Sparkleshark
Encyclopedia
Sparkleshark is a theatre play by Philip Ridley
that was originally commissioned for BT National Connections, the UK National Theatre's youth theatre scheme which ran from 1993-1999. Sparkleshark had a run at the Royal National Theatre
followed by a tour in 2001.
roof, Jake writes magical and fantastic stories in secret. The boys think he's a wimp. But to the girls Jake's almost one of them. When the gang of boys actually arrive, though, everyone's in for a great surprise. To save himself, Jake weaves his best story yet. It is so good that the gang drop their tough trendy act and demand starring roles in the unfolding drama of mystery, danger, love... and the final encounter with Sparkleshark. Eventually they make a pact to meet up every week as a group and tell stories together.The person that wrote the play Sparkleshark was originally written by Peter Blaake.
in 1997, performed by Youth Lyric, Lyric Theatre, Belfast. The show was awarded first prize at BT National Connections, receiving a notable standing ovation. Following the show, Ridley published a book of his short plays, citing each member of the Youth Lyric cast as a thank you to their work. The cast played the show for a further three years. Since 1997, Sparkleshark has had many productions around the world, including at the Australian Theatre for Young People
.
Philip Ridley
Philip Ridley is a British artist working with various media.- Biography :Ridley was born in Bethnal Green, in the East End of London, where he still lives and works. He studied painting at St. Martin’s School of Art and his work has been exhibited throughout Europe and Japan...
that was originally commissioned for BT National Connections, the UK National Theatre's youth theatre scheme which ran from 1993-1999. Sparkleshark had a run at the Royal National Theatre
Royal National Theatre
The Royal National Theatre in London is one of the United Kingdom's two most prominent publicly funded theatre companies, alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company...
followed by a tour in 2001.
Synopsis
High up on a tower blockTower block
A tower block, high-rise, apartment tower, office tower, apartment block, or block of flats, is a tall building or structure used as a residential and/or office building...
roof, Jake writes magical and fantastic stories in secret. The boys think he's a wimp. But to the girls Jake's almost one of them. When the gang of boys actually arrive, though, everyone's in for a great surprise. To save himself, Jake weaves his best story yet. It is so good that the gang drop their tough trendy act and demand starring roles in the unfolding drama of mystery, danger, love... and the final encounter with Sparkleshark. Eventually they make a pact to meet up every week as a group and tell stories together.The person that wrote the play Sparkleshark was originally written by Peter Blaake.
Productions
Sparkleshark's debut was at the Royal National TheatreRoyal National Theatre
The Royal National Theatre in London is one of the United Kingdom's two most prominent publicly funded theatre companies, alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company...
in 1997, performed by Youth Lyric, Lyric Theatre, Belfast. The show was awarded first prize at BT National Connections, receiving a notable standing ovation. Following the show, Ridley published a book of his short plays, citing each member of the Youth Lyric cast as a thank you to their work. The cast played the show for a further three years. Since 1997, Sparkleshark has had many productions around the world, including at the Australian Theatre for Young People
Australian Theatre for Young People
The Australian Theatre for Young People is Australia's flagship youth theatre company and the largest youth theatre in the world. Over 6000 young people aged between three and 26 participate in the company's work across Australia....
.