Varmints: exciting hip hop dance theatre for young people aged 8+ exploring our relationship to nature in a fast-moving society

Photo - Manuel Vason

Varmints, an exciting piece of hip hop dance theatre for young people aged 8+ and their families, will be visiting Pavilion Dance South West on Sunday
9 June, at 11.30am.

Varmints is a powerful tale about what happens if we continue to destroy nature. Based on the award-winning book Varmints by Helen Ward and Marc Craste, it tells the story of a world buried under the relentless march of progress, and the struggle of one small creature to preserve a world in danger of being lost forever.

Varmints explores ecological and universal themes in our fast-moving society, and offers opportunities for young people to engage in dance theatre and have a heightened understanding and awareness of these current issues.

The team behind Varmints, director Sally Cookson and choreographer Wilkie Branson, recently brought the hugely successful Christmas show BOING! to Bournemouth.

“Utterly dazzling... rumbustious, exhilarating dance theatre, enrapturing for children and adults alike” The Guardian

“Poetic, moving, witty and wonderful!” Venue Magazine

Press reviews on BOING!

You can watch the Varmints trailer here. Discover Varmints on this interactive website.

Tickets cost £5, babes in arms are free. For more information or to book call 01202 203630 or visit www.paviliondance.org.uk

Listing information

Pavilion Dance South West and Travelling Light present

Varmints
an East London Dance, Sadler's Wells and Stratford Circus Production

Sunday 9 June, 11.30am

Tickets £5, babes in arms are free

Box Office: Pavilion Dance South West, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU

T: 01202 203630 www.paviliondance.org.uk

Photo caption: Wilkie Branson in Varmints. Photo: Manuel Vason

Media contact: Helga Brandt or Marianne Lucken

Pavilion Dance South West

T: 01202 203630

E: helga.brandt@dancesouthwest.org.uk or marianne.lucken@dancesouthwest.org.uk 

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Notes for editors

Pavilion Dance South West is a National Dance Development Organisation with responsibility for strategic dance development across the South West of England, operating in partnership with Arts Council England, Bournemouth Borough Council and BH Live, and a contemporary performing arts venue and cinema for Bournemouth.
It is fully accessible and offers excellent facilities, including two light and airy dance studios with views of the seafront and Lower Gardens, plus the 200-seat Ocean Room Theatre, which is equipped with the latest technology. www.paviliondance.org

Varmints is supported by Arts Council England, Bristol Old Vic and Pavilion Dance South West, with additional support from the Unity Theatre Trust and The Legacy List. The Legacy List was set up in 2011 to help make creative connections between people, the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic park and its surroundings in the areas of arts, culture, education and skills.

Creative Team and Cast

Director – Sally Cookson

Choreographer – Wilkie Branson

Set and Costume Designer – Holly Waddington

Lighting Designer – Guy Hoare

Composer – Benji Bower

Dramaturg – Adam Peck

Projection Designer – Yoav Segal

Performers – Wilkie Branson, Mariana Camiloti, Femi M Oyewole, Letitia Simpson

Travelling Light has been creating exciting and ground-breaking theatre and inspiring young people since 1984, when it was founded in Bristol. The company combines a variety of art forms and collaborates with other companies and theatres to produce innovative work that tours throughout UK and abroad.

Sadler’s Wells, the UK's leading dance house, uniquely dedicated to producing, commissioning, and presenting the very best international and UK dance to London audiences. Under the Artistic Directorship of Alistair Spalding the theatre’s cutting edge programme spans dance in all its forms, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap.

Stratford Circus is a vibrant performing arts centre driven by great artistic experiences and the diverse communities of east London, dedicated to inspire audiences and develop local talent by working with the best UK and international artists.

East London Dance works to develop a dynamic, diverse and inclusive dance culture for communities and artists across, and beyond, East London. ELD works to promote the value of dance in developing healthy, cohesive communities, encouraging access to dance for all, regardless of ability or age.