A Song for Ella Grey

Pilot Theatre in association with Northern Stage and York Theatre Royal

“soulful production” ★★★★ The Guardian

“immediate and timeless” ★★★★ The Stage

“A darkly romantic tale that sings of the madness of youth, the ache of love, and the near-impossibility of grasping death”

This new production, from the Company that brought you Noughts & Crosses, is a magical retelling of the Orpheus myth, full of music, sound and storytelling.

Claire and her best friend, Ella Grey, are ordinary kids from ordinary families in an ordinary world. They and their friends fall in and out of love, play music and dance, stare at the stars, yearn for excitement, and have parties on the beautiful beaches of Northumberland. One day a stranger, a musician called Orpheus, appears on the beach, and entrances them all but particularly Ella. A tale of modern teenagers and ancient forces, a tale told since the dawn of time and told again today.

Age suitability: 13+

Running time: 2 Hours including interval.

For accessible performances, please check the venues’ websites.

Tour Dates & Tickets

Past Dates:

Northern Stage, Newcastle

1 – 15 Feb 2024

York Theatre Royal

20 – 24 Feb 2024

Theatre Peckham

27 Feb – 2 March

Hull Truck

5 – 9 March 2024

Liverpool Playhouse

13 – 16 March 2024

Reviews

“soulful production” ★★★★ The Guardian

“immediate and timeless” ★★★★ The Stage

“Mystical, memorable” ★★★★ Reviews Hub

“Powerful & phenomenally performed” ★★★★ Broadway World UK

“not one to be missed” ★★★★½ York Mix

“Hauntingly beautiful” On Magazine

“Spine tingling” Yorkshire Times

“wild and gentle in equal measure” Stagey Lady

Education Resources

We will be creating three accompanying education resources to support teachers and students.

RESOURCE A: English KS3 / Classical Civilisation GCSE / PSHE / Literacy

This resource will introduce students to the Orpheus myth, along with exploring the themes of David Almond’s novel. It will also outline creative exercises inspired by the story, which could be used alongside reading the novel in lessons, for whole school literacy programmes, or to support extra-curricular book clubs.

Download Resource A

RESOURCE B: Drama and Theatre Studies GCSE & A-Level / Performing Arts BTEC

This resource will introduce students to the characters in the performance, and key members of the creative team, including insights into rehearsals.

Download Resource B

RESOURCE C: Drama and Theatre Studies GCSE & A-level / Performing Arts BTEC

Ideal for students preparing for the Live Theatre component of their exams, this resource will include filmed scene extracts from the live performance, allowing students to watch key scenes again, with accompanying analysis.

Download Resource C

Digital Programme

Here’a the digital version of the A Song for Ella Grey programme, made available for free.

Download Programme PDF

Workshops

A practical creative session exploring the play, production, characters, and themes delivered by a Pilot artist. The workshop can be tailored to using A Song for Ella Grey as a creative stimulus for theatre devising, exploring issues related to the play, or to focus on aspects of the production, such as music.

All workshops are bespoke and tailored to the needs of your students, and can be scheduled pre- or post-performance at your school, college or university. To arrange a workshop, please email us directly: education@pilot-theatre.com