The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee)
Written by Finegan Kruckemeyer
with an original score by Bryony Marks and directed by Tim McGarry
This show fills a unique gap in the market for children and families – newly commissioned classical music of the highest calibre, presented in a theatrical setting. This sophisticated, immersive work will introduce your youngest audiences to the joys of live music and theatre.
“A magically beautiful story and show, warming the heart as we see a heroine save marine life and live her life the way she wants.”
ABOUT THE SHOW
There is the story of a prince who wished to find a perfect princess. But the ladies who arrived at his castle had terrible manners or horrible habits or bad breath, and he grew sadder and sadder. One stormy evening, a rain-soaked stranger appeared at his gates. She claimed to be royalty, but none believed her – so his mother the queen placed a single pea beneath 20 mattresses and 28 eiderdowns. When the woman awoke in the morning, she complained of a terrible sleep due to something hard beneath her. Her sensitivities proven, the family saw she really was a princess and the couple was wed.
This is the fairytale we know. But what isn’t known, what no book has ever recorded, is why exactly the princess was out in the middle of a storm, in the middle of a night, at the end of an adventure.
This story, is that story. And once upon a time….
There is the fairytale you know and love. But what isn’t known, what no book has ever recorded, is why exactly the princess was out in the middle of a storm, in the middle of a night, at the end of an adventure. This story, is that story.
In a clever and creative reimagining of this much-loved fairytale, audiences will meet Isabella, a princess who’s life is grand and loud, but who notices the small things, and longs to be somewhere else. This stunning production featuring live classical music performed by ACO musicians will tell the story of a princess who dreams of escape… and how she ended up on a prince’s doorstep in the rain.
Written by award-winning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer, with an original score by Bryony Marks, and directed by Tim McGarry, The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee) is a brand new ACO Families production which will enchant and delight audiences of all ages.
reviews
“A wonderful mix of drama, adventure, great storytelling, puppetry and beautiful music by the talented quartet. The children were very engaged.” - Busy CityKids
“A truly wonderful experience for our children and families."- Bear Cottage
“It was so fabulous–just magical.” - Audience Member
“Thank you for this wonderful production.” - Audience Member
from the creatives
"This show is about the small things in life–and celebrating those small things to the point that the more you look for them, the more fascinating they be come."
Bryony Marks, Composer
"It is written so beautifully, with mythical language, and it's reclaiming the princess archetype in a touching, intimate, fun and hilarious way."
Micaela Ellis, Actor
Illustration credit: Anna Volobueva. Production photography credit: Maria Boyadgis.
Touring
Touring 2025
CREDITS
Writer Finegan Kruckemeyer
Composer Bryony Marks
Director Tim McGarry
Production Designer Melanie Liertz
Lighting Designer Ryan McDonald
If you are interested in touring get in contact!
Arts on Tour
02 8038 1880
touring@artsontour.com.au
Arts on Tour is based in Redfern NSW and we respectfully acknowledge the Gadigal people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the unceded land on which we work.
As we tour artists and productions across these vast lands, we pay our respect to all First Nations Elders, past, present and future.
We celebrate their continuing connection and contribution to culture, country and community, and thank all First Nations peoples for their wisdom in caring for the land, the sky, the rivers and the sea.