Details

Based on a Hans Andersen story. Wu is a young Emperor who has never left his palace. His servant Xiao tells him that she knows of the most precious thing in the entire world and encourages him to leave the safety of the palace to find it. They travel together across the globe having wonderful adventures and meeting incredible animals including the rain cloud-breathing dragon and a mischievous monkey. On arrival at her home in the mountains Wu discovers the great beauty in the wondrous Nightingale. He takes it back with him and demands the bird sing when he chooses. The bird will only sing when it feels free and is replaced by a clockwork copy, whereupon the Nightingale flies away. When it stops working he realises that he has been selfish in his demands and makes the journey back to the mountain to find the precious bird.

Cast/Performers

Sebastian Bates, Peter Caulfield, Louise Clayton, Amanda Hadingue, Mark Meadows, Thomasin Tresize

Creatives/Company

Author: Neil Duffield
Producer: The Watermill
Director: Fiona Laird
Music: Paul Kissaun
Design: Philip Whitcomb
Lighting: Tony Simpson