An immersive ‘choose your own adventure’ theatre experience that makes children the star of the show has been delighting audiences across the UK following it’s premiere last month, and is coming to a venue near you throughout the Spring and Summer months.

The Story Forge: Make Your Own Myth is an interactive, all-ages family event – where two very silly history professors and a live musician lead audiences through a trio of tales: the origin of the place they live; the creation myth of a donated item; and a hero’s journey – where audience members have the chance to prove themselves a legend!

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So… who is the God of dog poo bags? What ancient crime was Marmite the punishment for… and why was it inflicted upon us? Will it be Greek? Viking? Ancient Babylonian? They haven’t a clue! This silly iliad – or silliad, if you will – is completely unique every single time it’s performed, as three new myths are forged from the unhinged minds of the audience – and a boatload of cardboard props!

Brought to the stage by award-winning theatre producers Rubbish Shakespeare Company and acclaimed podcasters the Silly History Boys, The Story Forge: Make Your Own Myth is their first live collaboration – a hilarious hour of high-octane adventure, told through their distinctive fusion of clowning, silly storytelling, physical comedy and live music.

The Rubbish Shakespeare Company production team are adept at transposing classic stories for a young audience – their last tour of Romeo and Juliet took them across the U.K, to venues including The Pleasance in Edinburgh, and show runs were extended at both Leeds Playhouse and London’s West End, garnering great reviews and audience feedback.

Produced to chime with Rubbish Shakespeare Company’s mission of ‘Theatre for All’, this ‘choose your own adventure tale’ was developed in response to a lack of new stories for children. Using a flexible scripted framework, each show will reflect the local community, as stories are drawn from their imaginations and experiences.

While the storyline is inspired by the ancient classics – giving audiences a recognisable starting point – each show allows children to shape the narrative, whilst also providing a first time performance experience for many young people.

“Creative, fun and delightfully unique. If you are looking for a family fun show to suit all ages and really get yourself immersed into a show then look no further, the Rubbish Shakespeare Company has you covered with their hilarious and eccentric performance ‘The Story Forge; Make your own Myth…” – North West End

Lee Hithersay, Artistic Director of Rubbish Shakespeare Co., said: “It’s been a blast! Sharing the stage with these amazing children is incredible, you really see them light up and come alive. As a performer, this has been one of the most fun and rewarding shows I’ve ever been a part of. Honestly, the kids steal the show every time, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! They’re the real stars, not us.

“You really see how naturally storytelling comes to kids. We created The Story Forge largely because children just aren’t being exposed to enough new stories. That New National Literacy Trust study really hit home – only 35% of 8–18-year-olds actually read for pleasure? That’s crazy!

We think a big reason is the lack of fresh, original stories out there for them. So we’re doing our bit to change that by creating three brand new stories every show!”

New dates have just been added for this inaugural UK Tour – including visits to both Northern Ireland and the Scottish Highlands – throughout the Spring and Summer months. Resuming in the Autumn, the tour then continues its national jaunt throughout September and October, with further dates due to be announced soon.

Story Forge: Make Your Own Myth is a Rubbish Shakespeare Company production in association with Silly History Boys. The tour is funded by Arts Council England and supported by Unity Theatre, Liverpool.

“The Story Forge: Make Your Own Myth at Leeds Playhouse was the most enjoyable hour this critic has spent at the theatre in years. Masterfully combining improvisation, audience participation and comedic storytelling to create a unique theatrical event, this two-hander is an utter joy from start to finish. Lee Hithersay and Robert Bond work tirelessly and seamlessly together to create a rollicking and rip-roaring farce from the young audience’s ideas” – Christopher Holmes, The Reviews Hub