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