The Adventures of Isabel is a critically acclaimed, immersive dance theatre production for children aged between 3 and 7 years inspired by 19th and 20th century poetry about childhood.
The piece follows the exciting escapades of the frightfully fearless Isabel as she embarks on an epic adventure, encountering four fearsome foes along the way.
This production is a fable for young and old alike, uncovering universal truths about overcoming obstacles, adversity and challenges before returning to the sanctuary of home.
Audiences are welcomed into Isabel’s garden, to sit in the flower beds (raised panels that reveal treasures throughout the show). This world is transformed through Isabel’s imagination, and the audience join her on this journey. The performance is an epic voyage through different worlds and landscapes – water, forest and circus – as Isabel faces many challenges, confronts her fears and learns about her emerging independence. The audience are encouraged to take part in various sections of the show and get out of their seats to dance alongside the cast.
Featuring choreography by multi award-winning choreographer Thomas Small, set and costume design by acclaimed designer Claire Halleran, lighting by Simon Gane and animation by Retchy.
Created with support from Creative Scotland. Co-commissioned by Citymoves Dance Agency.
Tour Dates
Cast & Creative Team
Alex McCrossan
Alex didn’t step into their first proper dance class until the age of 13 or 14 - they accompanied a friend to a hip-hop dance class and they were instantly bitten by the dance bug! They practiced at home every minute they could find and the idea of a career in dance became a goal. Without joining a formal dance school, they competed in casual dance competitions around Lanarkshire and Glasgow and learned much of their basic training from YouTube videos and learning dances from music videos off MTV (remember that was a thing??)
Deciding on wanting to become a dancer full time, Alex studied their first two years in Professional Dance Performance at Glasgow Kelvin College and progressed onto complete their BA Honours in Dance through Northumbria University in 2016.
Since graduating, Alex has worked in several different sectors of the dance/performance industry including cabaret, drag and pop-up performances. They enjoy practicing dance recreationally through pole dance, aerial hoop and having a nice wee stretch with some yoga in the evenings.
Alex joined Shaper/Caper in 2018 thanks to funding support from Creative Scotland's Year of Young People Creative Traineeship Fund. The traineeship was such as success that Alex joined the company full time as Dance Artist in March 2019 - and they’ve stuck around even longer!
Rob performed in Shaper/Caper’s mass participation show for the opening of V&A Dundee.
Alex joined Shaper/Caper in 2018 thanks to funding support from Creative Scotland's Year of Young People Creative Traineeship Fund.
Concept, Choreography and Direction:
Thomas Small
Set and Costume Design:
Claire Halleran
Animation by:
Retchy
Devised by:
Ellen Cobbaert, Laurel Dalley Smith, Josh Hawkins and Thomas Small
Listen to music featured in The Adventures of Isabel
Promoters Information
We have various resources available including a Promoters Booklet with detailed information about the production and a Marketing Pack to support venues to sell the production. We can also provide you with images, a press release, and print.
If you would like a Promoters Booklet or for more information about the show, please contact:
Tessa Gordziejko
Producer
