Children's book splashes from page to stage this February

The Storm Whale tells the moving story of Noi, a young boy who lives by the sea with his father and six cats. One summer, while his father is away at work, Noi discovers a little whale washed up on the beach. As he rescues and cares for the stranded animal, a friendship begins - one that will change their lives forever.

When winter arrives, Noi’s father heads out on one final fishing trip, leaving Noi alone once more. Longing to see his whale friend again, Noi waits and watches, watches and waits… but will it take another storm to bring them back together?

Based on the award-winning books The Storm Whale and The Storm Whale in Winter by Benji Davies, this tender tale of loneliness, love and courage is transformed into a captivating live performance featuring original music by acclaimed composer Paul Rissmann, performed by the renowned Ensemble 360.

Designed for younger audiences (Early Years and Key Stage One), the performance blends live music, storytelling, songs and projected illustrations from the books, with moments of audience participation that encourage children to engage directly with the story. It offers a warm and welcoming introduction to theatre and live classical music, making it ideal for families and school groups alike.

The production comes from the creative team behind Grandad’s Island and is written and directed by Matt Aston, continuing Music in the Round’s reputation for producing high-quality, imaginative performances for young audiences.

About the performers

Ensemble 360
Ensemble 360 is Music in the Round’s resident ensemble and has earned an outstanding reputation across the UK for the quality, integrity and warmth of its performances. Formed in 2005, the group brings together eleven musicians of international standing — five string players, five wind players and a pianist. Known for their infectious enthusiasm and engaging spoken introductions, Ensemble 360 captivate audiences of all ages and are particularly celebrated for their work with young listeners.

About the composer

Paul Rissmann is an award-winning composer, presenter and music educationalist, currently Animateur with the London Symphony Orchestra and Children’s Composer in Residence for Music in the Round. Frequently commissioned to transform children’s literature into symphonic scores, he won a British Composer Award in 2012 and was nominated for an Ivor Novello Composer Award in 2020.

Often described as “the Jamie Oliver of animateurs” (Neue Musikzeitung), Paul’s work has been performed by leading orchestras worldwide, including the London Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Philharmonia Orchestra and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Passionate about music education, he is equally at home creating work for young children as he is presenting to adult audiences.

Reviews

★★★★★
“The musicians did a wonderful job of introducing the young audience to enjoyment of the theatre, live music and engaging story-telling. Proof of their success were the lines of excited children coming up to meet the musicians who had gathered in the foyer with their instruments.”
- The Yorkshire Post (on a previous Music in the Round storybook concert)