A multi-sensory aerial theatre show for babies aged 0–2 and their adults, Take Flight is the uplifting story of a baby bird finding its wings and exploring the world. Two performers in bright feathers fly and swing on colourful silks accompanied by gentle, playful music. Developed in collaboration with developmental psychologist Dr Valentina Sclafani from Lincoln University, the show supports babies’ neurological and motor skills development while encouraging strong connection and bonding between babies and their grown-ups. As mother and baby bird set out to explore, the show navigates early independence, making friends, overcoming challenges and, eventually, being supported to leave the nest and take flight.
The relaxed performances allow babies to make noise, fidget, be changed and fed during the show, and following the performance, the company hosts a stay-and-play session where they can touch, play and explore the set and props, including experiencing the aerial silks first-hand. Designed as a gentle, multi-sensory experience, Take Flight combines aerial performance with music, movement and visual storytelling to ignite curiosity and imagination in the very youngest audiences.
Director Ria Ashcroft said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to bring Take Flight to so many new audiences across the country. I’m really excited to be able to share this beautiful show with so many babies and their grownups. I worked with a superb team of with incredible creatives, feminists and academics to create the show. The whole show has been designed with babies at the heart of it, from the first seeds of the idea to co creating with babies in the rehearsal room. As a mother myself I wanted to create a show that feels like soft warm hug, a sanctuary for the babies and grownups, to create a moment of calm, comedy, silliness and bonding. The show reflects and captures the chaotic mayhem of the madness and beauty of this time.”
Rebel Sparks are a Nottingham-based company (formerly The Gramophones) making theatre that lights up audiences, fans the flames of change and sparks connection. Their shows burn the rulebook by centring female and non-binary characters and setting fire to audience expectations. Rebel Sparks are Curve Resident Associate Alumni, supported by their team to make work and programmed there regularly. They have previously been nominated for a Sustainable Theatre Award, a Scenesaver Award and a Fantastic for Families Award. Previous productions include Aidy the Awesome (2022), Tarzanna (2021) and Another Planet (2020). Their shows have toured the length and breadth of the country and they have been commissioned to make shows by Curve, Arts Depot, and Lakeside Arts and Creative Arts East.