AFTER previously visiting the Great Yorkshire Fringe with Stick Man, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales, Scamp Theatre return to York next month with their stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Scarecrows' Wedding, direct from the West End.

In this story for children aged three and upwards, scarecrows Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay decide to marry, whereupon Harry sets off to search for the wedding-day essentials of a dress of feathers, a bunch of flowers and a necklace made from shells.

However, when the farmer notices he is missing a scarecrow, he replaces Harry with the devilishly smooth but dangerous Reginald Rake. Can Reginald persuade Betty that he is the scarecrow for her or will Harry make it back in the nick of time before Reginald ruins their special day?

What's On pops the questions before the big wedding day.

How would you describe The Scarecrows' Wedding, Eva?

"The show was once described as a 'mini folk musical for families' and I think that’s pretty accurate. It’s full of fun, character, silliness and celebrates the epic love story of two very charming scarecrows, Harry and Betty."

What do you hope the audience will take away from the show?

"We’ve had a lot of fun bringing the book to life on stage and I think that comes across in the production. It’s one big celebration. So I’d love our audiences to laugh, sing along and maybe even shed a tear! I think everybody – even secretly – enjoys a good love story."

How did the show come about?

"Back in 2014, Scamp Theatre approached me about the project. At that point the book hadn’t even been released yet! Scamp have such a long and successful relationship with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler that there is a real trust in their work and I felt very honoured to have been asked.

"That December we entered into a phase of research and development at Watford Palace Theatre and it was during this period that Darren Clark wrote most of the songs and myself and designer James Button were able to explore how we could bring the book to life on stage.

"The following summer we entered into rehearsals and since opening at Watford Palace in July 2015, I’m proud to say the show has gone from strength to strength."

York Press:

"The devilishly smooth but dangerous Reginald Rake"

How do you translate a popular picture book for the stage?

"When adapting a picture book for the stage, especially one that is much loved by children, there’s a pressure to really do it justice. I believe that there will be elements of the book, certain images, that a child will want to see on stage and they will find pleasure in their recognition of them.

"These images are my starting point. It’s then about building on these images in an imaginative way, sometimes re-inventing them but always, at all times, staying true to the story. For me, it’s really important that we create non-patronising, playful pieces of theatre, which encourage children to use their imaginations."

What was it like working with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler?

"It’s been a real honour. The popularity of the book is testament to the genius of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and their ability to create loveable characters that audiences can really get behind. When Julia saw the show open at the Edinburgh Festival in 2015, it was a massive relief to hear that she enjoyed the show and enormously valuable to receive her feedback."

What aspirations do you have for the future?

"I believe it’s a really exciting time for children’s theatre and I’m passionate about pushing the boundaries and shifting perceptions of what children’s theatre can be. I love my job and I hope to continue working with exciting companies, venues and artists to develop my craft and challenge myself with each new project."

Why should children see The Scarecrows' Wedding?

"It’s a show full of heart, fun and is jam-packed with great songs. There’s a love story, a wedding, a villain, a fire and a whole heap of live music that’ll have you dancing in the aisles."

Scamp Theatre in The Scarecrows' Wedding, Great Yorkshire Fringe, at Central Methodist Hall, St Saviourgate, York, from July 25 to August 6 with a 55-minute running time and a cast of Joanna Brown, Sam Heron and Mark Kane. Visit greatyorkshirefringe.com for show times.