Teenager transforms into a bird at Brewery Arts, Kendal
29 March | Starts 7.30pm | Theatre
Set against a backdrop of the climate crisis, Too Much World at Once is a new play being performed at Brewery Arts, and a coming-of-age story about growing up queer in rural northern England.
The poetic story of a boy transforming into a bird touches on themes of family and belonging, mental well-being, gender identity, and the climate emergency, written by young playwright Billie Collins and presented by northern theatre company, Box of Tricks.
Billie Collins, from the Wirral, first wrote Too Much World at Once aged just 21 on an early-career development programme for North West playwrights, PlayBox. Joint Artistic Director of Box of Tricks and Director of the play, Adam Quayle, read the first draft in one sitting and knew instantly that it was something special.
Adam said: “The play is at once lyrical, epic, theatrical and heartfelt and speaks to our world today – exploring the climate emergency, young queer identity, and family. We’re finally on the cusp of sharing this urgent new play with audiences nationwide.”
The play follows fifteen-year-old Noble who transforms into a bird on his birthday. Thousands of miles away, his sister Cleo is stationed on a remote island with the British Antarctic Survey, and Noble needs to reach her.
A lyrical, theatrical journey that spans continents and lives, Too Much World at Once is an urgent coming-of-age story which unpacks the impact environmental concerns can have on mental health, particularly for younger generations.
Playwright, Billie Collins said: “Initially, I was obsessed with the question: what if a boy turned into a bird? As a teenager, I had a lot of pent-up energy and a sense that something was really wrong, but I couldn’t say what it was. I wanted to try and capture that.”
Adam Quayle commented: “Theatre, and in particular, new writing, has taken a hammering over the last few years, so I’m doubly excited to be staging this epic new play.”
Whilst in Kendal, Box of Tricks Theatre Company is offering local schools and colleges engagement activities alongside bespoke sessions tailored to individual institutions, including curriculum enrichment, creative collaborative skills building, and CPD for teachers.
The company said: “We want to forge a fairer future and are committed to positive change. Beyond productions, we provide pathways into the arts, connect with communities, inspire younger generations and develop future talent.”
Box of Tricks Theatre Company presents Too Much World at Once at Brewery Arts on Wednesday 29 March. Group bookings of over six people can enjoy a 10% discount.
Go to breweryarts.co.uk to book your tickets.
