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A Song for Ella Grey

Pilot Theatre in association with Northern Stage and York Theatre Royal

“soulful production” ★★★★ The Guardian

“immediate and timeless” ★★★★ The Stage

“A darkly romantic tale that sings of the madness of youth, the ache of love, and the near-impossibility of grasping death”

This new production, from the Company that brought you Noughts & Crosses, is a magical retelling of the Orpheus myth, full of music, sound and storytelling.

Claire and her best friend, Ella Grey, are ordinary kids from ordinary families in an ordinary world. They and their friends fall in and out of love, play music and dance, stare at the stars, yearn for excitement, and have parties on the beautiful beaches of Northumberland. One day a stranger, a musician called Orpheus, appears on the beach, and entrances them all but particularly Ella. A tale of modern teenagers and ancient forces, a tale told since the dawn of time and told again today.

Age suitability: 13+

Running time: 2 Hours including interval.

For accessible performances, please check the venues’ websites.

Tour Dates & Tickets

Past Dates:

Northern Stage, Newcastle

1 – 15 Feb 2024

York Theatre Royal

20 – 24 Feb 2024

Theatre Peckham

27 Feb – 2 March

Hull Truck

5 – 9 March 2024

Liverpool Playhouse

13 – 16 March 2024

Reviews

“soulful production” ★★★★ The Guardian

“immediate and timeless” ★★★★ The Stage

“Mystical, memorable” ★★★★ Reviews Hub

“Powerful & phenomenally performed” ★★★★ Broadway World UK

“not one to be missed” ★★★★½ York Mix

“Hauntingly beautiful” On Magazine

“Spine tingling” Yorkshire Times

“wild and gentle in equal measure” Stagey Lady

Education Resources

We will be creating three accompanying education resources to support teachers and students.

RESOURCE A: English KS3 / Classical Civilisation GCSE / PSHE / Literacy

This resource will introduce students to the Orpheus myth, along with exploring the themes of David Almond’s novel. It will also outline creative exercises inspired by the story, which could be used alongside reading the novel in lessons, for whole school literacy programmes, or to support extra-curricular book clubs.

Download Resource A

RESOURCE B: Drama and Theatre Studies GCSE & A-Level / Performing Arts BTEC

This resource will introduce students to the characters in the performance, and key members of the creative team, including insights into rehearsals.

Download Resource B

RESOURCE C: Drama and Theatre Studies GCSE & A-level / Performing Arts BTEC

Ideal for students preparing for the Live Theatre component of their exams, this resource will include filmed scene extracts from the live performance, allowing students to watch key scenes again, with accompanying analysis.

Download Resource C

Digital Programme

Here’a the digital version of the A Song for Ella Grey programme, made available for free.

Download Programme PDF

Workshops

A practical creative session exploring the play, production, characters, and themes delivered by a Pilot artist. The workshop can be tailored to using A Song for Ella Grey as a creative stimulus for theatre devising, exploring issues related to the play, or to focus on aspects of the production, such as music.
All workshops are bespoke and tailored to the needs of your students, and can be scheduled pre- or post-performance at your school, college or university. To arrange a workshop, please email us directly: info@pilot-theatre.com

For state schools

  • 2 sessions or a full day: £350 + VAT.
  • 1 session (up to 2 hours): £275 + VAT

For private schools

  • 2 sessions or a full day: £475 + VAT
  • 1 session (up to 2 hours): £400 + VAT

 

Cast and Creatives

  • Grace Long

    Ella Grey

  • Jonathan Iceton

    Jay

  • Olivia Onyehara

    Claire

  • Amonik Melaco

    Sam

  • Beth Crame

    Angeline

  • Zak Younger Banks

    Musician

Creatives

Author – David Almond

Writer – Zoe Cooper

Director – Esther Richardson

Designer – Verity Quinn

Composer & Musical Director – Emily Levy

Lighting Designer – Chris Davey

Sound Designer – Adam P McCready

Video Designer – Si Cole

Movement Director – Ayesha Fazal

Assistant Director – Eliza Beth Stevens

Casting Associate – Shannon David of Elise Casting

Gallery

Two young women sit facing each other looking into each others eyes. They reach to touch hands.

Grace Long as Ella Grey and Olivia Onyehara as Claire, photo by Topher McGrillis

A production photo showing Grace Long as Ella Grey, sat on a bed covered in white sheets, in front of a long white sheet that is draped vertically. She is wearing a white dress with red and pink flowers embroidered on to the cuffs and chest. She looks up and over her shoulder smiling.

Grace Long as Ella Grey photo by Topher McGrillis

The cast of A Song for Ella Grey, all sat together on stage. The characters Claire and Ella hold hands, Sam holds a bottle of alcohol, and Jay and Angeline look content.

The Company of A Song for Ella Grey, photo by Topher McGrillis

A production photo from A Song for Ella Grey. It shows a group of teenagers all laughing and looking out of the frame in the direction of where the reviews have been placed. One girl is being piggy-backed by a friend and she points straight ahead of her.

The company of A Song for Ella Grey, photo by Topher McGrillis

Grace Long on stage as Ella Grey. She is wearing a grey jumper, holding a phone in both hands. The backlit scene lights up her face.

Grace Long as Ella Grey, photo by Topher McGrillis

Olivia Onyehara as Claire and Amonik Melaco as Sam, photo by Topher McGrillis

Amonik Melaco playing Sam on stage. He looks serious, one one across his stomach clutching his side whilst the other is stretched out towards Olivia Onyehara who is playing Claire.

Amonik Melaco as Sam, photo by Topher McGrillis

The cast of A Song for Ella Grey, all sat together on stage. The characters Claire and Ella hold hands, Sam holds a bottle of alcohol, and Jay and Angeline look content.

The Company of A Song for Ella Grey, photo by Topher McGrillis