An imaginative play based on a popular children’s reading book is about to go on tour.

After making its debut performance during last year’s Theatrefest, the cast and crew will take their production of ’M is for Manx Cat: The Musical’ to four locations over the next month.

Starting this weekend, there will be two performances of the play at St Paul’s Hall Ramsey this Saturday, January 11 , at 1pm and 3pm.

This will be followed by similar performances at the Laxey Institute, on Sunday, January 19, the Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin on Sunday, February 2 and a final two shows at the Peel Centenary Centre on Sunday, March 1.

The play is an imaginative re-working of the children’s reading book, ’M is for Manx Cat’, written and illustrated by Gemma Hjerth and Kim Gee, adapted for the stage by Theatrefest organisers Lisa Kreisky and Kristene Sutcliffe.

It stars Kristene’s and Lisa’s children, Alexis and Isaac as two bored children who are read the book by their Manx grandmother, played by Claire Kilgallon.

The children’s imaginations come to life in scenes acted by Isaac Murtagh and Abbie Williams, dancing to songs performed by the Platform theatre school vocal ensemble choir.

Lisa said that the play is an entertaining and colourful mix of music, song and dance which is as much fun to perform as it is to watch.

’It’s children’s theatre, so anything goes,’ said Lisa.

’Essentially, it is story telling with your bodies. One minute Isaac and Abbie are Manx cats and the next minute they are snooty ladies on the bus. It is hilarious to watch.

’What we want is for the audience to come and learn some new things about the Isle of Man while enjoying the show, which is just colourful, vibrant, funny and absolutely bonkers.’

The idea of taking a play on tour is new for the island, and Lisa said she wanted to take it to as many places as possible.

’We felt, as mothers ourselves, it is hard work travelling with kids and getting them to the theatre. So we thought that, as this is a piece of children’s theatre, why don’t we take it around the island, to places that wouldn’t normally see this sort of thing?’

Abbie, the current young actor of Mann, is taking over the role of Alexis from Lois Mooney, who originally performed at Theatrefest.

The 17-year-old actor said that taking on the role is a departure from the roles show normally performs, but is enjoying throwing herself in the dance alongside Isaac Murtagh, who appeared in the original production.

’It has been very interesting working with Isaac,’ said Abbie.

’We have spent a lot of time rehearsing and it is fun, because it’s not only just about the dances, it is about putting the character into it as well. That’s what I enjoy the most.

’There is one number in it, about meeting the little people, and it is just the best dance to do.

’There is no wrong thing to do. You just have fun with it.’

Tickets for each performance are £5, available from eventbrite.co.uk.

More information is available from the Stage Door Entertainment IOM FaceBook page.

by Mike Wade

Twitter:iomnewspapers