is proud to present
THE HEART OF THE CASTLE
Embark on an enchanting journey with Turntale Theatre’s captivating one-person show delivered live over Zoom and suitable for all ages.
“The Heart of the Castle” is a thrilling multimedia experience that brings together the magic of storytelling with a delightful array of visuals and sounds.
about the show
Created by Turntale Theatre and performed by Jonathan Lambert,
The Heart of the Castle is a multimedia one-person show combining storytelling with a range of visual and audio elements. Developed from a traditional tale, it combines oral storytelling with live acoustic looping, masks, props, pop-up constructions, shadow puppetry and green-screen video.
The show explores themes of perseverance, loyalty, and courage, while highlighting the incredible power of kindness and compassion.
“Heart of the Castle” is suitable for family audiences as well as primary schools. Developed to be delivered online over Zoom it makes full use of all that the medium has to offer in dramatic and original ways. This is an exciting alternative to in-person shows and is ideal for those harder-to-reach places that may otherwise miss out.
The show may be booked as a performance and Q & A, or with two short workshops in ‘Mood through Music’ and ‘The Basics of Pop-up Design’.
For further information, or to book the show,
please contact john@oleary-irsara.com
The fire in the kitchen has gone out and gloom has descended upon the castle. To make matters worse, the King and Queen have quarelled and retired to their separate towers. The oldest servant makes his way out into the wintry snow in search of embers for a new fire. His quest takes him down the valley, through the village and deep into the eerie, dark forest.
Will he find what he needs to relight the fire in the kitchen in time for the big festival?
Can he provide the spark that rescues the royal relationship and bring peace and harmony once more to the castle?
who we are
Turntale Theatre is a collaboration between Jonathan Lambert and John O’Leary. The duo met while participating in Luton Carnival Arts’ Festival of Learning and have since worked together on a number of projects including ‘Pop-up Flashback’, for Half Moon Theatre in association with Apples and Snakes with Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho.
JOHN O’LEARY is a popular author, illustrator and paper engineer whose books have a particular emphasis on discovery, game play and illusion. He has used his skills as a paper engineer to create giant pop-ups for theatre, art trails and art residencies. He is a regular visitor to schools, museums, libraries and other venues where he delivers talks and runs workshops in pop-up design, illustration and literacy.
John has had twelve children’s books published, all of which have been translated into many languages.
https://johnolearyillustration.co.uk/
Musician and storyteller JONATHAN LAMBERT has over two decades’ experience as a technician and composer for numerous theatre productions. His previous solo show, Dark Matters, is a portmanteau of six traditional stories combined with live music and a pre-recorded soundtrack. He composed and performed the music for Norwich Puppet Theatre’s Christmas season of Pinocchio.
Jonathan has worked both as composer and performer for companies including Polka Theatre, Garlic Theatre and Indefinite Articles and is the founder of the annual Hare Moon Storytelling Camp which features the UK’s foremost performance storytellers.
The Heart of the Castle is a rich, immersive experience that enchants and inspires. It’s performed with heart, wit, and technical skill, and captures the essence of ancient tales while speaking directly to a contemporary audience.
James Okodo, Enfield Young Theatre Group
A very professional performance and one that our school’s audience in Mohali, India will absolutely remember. It was a very special thrill to be ‘live’ with the UK. Children and adults were entranced by the story, the music and the strong visuals. Highly recommend Turntale Theatre, wherever you are in the world!
Bright Sparks Primary School, Punjab, India
“My class loved the music part of the story, I think Jonathan playing live added to the effectiveness of the music.”
Sandra Graham (Head of English at Harlowbury Primary School)
“The language pitch was good, and I liked the way that even though it was a repetitive story which is often more suitable for KS1, the vocabulary was ambitious and therefore also suitable for KS2 children.”
Harlowbury Primary School
“From intricate paper-engineered sets to joyous music and engaging storytelling, this production is completely enthralling. Loved every minute of it!”
Stephanie Ward (children’s author)
“I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s a really cool show”
Sterling (young audience member)
“Loved the story, the delivery, the music and the visual style. Very innovative use of old and new technologies, very engaging for younger audiences.”
Martin Sercombe (filmmaker)
“I loved the repetitions which are so comforting with their fairy tale roots and the tale itself was very well written.”
Lynn-Marie (audience member)
“Magical tale, beautifully told. Wonderful pop-up set, props and music. Script was good with an excellent delivery; loved the voices and the magical scenery. Music was enchanting and the tale full of humour and fun.”
Liam Carroll (Norwich storyteller)
“A wonderful combination of pop up, enchanting storytelling and music- lovely exploration of the coming of spring”
Jennie Pedley
John O'Leary 