BRIDPORT-based Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company takes a new look at a favourite children’s story with a collaborative production of The Three Little Pigs at Poole’s Lighthouse arts centre from 5th to 24th December.

The show, created by company founder-director Niki McCretton (pictured), has been developed in collaboration with nine young peopl. Working with schools in Plymouth, Bridport and Poole, three children from each school were selected to work closely with the Stuff and Nonsense team on this show.

It is a joyful, family-friendly retelling of the well-known tale, which has been on a nationwide tour before its Dorset festive season. With raucous puppets and original music, this version promises to capture the curiosity and attention of young children, with a family connection at the heart of the story.

After tricking the unsuspecting wolf onto a bus, the three little pigs are on the run and in search of help from the audience. With the need to build a strong shelter, these problem-solving pigs call upon the audience to help them outrun and outsmart their unwitting pursuer. T

The young co-writers have worked alongside the team to create the show as true collaborators. This included attending rehearsals as well as a day at the National Theatre studios in August, as part of National Theatre’s Generate programme.

While the company regularly runs workshops for schools and works with children as part of their creative process, The Three Little Pigs is an extension of this process, involving children’s input from beginning to end.

Niki says: “It is a show about family – three plucky siblings and a Lone Wolf! We have been creating it with a group of wonderfully insightful and inspiring children who have contributed brilliant ideas, so it’s a show that has real heart as well as some exciting adventures.”