Productions available Henry VIII World War II The Story of Aesop's Fables The Hare and the Tortoise Search for the Lost Tomb Timeline Billy Beware! Robin Hood rescues the Forest Not Such an Ugly Duckling The Gingerbread Man

Aesop's Fables

Choose from one of our productions listed on the right to see a synopsis of the play. If you would like more information on the plays and their basis in National Curriculum themes then please contact Aesop's Theatre by phone on 01483 724633 or send us an email.

The Story of Aesop's Fables

Suitable for ages 5 to 11 years

A story told by just two actors playing a variety of different characters, combining a selection of some of the greatest fables with music, masks, magic and comedy. Aesop lived circa 600BC. Unfortunately, little is known about him, although history tells us that for many years Aesop was a slave to King Iadmon. He refused to give the Delphinian people any money believing them to be undeserving.

Thus, the Delphinians threw Aesop over a precipice to his death. Consequently, a plague followed by way of punishment from the Gods. The Fables were never put in writing until many years later by two men named Babrius and Phaedrus. In the play, Babrius appears as a little boy and relates the stories to present day life through the powers of imagination, mime and storytelling; depicting the way people used to listen to these stories all those years ago. A fun filled story packed with surprises and lots of audience participation encouraging children to question their own morals through entertainment.

Photos of the show Aesop's Fables

Reviews/Comments

"I would like to say a huge thank you from all at Newnham Croft Primary School. The children have just performed their plays to the school and they enjoyed it immensely. All children got an awful lot out of the experience; I was particularly proud of some children who up until now have actively chosen to avoid large speaking parts. One girl in particular actually participated in The Big Weekend plays at the Cambridge Festival, speaking through a microphone to so many people – it was amazing to see her achieve this! Thanks once again to all involved in this project."
Lesley Turner, Year 5 Teacher

"I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thank you for the production on Friday. My understanding was that all the children really enjoyed the production, Many thanks"
Panash, Cambridge Child Care

"Thanks must go to the actors who came to Manor Green on 11th March. Both children and staff came out of the performance of Aesop's Fables having thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was a great success."
Carole Berry, Manor Green School, Maidenhead

"We had a brilliant day on Friday morning. Thank you very much for all your hard work and superb presentation of Aesop's Fables."
Dianne Rawlings, Farleigh School, Andover

"Many thanks for your performance of Aesop's Fables last Friday. The children really enjoyed it. Many thanks."
Lucy Pope, Tonwell St. Mary's Primary School

"I just want to say a huge THANK YOU from the Staff and children of St. Mary's for your excellent theatre performance on Monday. I chatted to my class on Thursday and they all got a lot from your visit and really enjoyed seeing a 'live' performance, which so many of our children don't get the opportunity to see. I hope you had a safe journey back down South."
Alison Stewart, St. Mary's Primary School, Haddington

"We thoroughly enjoyed the performances yesterday. I would highly commend Karen and Michael who were thoroughly professional, full of energy and accomplished performers. The Show was very well received, and enjoyed by everybody."
Bill Webster, Ickburgh School (Special Needs), Hackney

"A really enjoyable performance!  Our Year 3 group loved the chance to participate in the performance and thoroughly enjoyed making up their own fables in the workshop.  Thank you so much!"
Claire Gillett, Lower School Co-ordinator, Godstowe Prep. School

"Thank you so much for fitting us into a busy week around World Book Day, it was an excellent start to our own book week. The pupils with me helping my review thought: "It was super and very funny" and " A hilarious play that was excellent." Thanks again!"
Dora Westlake, Literacy Co-Ordinator, Cotford Saint Luke Primary School

"Our Year 3 pupils enjoyed the Aesop's Fables performance very much this morning, so please convey our thanks to your team. While I remember, please can I book the visit for next year..."
Gail Beale, Admin. Assistant, Hiltingbury Junior School

"Just a quick note to say thank you. The feedback from staff and pupils has been very positive. In particular the Aesop's Fables were a hit with our secondary pupils - I have never heard so many of them roar with laughter and respond with actions when asked to participate. Please pass on my thanks as I was not able to catch Karen before she left and we wish you a very Happy Christmas and all the best for 2009."
Louisa Williams, John Grant School

"All the teachers and pupils were singing your praises today. The children had something to discuss during play time. You absolutely gave us more than I expected. One year 4 teacher had this to say; "An excellent performance, great interaction with the children, very child friendly, lovely use of masks/costumes."
Mrs Irene Charidza, Literacy Co-ordinator, St Helen's RC Primary School

"Many thanks for a great play and workshops."
Maggie Sparrow, Rowdeford School, Devizes

"What a fabulous two days! The children thoroughly enjoyed the performance and were engrossed for over 60 minutes! We're definitely thinking of using you for some other curriculum areas."
Sue Barnes - Gorse Ride Junior

"A super performance. Thank you."
Mrs M Sneddon, Head Teacher - The Poplars County Primary School

Aesop's Fables