The Rat­tler

The true and original story of Rumpelstiltskin

'What the Rattler has wind of
will always blow ill,
For the Rattler will take
what the Rattler will.'

Every year, around this time, the people of Hobsmoor gather to hear Hob and his band of players retell the legend of the Rattler, a cautionary tale on wanting and manipulation.

Alyson, a poor weaver’s daughter, is bored of her simple life and dreams of a different lot. Meanwhile Crown Prince Aiden longs to be free of his mother’s royal expectations. As the wind blows, their desires call the Rattler to Hobsmoor and it seems that all their wishes have been granted. But they soon discover that everything comes at a price.

The Rattler is a new interactive retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. Each performance begins with a series of music and craft activities and a colourful pageant. As the festivities unfold with lively, folk-infused music, puppetry and inventive storytelling, you are invited to help bring this age-old tale to life.

Suitable for ages 7+
Running time approx. 2 hours

  • Stephen Deazley music
  • Martin Riley words
  • Laura Caldow The Rattler, associate director
  • Rodney Earl Clarke Joseph
  • Susi Evans clarinet
  • Kirsty McLean Alyson
  • Clare O'Connell cello
  • Alex Rider harp
  • Matthew Sharp Hob of Hobsmoor
  • Bart Suavek The Rattler, puppetry assistant
  • Jessica Walker Dowager Queen Kathryn
  • Guy Withers Crown Prince Aiden
  • Frederic Wake-Walker director
  • Kitty Callister designer
  • Nick Ash Puppet design
  • Daniel Large lighting designer
  • Fiona Clift associate director (workshops)
  • Tamsin Rose production manager
  • Nicola Buys stage manager
  • Samantha Goodwright assistant stage manager
  • Matthew Tarbuck technical stage manager
  • Charlie Baptist costume supervisor
  • Suzanne Partridge wardrobe manager
Delightfully creepy
Schmopera

...whimsically gothic ...a perfect afternoon treat
Planet Hugill
Wow. My I-don't-like-opera 8yrold just LOVED The Rattler @southbankcentre. Congrats @MahoganyOG!
chargard2 via Twitter

23 & 24 October 2016

Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli

24 September 2016

The Haymarket, Basingstoke, presented by Anvil Arts

4 September 2016

The Gulbenkian, Canterbury

30 & 31 July 2016

St Bees School, St Bees, presented by Rosehill

More

9 July 2016

Lichfield Festival, Lichfield Guildhall

8 July 2016

Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy, Walsall, presented by Lichfield Festival

3 July 2016

Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall, presented by Jubilee Opera

2 July 2016

Young Norfolk Arts Festival, Norwich Castle

1 July 2016

Alderman Peel High School, Wells-next-the-Sea, presented by Young Norfolk Arts

26 June 2016

Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden

25 June 2016

Imagine Watford Presented by Watford Palace Theatre

29 May 2016

Bury St Edmunds Festival, The Apex, Bury St Edmunds

14 May 2016

Blackheath Halls, London

18 & 19 March 2016

Southbank Centre, London, part of Chorus

Partners

A Mahogany Opera Group production developed in association with Anvil Arts and Rosehill Theatre.

Supporters

With thanks to Chichester Charitable Trust, John S Cohen Foundation, Colwinston Charitable Trust, Ernest Cook Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, John Wates Foundation, Newcomen Collett Foundation, PRS for Music Foundation, The Radcliffe Trust, The Reed Foundation, The Thistle Trust, Alan Britten, Linda Christmas, Geoffrey Collens, Ian & Rachel Hamilton, John L M Hughes CBE, Charles & Tessa King-Farlow, Claudia Pendred, Garth & Lucy Pollard, John & Madeleine Tattersall, Christian & Katie Wells and those who wish to remain anonymous

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