Tabby McTat Visual Story Presented by Freckle Productions Based on the book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
Relaxed Performance Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham. Sunday 25th August 2019, 3pm This visual story is designed for visitors to the Relaxed Performance of Tabby McTat. Relaxed performances are for people who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment including people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, sensory or communication disorders, or a learning disability. This document contains information about the play and lots of images to help prepare you for your visit.
Arriving at Birmingham Town Hall This is Birmingham Town Hall where you will see Tabby McTat!
This is the theatre auditorium where you will watch the show. A steward will be there to help you find your seat.
Birmingham Town Hall aims to make everyone welcome. If you have any concerns or particular access issues you would prefer to discuss with them before arranging your visit. They have a dedicated phone number for disabled visitors. To book tickets or enquire about facilities, please call 0121 780 4949. Take a look at their Access Information page on their website for more details.
The actors and the characters they play The play is performed by four actors and they all play a number of different characters.
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Rhîan Mclean plays Sock, The Thief, Pat & Susan. She is also “The Magician”.
Anneka Gouldbourne plays Tabby, Prunella and Soames. She is also “The Musician”.
Paul Hilliar plays Fred the Busker and Sock. He is the Master of the Secret Handshake!!!
Luke Rees-Oliviere plays Samuel Sprat and narrates the show. He is EPIC! (He also plays Tabby!)
You might also notice the lovely Zoe Doy in the tech booth at the back of the auditorium. Zoe operates all the sound and lighting during the show – making it look and sound beautiful!
What happens in the play
Tabby McTat is a busker’s cat and together, Tabby and Fred sing songs and people throw coins in Fred’s old checked hat. They are the best of friends.
Their favourite song to sing together is “Me, You & the Old Guitar” →
One morning, Tabby goes for a stroll around the block and meets Sock, a gorgeous and glossy cat. They have a “Cat to Cat chat”. →
Meanwhile, a thief has his eye on Fred’s checked hat, with all the money in it. He steals it, but when Fred chases after the thief, he trips and hurts his leg.
Fred gets taken to hospital and has to spend the night. →
When Tabby returns after his stroll, he can’t find Fred anywhere. He searches for him, but is a sad, lonely cat in the big city.
So, Tabby goes back to find Sock and goes to live with Prunella & Pat →
After Fred gets out of hospital, he returns to the square, looking for Tabby, but in his place is a big brass band!
Back at Pru & Pat’s, Tabby is having a lovely time, but he does dream of his old friend, Fred. So, he pops back to the square to see if he can find him… but where Fred once stood is a Magician instead! →
When Tabby returns home, Sock shows him their 3 kittens: Susan, Soames and Samuel Sprat.
Susan & Soames find lovely homes, but no one wants Samuel Sprat because of his deafening “meow”! →
Tabby, once again goes back to the square but this time he finally finds Fred sitting and singing alone.
Tabby & Fred are SO happy to be back together again. They sing their songs and people once again throw coins in the NEW checked hat. →
But Tabby is still sad because now he misses his wife and son too.
But then….. Samuel Sprat jumps out of the shadows and wants to be the new busker’s cat →
Fred teaches Samuel (and everyone else) their special handshake and a new partnership is made.
Samuel Sprat is the new busker’s cat and him and Fred still sing their favourite song which is….→
Me, You & The Old Guitar
More Information The play is around 55 minutes long. You can leave the show at any time and come back in whenever you like. There are chill-out areas in the theatre where you can go and relax if you need to. There will also be people there to help you if you need it. We hope you have a lovely time and‌ ‌ Enjoy the show!