Young theatre enthusiasts have the opportunity to join Doc and Marty on a quest through time and space as they travel “Back to the Future” on Saturday.
In honour of the East London Museum’s 100th anniversary, theatre-maker and drama teacher Jen Bryson Moorcroft and her students will stage Back to the Future, an interactive children’s theatre show that promises nostalgia for parents, too, as some of their favourite characters from the sci-fi adventure come alive.
“They will meet quirky characters (like a cave family, a dodo, a cyborg and even a giant manta ray), solve puzzles, find clues and overcome obstacles in this adventure celebrating the 100-year history of the East London Museum,” Moorcroft said.
Developed by Jen Bryson Moorcroft Theatre and Joy of Books, this is the second quest storyline after the success of their sold-out Quest to Atlantis in 2023.
This quest is suitable for three to 10-year-olds and the young at heart.
Back to the Future incorporates fun and educational elements that keep young minds and bodies engaged, while characters take them though scenes from the last 100 years and futuristic scenes.
The team debuted Back to the Future at this year’s Umtiza Arts Festival and it sold out and garnered raving reviews.
“I was chatting with the experts at the museum about the history of the museum and I just thought it would be a lot more fun to travel backwards and forwards in time, not just like a history textbook, because that’s not my style,” Moorcroft said.
“I have a four year-old and an eight-year-old who are my hardest critics. I run a lot of stuff based on what they and their friends would like.
“They watch all the shows and rehearsals in the house, so it’s quite nice being able to use them as inspiration for what’s entertaining for kids.
“The guides for the quest are characters from Back to the Future, which is very much an 80s thing. That’s our stuff.
“Like, my kids don’t know who Doc and Marty are but they’re such fun characters to take the kids on that adventure while some of the parents [enjoy some familiarity].”
Doc will lead the pack with his steering wheel while the children hop onto the imaginary car for the adventure.
Quests take about an hour to complete, with five time slots reserved for the day. Booking is essential.
With each slot starting at the East London Museum entrance and accommodating a group of up to 20 members, the first starts at 9am and ends at 10am, while a second is from 9.45am until 10.45am.
Slots run hourly, with the last at midday until 1pm when the museum closes.
Moorcroft is a local playwright, theatre-maker and drama teacher. She holds a master’s degree in drama from Rhodes University.
On Sunday Moorcroft’s group will perform at Tea in the Trees as part of the Hello Chintsa Festival happening in different parts of Chintsa throughout the weekend. They will perform Vikings and Mermaids, an immersive theatre show.
Tickets for Vikings and Mermaids can be bought from Tea in the Trees on the day.
Contact 074-538-4438 to make bookings for Back to the Future. Tickets cost R60 a person.
The theatre events are created in collaboration with the NPO, Joy of Books.
Weekender
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.