone in the audience will go home with a tiny loaf of goodness baked right on stage, and a sense of possibilities that come with hands-on creation. Our hope is that everyone leaves with an understanding of the delights of bread making and, maybe, an appetite to bake up some adventures of their own.”
Baking Time is a timely tribute to the simple magic of baking, recently rediscovered by families around the world during the pandemic. “In a way it kind of reminds people about what a joyful experience it is—and how easy it is to bake together,” Selody says. “All it takes is yeast, flour, water, salt, and a little oil. A pinch of sugar, a bit of humour, and that’s it! In 23 minutes it’s done!”
The playful collaboration between Presentation House Theatre and Oily Cart Theatre gave rise to the original Baking Time in 2002. Wanting to provide an immersive experience for young children and their families, Selody and Tim Webb, Artistic Director of Oily Cart Theatre, struck on the smells, sights, textures, and sounds that are part of the sensual pleasure of making and eating freshly baked bread. With Oily Cart designer Claire du Loon, they tested a series of games and stories with very young children to see how little ones would respond to the ideas and experiences. Music, written by Max Reinhardt, was incorporated as a storytelling technique. Much of the adventure is shared in song, with live cello and accordion accompanying the singing.
This popular production has toured England and appeared at children’s festivals across Canada.
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Co-Produced by Presentation House Theatre and Oily Cart Theatre
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Written by Tim Webb and Kim Selody
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Directed by Kim Selody
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Featuring Patti Allan and Manami Hara
- For kids aged 3 – 8 and their favourite grown-ups
Baking Time was recognized with the 2017 Jessie Richardson Award for Significant Artistic Achievement – Theatre for Young Audiences, and the 2004 Dora Award for Outstanding TYA Production.
Appearing November 27, 28 and December 4, 5 at Presentation House Theatre. School matinees are available on Nov 30, Dec 1, 2. Contact 604-990-3474 to book school groups.
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