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Peter & the Wolf Live, based on the Oscar-winning animation

Introduction
Show details
Media
The Narrative
Reviews
Contact

INTRODUCTION

"...an undoubted triumph for both young and old audience members alike. With the script and poetry penned by Simon Armitage, it’s safe to say that the narrator was in able hands, telling the audience to think of Peter as ‘a living, walking violin."

Intermusica is delighted to offer the family show Peter & the Wolf Live for international touring. The original show was premiered at the Southbank Centre in London with the Philharmonia Orchestra in December 2009. Since then several versions of the show have been developed to suit the preferences of individual presenters. At the heart of all these shows lies a screening of the Oscar-winning animation with an onstage orchestra performing Prokofiev’s timeless tale.

SHOW DETAILS

Outlined below are some of the different format options and other benefits we are able to offer to promoters:

FORMATS & SCRIPT
We are able to offer the choice of three different show formats to be performed as an introduction to the film.

1. Fully staged version with onstage sets and models which are explored with mini-cameras. The script accompanying this show was written by acclaimed children’s author Simon Armitage and contains his charming poetry. The mini-cameras are a wonderful way to bring this animation to life.

2. Staged version with narrated introduction and accompanying slides. This lively script is written by Matthew Sharp and also features extracts of Armitage poetry.

3. Straight screening, on agreement this can be used in combination with other works

In addition we are able to offer the chance of commissioning a script tailored to individual productions:

ORCHESTRA
A bespoke professional ensemble ‘The Orchestra of the Blue Balloon’ is available to perform the score. This orchestra is available to tour internationally.

MARKETING & AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
Imaginative and informative marketing materials are available. These include puppets from the show that can be displayed in hall foyers as well as film excerpts and a plethora of images. We are also able to assist with the creation of competitions and offer workshops which aim to give younger audience members a good introduction to the music and the characters in the film.

MEDIA

Watch an interview with Hugh Welchman, Producer of the Peter & the Wolf film:

Hugh Welchman from Intermusica on Vimeo.

Click here to watch the Exit Film for Peter & the Wolf Live, which is available for screening at the end of the show.

Hear Jude Kelly - Artistic Director at Southbank Centre and Commissioner of the production in December 2009 - telling Intermusica about the project:

Hear Mark Stephenson, conductor, talking to Intermusica about the inspiration behind the Peter & the Wolf Live project:

THE NARRATIVE

Renowned poet Simon Armitage was commissioned by Southbank Centre to write the script for Peter & the Wolf Live. Read some extracts below.

As wiry and thin as a length of string,
as lean and as taut
as catgut or steel,
a living, walking violin,
so the faintest brush
with nothing more
than a horse’s hair
and we hear what you feel.
We can see your soul.

Dog of hell-frozen-over,
wherever you run
the end of the world
must also come.
Apparition. Silhouette.
Mist-hound,
moon-hound,
dog with the eyes
of arctic ice...

You’re all neck,
made to dabble and peck,
with a sticky-out reed
that’s nothing less
than a bill or a beak,
grubbing and scraping
for crumbs and weeds.
Then open your mouth
and a tune bubbles out.

REVIEWS

“This is to say how very much we enjoyed the performance. The way the film was presented and accompanied made Peter and the Wolf newly fresh... There was a buzz and excitement in the hall and we all went away feeling happy and stimulated - a real achievement!”
Frances Prokofiev

Mainly Mozart Festival Theatre / cond. David Atherton / Balboa Theatre
“Both the music and the movie, although the two quickly merged into a single, engrossing experience, were a wonder.”
The San Diego Union-Tribune, June 2012

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
"this particular version of Prokofiev’s children’s story proves a perfect vehicle for winning over little ears, not least because of its matching with Suzie Templeton’s Oscar-winning animation and Matthew Sharp’s mellifluous narration, which worked hand in hand with the RLPO to create a magical performance."
Liverpool Echo, January 2011

Philharmonia Orchestra and Jarvis Cocker, Royal Festival Hall
"Children and grown-ups roared as the duck skated on the ice, gasped as Peter lassoed the wolf and giggled as a flightless bird strapped a balloon on its back in an attempt to fly. But Cocker didn't mind. Sitting cross-legged on stage, he seemed as enthralled as everyone else."
The Guardian, December 2010

Orchestra of the Blue Balloon, Brighton Dome
"...the show was an undoubted triumph for both young and old audience members alike."
The Argus, December 2010

Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Festival Hall
"The joy of this film is the care, sensitivity and imagination that matches even Prokofiev’s work."
The Independent, December 2009

"Peter’s adventures look wonderfully exciting and Prokofiev’s score helps, too, in a thrillingly beautiful animation."
The Sunday Times, December 2009