‘Sneak peek’ first production images of the ‘sold out’ Funnybones presented by Jessica Thanki and based on the book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

DOWNLOAD PRODUCTION IMAGES HERE

In the dark dark street there was a dark dark house…

Two scientists are working in their lab. Bored and in need of some inspiration, they’ve lost all their ideas and just can’t seem to make their experiments work. Can Big Skeleton, Little Skeleton and Dog Skeleton help the scientists get their imaginations going again?

Step inside the dark, dark world of FunnyBones as we discover the joy of imaginative play in this brand new, visual and non-verbal storytelling adventure based on the beloved story by Janet & Allan Ahlberg. With puppetry, object manipulation, projection and movement this heart-warming new show is suitable for ages 4-7 and their families.

Jess Thanki said “Funnybones is a high-quality family show that will bring together communities from different backgrounds, especially those with a barrier to language.  A show that can tour both community venues but also traditional theatres with a multi-disciplined cast without losing its magic.  

“The idea originally came out of frustration during the pandemic. I had been stage managing since 2008 professionally and was struggling to make the step change into directing. With the support of The Lowry and ‘Developed With’ I was able to apply for Arts Council Funding and create an opportunity for myself.”

Antonia Beck, Senior Producer: Artist Development, at The Lowry said “Over the last couple of years, we have been supporting Jess as an emerging director through our flagship artist development programme ‘Developed With The Lowry’, and we are thrilled that ‘Funnybones’ will mark Jess’s directorial debut and first production as a lead artist. Under Jess’s direction, this much-loved story has been developed into a highly visual, playful and accessible theatre production which will appeal to a broad range of audiences. We are delighted to be presenting the opening performances of ‘Funnybones’ at The Lowry on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 March before the production tours nationally, and we can’t wait to see where this show and Jess’s work goes next.”

FunnyBones has been created as part of Developed With The Lowry. In association with Leeds Playhouse and Z Arts.

Created by Jessica Thanki and devised by the company.

Designed by Marc Parret.

Supported by Arts Council England.