Do You Mind?
Theatre - 2017“A heart-warming story about a small dog, Celeste, and how she feels when her much-loved human, Rupert, develops depression.”
Adapted from the book by Liza Stevens
Devised by Bobble Hat Theatre
With music by Al Start from Go Kid Music
Liza Stevens wrote and illustrated Not Today Celeste! after noticing that, although parental depression is widespread, there did not seem to be many books for children about the issue. Not Today, Celeste! was published in 2016 by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Following the book's popularity, especially in schools, Liza adapted the story into a live, musical puppet performance. With the support of the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, the show will be em-bark-ing on its third tour of primary schools in Brighton and Hove in Autumn 2019.
For more info visit: www.nottodayceleste.co.uk
Testimonials
“The puppetry, music, emotion and theatre drew everyone in and provided a safe space foreveryone to learn about depression and also did so with a great respect to those children and adults whose lives may include this experience. It was wonderful!"
— Teacher - St Luke's Primary
"I wanted to say a huge thanks to you for the amazing morning yesterday. The children really benefited from the show and the follow up, and it was so professional and enjoyable to watch."
— Inclusion co-ordinator, Queens Park Primary School, Brighton
"Watching Celeste, Rupert, Lily and Henry come to life is an amazing experience… The puppets are works of art… Al's songs are utterly incredible and bring so much to the live story - and what an amazing voice (not to mention player)…Puppeteers Daisy, Joni-Rae and Nix capture the characters just beautifully. I was totally blown away."
—Teresa Day
"It was funny, it was sad, it just shows how life goes."
"It taught me that depression feels like you're isolated, you forget things, you're tired, you are in a box that keeps on shrinking."
"It was amazing because I learnt about feelings through cute animals."
— Feedback from Yr 3 children, Carlton Hill School
Not Today, Celeste has been supported by Brighton and Hove Council, The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust and Arts Council England