Adaptation of Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man heading to the King's Theatre

What starts off as a morning jog for the Stick Man becomes quite the misadventure - a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him and he even ends up on a fire.

In a touching, funny and original production featuring a trio of top actors - Christopher Currie, Kate Malyon and Euan Wilson - Stick Man is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

(Stick Man. Picture courtesy of Steve Ullathorne)

The production has been developed by the recently founded Freckle Productions – the team behind Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales. Freckle’s shows aim to be vigorous and challenging; firing the imaginations of young audiences who may be experiencing theatre for the very first time but also changing the awareness of what performance can be for regular followers.

Jennifer Sutherland, Producer  at Freckle Productions said: "We are delighted to be taking everyone's favourite stick man back on the road for an exciting autumn and winter tour, in co-production with Scamp Theatre."

(Stick Man. Picture courtesy of Steve Ullathorne)

Q&A with Stick Man cast member, Christopher Currie

What do you hope the audience will take away from the production?

I hope the audience, young and older, will rediscover this tale anew and be excited, moved and warmed by our adaptation.

What was your initial response to the Stick Man script?

I had never read the book so I did this first. I was delighted when I read the script and observed how innovative it was in bringing the story to life. I felt excited to be involved.

My thoughts were that like Stick Man, us adults must all quest to find home in our lives (whether to rediscover the home we loved when we were young and left behind or the home we long to discover out there) and to stand up for who we are in the face of adversity. This is why Stick Man's story is and will be everyone's story. A story we must all live, each in our own way, every day.

Have you found it hard bringing a character to life from the book?

No, I am aware that we will be joined my puppets to further bring the characters to life. I feel that my physicality suits Stick Man and that bringing his humanness alive is something I am equipped to do. I think it will be a new challenge though when we rehearse together and the characters come alive in new ways, in relationship with each other.

(Stick Man. Picture courtesy of Steve Ullathorne)

Did you always want to be an actor?

As a child, my brother and I delighted in playing with our cuddly toys, giving them voices and adventures. Yes - I have always wanted to act, even though I have other passions as well. When I was fifteen I was offered a role in the school Shakespeare play. It gave me the chance to express emotions inside of me that I could not outside of school and this was very therapeutic and empowering for me at the time.

As time went on I realised I had an aptitude for the work and how much it excited me. After three years of auditioning, I was thrilled to be offered a place to study at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London which was a remarkable place to be. I was gifted with the most brilliant education, it was such a creative and rewarding environment.

What was your favourite book growing up?

Gosh um...I think my favourite book growing up was Roald Dahl's Matilda. I adored the story of the girl who was made to feel less, then found her kind teacher, Miss Honey, and felt like she was finally seen for who she really was. It’s wonderful! In my earlier years, my parents subscribed me to a magazine series which came with cassette tapes of a series of fairytales brought to life. This was wonderful, I am so grateful for this. My imagination was enriched by these stores. 

Any advice for budding actors?

I think acting is a wonderful opportunity to give a gift to others and that at its best it is an act of great empathy. Be generous and make it all about those whose lives you touch through your acting and the characters you inhabit.

Professional training is a wonderful experience but it is not always financially manageable for everyone these days. Watch the actors you love and ask yourself what it is about them that makes them special to you? Surround yourself with those who love you and support you and choose to believe in yourself, even when things don't go the way you might have planned.

Finally try not to get too caught up in all the drama of being an actor or how 'good' you are in the eyes of others. You are a vessel for something bigger. When you come from your heart in your acting it will be full and the world will benefit from it.

Stick Man is on at the King’s Theatre, Glasgow on September 22 and 23. Find out more at www.StickManLive.com.