You can read about all the forthcoming rural touring events across Somerset, along with dance, thatre and early years workshops and shows. The programme also contains features on theatre, early years and youth dance in Somerset.

Look Inside the new Take Art Brochure Jan-Jun 2012

Described as a poetic circus for children from two up, this beautiful show has proved a big hit with younger audiences all over the world, mixing fantasy and surrealism with imaginative visuals and storytelling.

It tells the story of the strange little world of animals that Mr & Mrs Sommerflügel are getting out of their magic suitcase and how it can be beautifully foolish to catch some things, like trying to hold the shadow of a butterfly in a handkerchief. With plenty of charming tricks the two actors make use of their menagerie to seduce each other.

“During the show the children - and especially the youngest ones - were roaring with laughter. A very beautiful discovery.” Michel Bélair

 This May, as part of the Somerset Light Waves project, Take Art and three leading Somerset theatre venues are inviting the youngest audiences in Somerset to enter the Lightstream and take part in an interactive and colorful light-inspired performance and installation.

Lightstream has been designed and directed for 2-5 year olds by Early Years visual art expert Richard Tomlinson and National Early Years Director Jo Belloli. It will feature brilliant Early Years actor Frank Wurz, with specially composed and live music by leading Somerset artist Tim Hill.

Richard Tomlinson said, “Lightstream is a fun and imaginative adventure through light and space. There will be big lights and tiny lights, lights that glow and lights that move. Even some noisy lights! The performances will last 45 minutes and will be followed by a snack. All young children are welcome, along with a grown up of their choice.”

The show will be launched at The Octagon on Thursday 10 May at 10am, with a repeat performance at 1pm. On Monday 14 May, Lightstream will be taking over the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre in Taunton, with two shows at 10am and 1pm. Tickets will cost £4 and can be purchased from the venues.

Then on Monday 21 May, to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Somerset, you can take part in a FREE drop-in Lightstream workshop at the Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre in Taunton. This workshop is open to Under 5s and their families and will run from 2pm to 3:30pm. The Brewhouse will also be exhibiting an exciting Lightstream installation, incorporating glimpses of film, colour and light, which will be on view throughout the afternoon until late.

To see a link to the Lightstream Tease Trailer click here.

This electric powered device will travel around the county in May and June 2012, along with a small troupe of operators and performers. As well as gathering the stories and songs the troupe will start to create new stories
and songs to exchange with the people they meet.

A Somerset Journey will visit pubs, schools, 12 Children’s Centres, community centres, fairs and gatherings all over Somerset and will put on short shows and be the focus for celebrations and special events.

Find out more at the Somerset Journey Blog Site.