Nicole & Martin

Nicole and Martin is a mini circus theatre with its own dome-shaped marquee, wooden caravans and towing vehicles. Their programme includes three ancient folk tales by the Grimm brothers. Between 1999 and 2006, Nicole and Martin held 1255 performances in seven different countries. In 2002 Nicole and Martin were awarded a prize for the promotion of culture by the canton of Basel Land in Switzerland. In 2006 they get the Tapwater-Award and the sold out Aard from the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh.

“It is not only the artistic talents and skills of the couple which immediately catch the eye: Nicole and Martin put their hearts, bodies and souls into all of their performances. There is no doubt: they are one with the characters they play – even though they hardly speak during their performances. It is the gestures, the facial expressions, the body language, the outstanding musical contributions and the enormous acrobatic effort of the two artists which captivate the audience, young and old, from the very beginning right through to the end.” Die Vorstadt, Switzerland

Above the entrance is a sign reading “The White Tent”. Inside, the world of theatre comes to life. Ancient folk tales take on a new guise with Nicole & Martin’s unique story-telling style. Children and adults alike are taken on a journey to another world. The stories are played out with a colourful mix of words, music, song, dance and juggling and acrobatic acts.

The Fisherman and His Wife The fisherman sits and waits for a fish to bite. But the fish that he catches is a mysterious one: one that grants the fisherman and his wife many wishes. What their wishes are, one can gather from the fisherman’s repeated trips to the sea. Nicole and Martin conjure up the entire play out of a wooden box: the sea, the long table in the castle, the king’s garments and even the Pope’s large tiara. This play is an exciting journey from one wish to the next.

Hansel and Gretel

We follow a young boy called Hansel and a young girl called Gretel through this dramatic story. The children have been abandoned in a dark forest by their parents. After a while, the siblings meet a witch. Despite all odds, they have the strength to overcome evil. They fill their pockets with jewels and find their way back home. This story is packed with funny surprises and details which are often forgotten and which lend this serious story the perfect lightness.

The Musicians of Bremen

A donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster: They are old and tired and no longer fulfil their master’s expectations. A sad end seems unavoidable. The four animals decide to escape – so off they go. They head for Bremen, where they intend to start a new life as town musicians. But will they ever make it to Bremen or will they stay with the robbers they meet in the forest? This is a funny story with symbolic meaning.

Summer Tour 2008

Dunamaise Arts Centre
Port Laoise
County Laoise
June 27, 28 & 29

Roscommon Arts Centre
Roscommon Town
County Roscommon
July 1,2,3 & 4

The Clonmel Junction Festival
Clonmel
County Tipperary
July 7,8,9,10,11,& 12

Earagail Arts Festival
Letterkenny,
County Donegal
July 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20

Dublin City (venue tbc)
July 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27