Miracle of science

THIS winter Miracle Theatre is offering an unusual treat with the first UK stage adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's cult classic, Cat's Cradle.

This zany satire on our obsession with modern science, which promises progress while actually bringing about the end of the world, is more relevant today than when it became an instant best-seller in 1963.

Kurt Vonnegut liked to use laughter to explore important themes (in this case the effects of human behaviour on the planet) and Cat's Cradle is a perfect vehicle for Miracle's established blend of physical theatre, comedy, film and music.

"For this production we have employed techniques more usually seen on the big screen to bring this fast moving story to the small stage," said Miracle's artistic director Bill Scott. "Our creative team has now worked together on several films as well as many Miracle shows. A production process has evolved using video, models, blue screen and digital animation, woven into live performance, that will give a unique style to Cat's Cradle."

Audiences will be taken on what the New York Times described as "an unforgettable ride" from London via America to the Caribbean island of San Lorenzo, meeting such bizarre characters as the dictator 'Papa' Monzano, Felix Hoenikker, the father of the A-bomb, and the almost divine Mona along the way.

Fans of the novel will enjoy the ingenious way in which the 'shameless untruths' that lie at the heart of the enigmatic Bokonon's home-made religion are shared with the world in Bill Scott's adaptation.

The five-month national tour previews in Cornwall on November 20 and travels from the South West across the UK until March '09.

Cat's Cradle is recommended for audiences aged 12+. For more information on the show and full tour dates visit www.miracletheatre.co.uk

Dates:

November:

Thur 20 – PREVIEW Redruth School, 7.30pm, 01209 203782

Fri 21 – Burrell Theatre, Truro, 7.30pm, 01872 246042

Sat 22 – Perranporth Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, 01872 572121, www.miracletheatre.co.uk

Sun 23 – Liskerrett Centre, Liskeard, 7.30pm, 01579 340307, www.miracletheatre.co.uk

December:

Thur 4/Fri 5 – Tolmen Centre, Constantine, 7.30pm, 01326 341353

Sat 6 – Grampound Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01726 883874

Sun 7 – Wadebridge Town Hall, 7.30pm, 0845 0940428, www.miracletheatre.co.uk

Tue 16 – Devoran Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01872 864854, www.carntocove.co.uk

Wed 17 – Newquay Treviglas School, 7.30pm, 01637 871539

Thur 18 – Porthtowan Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01872 262466, www.miracletheatre.co.uk

Fri 19/Sat 20 – Acorn Arts Centre, Penzance, 7.30pm, 01736 365520, www.acornartscentre.co.uk

Sat 27-Tues 30 – The Poly, Falmouth, 7.30pm, 01326 212300, www.thepoly.org

January:

Thur 8 – Roseland Community College, 7.30pm, 01872 530675, www.carntocove.co.uk

Fri 9 – Lelant Village Hall, 01736 753522, www.carntocove.co.uk

Sat 10 – Lostwithiel Community Centre, 7.30pm, 01208 872207

Tue 13 – Veryan Parish Hall, 7.30pm, 01872 501460, www.carntocove.co.uk

Wed 14 – Tresmeer Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01566 781339, www.carntocove.co.uk

Thur 15 – North Hill Village Hall Cornwall, 7.30pm, 01566 782463, www.carntocove.co.uk

Fri 16 – Landewednack Village Hall, 7pm, 01326 290014, www.carntocove.co.uk

Sat 17 – Blisland Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01208 850338, www.carntocove.co.uk