154 Collective presents - Under the Bed

Taking its roots from the darker origins of many of the fairytales that are now childhood staples, Under the Bed is the story of a little girl who finds there really is a monster living under her bed.

When Alice is stolen away in the middle of the night by her mum she has no idea what is happening. Scared, confused and angry, Alice finds herself in a strange house, forbidden to leave, arguing with her mum during the day and hiding under her covers from the strange noises at night. This compelling new play ask important questions about childhood trauma and what happens when nightmares are indistinguishable from reality.

154 Collective is an international group of visual artists, animators, writers, musicians, filmmakers and theatre makers who come together to tell new stories in interesting ways using a range of artforms.

Under the Bed started life as an exhibition of 13 paintings and prints inspired by conversations and interaction with visitors to Leeds library about their memories and associations of archetypal fairy tales. This was then translated into a new story, written and published by the Collective, which will now be reimagined as a stage play. As you would imagine with a play that emerged through this process, the balance of the production is weighted as much towards visual storytelling as it is text.

Running Time 1 hour (approx) | Suitable for ages 14+

North East Tour Dates:

Mon 19 Sept, 7.30pm – Bishop Auckland Town Hall

03000 269524 / www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk

Tue 20 Sept, 7.30pm – Saltburn Community Theatre

01287 624997 / www.saltburnarts.co.uk

Thur 22 Sept, 7.30pm – Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham

01434 652477 / www.queenshall.co.uk

Fri 23 Sept, 7.30pm – Alnwick Playhouse

01665 510785 / www.alnwickplayhouse.co.uk

Wed 28 Sept, 7.30pm – Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre

01429 890000 / www.hartlepooltownhalltheatre.co.uk