The Hull Truck Theatre is bringing The Borrowers, a classic family adventure to life on stage this Christmas. I spoke to two of the shows stars Rachael Garnett and Marc Akinfolarin to find out more about the show.
The Borrowers is a well-known story and film, but for those people who may not know the story, without giving too much away, can you tell us what the show is about?
Rachael: The Borrowers is a heart warming tale of a family of tiny little people living below the floorboards, who borrow small bits and pieces from the human inhabitants to survive. We follow their adventures as they are forced to confront the world above and beyond the floorboards.
Marc: The Borrowers is a tale about a little family with a lot of heart, who lives under the floorboards. They must navigate the world of the Human Beans to find a new and safe home when their lives get turned upside down.
Can you tell us who you play in the show and how would you describe your character?
Rachael: I’m really lucky and I get to play a few different characters! There’s Crampfurl, the gardener who likes to wind up Mrs Driver, the mean cook who hates anything small. I also play Spiller who is a young borrower who survives outside and doesn’t really understand the “house borrowers” and Shelta, a young traveller girl who befriends the borrowers.
Marc: I play Pod Clock. Pod is a typical Yorkshire dad who loves his family very much. A hard-working Borrower who doesn't give up.
How are rehearsals going? And what are you most excited about the audiences to see?
Rachael: Rehearsals have been a lot of fun! I’m really excited to see and hear the audience reaction to all the amazing puppetry in the show. We have larger puppets and smaller ones too, but you’ll have to come and see the show to find out what they are!
Marc: Rehearsals are going brilliantly thanks for asking. It is rare that a rehearsal room is full of so much individual talent and such a brilliant collective work ethic, but luckily this is one of those times. I can't wait to see audiences faces as they follow the Clock’s on their perilous journey. From the brilliant set and costume design to the excellent puppet work in the show. There's something for everyone to enjoy.
The Borrowers has been performed in many theatres in the past and this year, what makes this production different?
Rachael: This production of the borrowers has been refreshed has songs and music! There’s an amazing actor musician twist to the story, where some of the casts also play instruments and help to underscore the story and play some of the big songs. As you can imagine- it means we’re all quite busy on stage.
Marc: It's hard to answer that question when I have not seen the other productions. But I do know none of them had our talented cast members or creative team. We’ve put in so much hard work and love into bringing this story to life and can't wait for people to come on the journey with us and maybe be able to empathise or see themselves in a bunch of Borrowers…and Human Beans who struggle with having been displaced from their homes and lives.
To you what is it about The Borrowers that makes a great stage production?
Rachael: It’s a story about family and coming of age, in the face of adversity, which can be applied to many situations in our world right now. There are themes of friendship, and belonging which will tug on audience’s heartstrings, and the incredible puppetry and music makes it a great spectacle!
Marc: I think the wonderful idea that there are little people living full lives in the nooks and crannies of your house is one that captures and enthrals imaginations. The joy of portraying the scale of things with clever set design and prop making turn it even more magical to be able to watch it love on a stage.
You perform night after night, what do you do to keep the performance fresh and alive for audiences?
Rachael: We have a real sense of community backstage, and we all spend time together before and after the shows making sure we are in tune with each other- cast and crew! Onstage it’s important that we’re listening to each other so the warmup time before is really important.
Marc: Every performance has its own quirks and oddities. Even though we are delivering the same lines and songs each performance there are always subtle differences, in anything from how we're personally feeling that day to different audience reactions. Or something going wrong and the ways we try and fix them when they do. Of course, hopefully much of that work would go entirely unnoticed by the audience because we've got them hooked in the plight of these wonderful characters.
Christmas is a time to be with the family, and going to see a show or pantomime is a tradition this time of year. What can the audiences expect? And why should families come and watch The Borrowers?
Rachael: It’s a show about family which makes it really special! Hull Truck have even scheduled a baby friendly performance where parents can bring along their little ones in a relaxed, and informal environment, with extra spaces to change and feed their children with no judgement! I've never heard of another theatre doing this and I think it’s brilliant!
Marc: Pantos are great fun and of course a beloved national tradition. But they are often the same stories told in ever more ways. The Borrowers is a beautiful show about a family trying to find safety and love in time for Christmas. A great alternative that we hope will fire your imagination and good will this holiday season.
What other Christmas film or story would you say would make a great stage show?
Rachael: Muppets Christmas carol, on stage- can you imagine!
Marc: Hmmm good question. I think The Santa Clause would make a great show. The idea that a random person finds Santa incapacitated and has to take on the mantle of Saint Nick to save Christmas is such a good one.
What is your favourite part of the festive season?
Rachael: For me it’s all about the Christmas films and music! I’m happy once I’ve seen Nativity and belted out sparkle and shine!
Marc: As an old choir boy at heart, one of my favourite things about Christmas is listening to all the beautiful arrangements of carols. I haven't got to sing in a choir at Christmas for a long time but every time I do it gives me all the goose flesh and Christmassy feels…if you're interested my fav Christmas carol is a version of Away in a Manger in the Normandy Tune, Arranged by Reginald Jacques.
Describe the show in one sentence or three words?
Rachael: Amazing, pocket-sized magic
Marc: Tiny Folk - Big Hearts - Family Christmas
The Borrowers is playing at Hull Truck Theatre from 29th November 2024 to 4th January 2025
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