Over Christmas 2009 we were invited to take part in the annual International Neapolis Festival for Children’s Theatre in Nabeul, Tunisia. This was our second visit to the festival and we were delighted to be going back, this time with Contes Dorés, our very successful touring French production for children aged 8 to 12 years.

As if the thought of going to perform in Tunisia wasn’t exciting enough, getting there was a whole adventure in itself! After rehearsing in Hexham, we packed up the company van with all the props and costumes and we were off! Down to Hull for a ferry to Zeebrugge in Belgium, then a long drive south through snowy France to Marseilles for another ferry. After many delays, we finally arrived in the Tunisian port of La Goulette, where we waited another three hours to get through customs!

But it was well worth the long journey. We performed Contes Dorés to packed audiences of very enthusiastic children and their families, both in Nabeul and the village of Menzel Bouzelfa. They sang along with the songs, laughed at all the jokes and clapped every time Paddy entered as the king - even giving him standing ovations! The atmosphere was tremendous! During our time there, Sarah also led workshops in neutral mask for drama students from L’Institut de Théâtre de Tunis.

Taking part in the Festival was a fantastic experience for the company. The organisers made us feel very welcome and the local people were so hospitable and appreciative of the show. Roll on the next festival!