Punchdrunk Enrichment's latest offering, Fireside Tales, is an immersive theatre experience that successfully weaves a spell of enchantment around its young audience. From the outset, the show sets a gentle tone, allowing children to gradually settle into the world of stories and imagination.
Upon entering the "store", where the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that attention to detail has been meticulously applied by set designer Mydd Pharo. The shelves are overflowing with an array of curiosities – feathers, globes, photographs, twinkling lava lamps, and vintage typewriters – each one carefully selected to spark imagination and curiosity.
The performance itself is led by Rebecca Clark and Amari Harris as Cosi and Ali, the two store owners tasked with categorising all of the world's stories. With infectious enthusiasm and earnestness, they share tales that capture the hearts and minds of their young audience, who eagerly contribute to the narrative.
For five-year-old Benji in this writer's company, a fire story ignites his imagination as 'flames' dance around the store, jumping from one object to the next. The scene then shifts to an outdoor courtyard, where crumbling walls covered in ivy and an unlit fire await the children's arrival. As Benji settles into his spot, his initial anxiety has vanished, replaced by a sense of wonder.
While Steve McCourt's script occasionally feels strained, certain moments shine through – notably when the children are asked to draw pictures of home. In this quiet, introspective moment, their focused attention and happy energy are palpable.
Ultimately, Fireside Tales succeeds in its mission as an immersive theatre experience designed for schools, communities, and young people alike. It is a masterclass in crafting a captivating narrative that encourages imagination and participation from its youngest audience members.
Upon entering the "store", where the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that attention to detail has been meticulously applied by set designer Mydd Pharo. The shelves are overflowing with an array of curiosities – feathers, globes, photographs, twinkling lava lamps, and vintage typewriters – each one carefully selected to spark imagination and curiosity.
The performance itself is led by Rebecca Clark and Amari Harris as Cosi and Ali, the two store owners tasked with categorising all of the world's stories. With infectious enthusiasm and earnestness, they share tales that capture the hearts and minds of their young audience, who eagerly contribute to the narrative.
For five-year-old Benji in this writer's company, a fire story ignites his imagination as 'flames' dance around the store, jumping from one object to the next. The scene then shifts to an outdoor courtyard, where crumbling walls covered in ivy and an unlit fire await the children's arrival. As Benji settles into his spot, his initial anxiety has vanished, replaced by a sense of wonder.
While Steve McCourt's script occasionally feels strained, certain moments shine through – notably when the children are asked to draw pictures of home. In this quiet, introspective moment, their focused attention and happy energy are palpable.
Ultimately, Fireside Tales succeeds in its mission as an immersive theatre experience designed for schools, communities, and young people alike. It is a masterclass in crafting a captivating narrative that encourages imagination and participation from its youngest audience members.
and it was truly magical! The set design was insane, I mean who wouldn't get lost in a store full of vintage typewriters and twinkling lava lamps? 
But what really made it special was how the kids got to be a part of the story. They're not just passive audience members, they're actual contributors to the narrative. It's so cool to see them sharing their own stories and ideas with Cosi and Ali.
. And by the time you get to the outdoor courtyard, the energy is electric! Benji was totally enchanted, he was laughing and giggling the whole time. It's one of those experiences that will stay with him for a long time, I'm sure.
? i swear it's like my brain just works way faster the next day and i can focus on stuff for actual hours instead of feeling groggy all the time 
anyway, back to Punchdrunk Enrichment... fireside tales sounds so cool! what do you think about when you're sitting in a dark room with people telling stories? does it freak you out at all? 
. The views were breathtaking, but what really caught my attention was the weird thing I found on the trail - an old watch that looked like it belonged to someone from a different era 
. I swear, it's like stepping into a time machine every time I go for a walk in the woods 
. Have you guys ever stumbled upon anything weird and wonderful while exploring nature? 
I mean, who wouldn't want to spend their afternoon surrounded by vintage typewriters and twinkling lava lamps? Sounds like the perfect cure for boredom... or a sugar high for kids 
. But seriously, it's awesome how they've incorporated storytelling in such an engaging way – even made me wanna go back in time and visit the old-fashioned general store when I was little 
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. And the set designer's attention to detail? Mind-blowing! It feels like you're stepping into a real-life wonderland 
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The way the set designer wove all those interesting objects into the narrative is pure genius 
And it's great to see Rebecca Clark and Amari Harris bringing so much energy and enthusiasm to their roles 
I've heard from friends who took their kids to the show that it really does spark imagination and curiosity in young minds 
! The way the set designers created an enchanting atmosphere, with all those curious objects and twinkling lights... it's like stepping into a storybook 
. As a parent, I was also super impressed by how gentle and soothing the tone is at first, then gradually builds up to this thrilling excitement 
. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a unique theatre experience that's more than just entertainment... it's an experience for the whole family 
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. the set designer must've had some serious skills to make it all look so... whimsical 
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what kind of stories do they usually tell though? are they based on real life or totally made up? 
. But can we talk about how weird it is that 5-year-olds are handling a fire story without freaking out? 
And the way they weave a spell around their young audience is pure magic 
I think what's really cool about Fireside Tales is how it combines storytelling with these amazing props and set designs that are just begging to be explored. Like, the way they've used vintage typewriters and lava lamps is just genius – it's like stepping into a whole different world! 
The only thing I might say is that, yeah, Steve McCourt's script could've benefited from a bit more polish – but overall, I think Fireside Tales is just a total winner.
. The attention to detail is insane – those shelves are straight fire 
. I love how they involve the kids in the story, it's so cool 
. And can we talk about Steve McCourt's script? Yeah, some parts might be a bit wonky, but when it clicks, it's pure magic 
– I'm definitely taking the whole crew to see this ASAP 
!
The set design is literally fire 
fireside tales sounds like the coziest thing ever! i love how they create this magical world with all those curiosities on the shelves, it's like stepping into a dream 
my kid would totally get lost in that store and fall in love with the stories too. it's amazing how it can spark imagination and wonder, especially for little ones who are just discovering their own creativity 
. My 6-year-old was literally HOOKED on the fire story 
, it really made you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I gotta say, though, some parts of the script felt a bit forced, but overall it was just so magical 
. I also loved how the show didn't feel too scripted or forced, just a natural flow of storytelling and imagination. And can we talk about how cute Benji looked in that fire story scene? 
? And the performers are so energetic & enthusiastic it's infectious