Touring in 2025/6 – suitable for community spaces, libraries, nurseries.

This tiny show is for 3 to 5s and their parents or carers takes place within a suitcase. Two children play on a beach, and when their parents call them away suddenly, Little Toy is left behind. A passing butterfly helps him find his way to the children’s new home across the sea, but first there is a sea monster to deal with… Themes explored: family, travel, play, loss, very mild peril, moving away, leaving things behind, growing food, finding community.

It requires a small space – it is suitable for libraries, nurseries, community centres etc. Freda takes time to connect with the children as they arrive and to help them feel confident to interact with her and sit close to the suitcase. There is a short conversational interaction and then the story begins. After the show the children are supported by Freda to engage in gentle creative play. 

This is also an ideal companion piece for Seven Ravens.

Enquiries: Sheena Miller: sheena@ruraltouringagency.co.uk

Created and performed by Freda O’Byrne with additional direction by Rebecca Kilbey of Livedrama. Suitcase Stories lettering by Panna Chauhan.

Testimonials

Suitcase Stories-The Little Toy

Really heartwarming, thank you! parent at Smethwick Puppetry Festival

It was a delight to invite Freda into Dumbarton with the story of Little Toy. Our young people were completely mesmerised by the small puppets and multiple parents told me they had never seen their child so focused when it didn’t involve a screen! A great introduction to theatre for young audiences and Freda and the team were understanding of our community’s needs. 

Lottie Barker, promoter Clifftop Projects, Dumbarton

I loved watching the show.  It was an enchanting tale of two wee children who had to move to a different country. I loved the way Freda was able to tell this powerful story using not much space but very beautiful props. It reminded me of Button Moon, a TV programme I loved when I was wee. I would definitely recommend watching Freda’s shows!

Laura, community arts worker

It was such a pleasure to watch Freda perform the suitcase show, and to see how enthralled the children (and adults!) were. It’s a delightful concept, with beautiful visuals and an ideal way to connect the audience with characters and stories. 

Katie Craigmillar Literacy Trust

” I liked the butterfly fluttering & the sandcastle”.

” I felt brave because there was a sea monster”

 “I liked the little boy who went ” hup dah, hup dah, ta da”

4 year old audience member

“My grandson and I loved the performance … He was very engaged with the story and it was a lovely experience of live performance, story telling and imagination. Freda’s experience with young children shines through”.

Grandparent