Celebrating the bond between grandparents and grandchildren

Theatre Direct, one of the country’s most respected companies dedicated to young audiences, continues
the tradition of producing thoughtful and engaging theatre for young people and families with its newest
production Walking the Tightrope by Mike Kenny.

Directed by Thomas Morgan Jones (Pyaasa, Letters to my Grandma) and presented at the Loop, Theatre
Direct’s newly opened theatre for children, youth and families, Walking the Tightrope will run from April 7
to May 3.

Five year old Esme’s annual visit to Grandad Stan’s and Nanna Queenie’s is a time full of games, laughter,
and family. This year… this year something is different. Where is Nanna Queenie?

Never one to shy away from deep and sensitive messages, Theatre Direct’s Canadian premier of Walking the Tightrope is a delicately written and charming drama exploring a child’s first experience of loss and
change through a story that celebrates the special bond shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
Using song and story within a colourful seaside setting, Walking the Tightrope will be performed by two
actors: veteran stage and screen actor Wayne Robson (The Red Green Show, Welcome to Mooseport) in
the role of Grandad Stan and Sharmila Dey (Sanctuary Song), as young Esme.

Music by Dora Award-winning composer Mike Ross; Lighting Design by Geoff Bouckley; Set and Costume
by Kelly Wolf.

Mike Kenny is the recipient of numerous awards and was named to The Independent Sunday‘s list of Top
Ten Living UK Playwrights and his plays are performed regularly throughout the UK, France, Germany and
Scandinavia.

“Walking the Tightrope held special appeal for the very young but also spanned the generation gap, to grip parents
and grandparents alike.” – Falmouth Navigator, UK

“Theatre Direct has never stepped back from confronting some of today’s more difficult issues and presenting them
to young audiences in a theatrically accessible manner. May the show and the organization have a long life in their
new home.” Richard Ouzounian, The Toronto Star

Walking the Tightrope

By Mike Kenny (UK)

Directed by Thomas Morgan Jones

For ages 5 -8

April 7 – May 3, 2009

Media opening: Tuesday, April 14 at 4:30 PM

Artscape Wychwood Barns | 601 Christie Street, Studio 174 (Christie & St. Clair St. West)

Performances: April 18, 19, 25, 26, May 2 at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM

Tickets: $5 to $20 – great family pricing and special discounts for grandparents!

Box office: 416.537.4191

www.theatredirect.on.ca