INTERVIEW: Lara Cowin Talks STICK MAN

The cast of STICK MAN. Photo Credit Steve Ullathorne

The cast of STICK MAN. Photo Credit Steve Ullathorne

Following her recent run in London’s West End, Lara Cowin talks about returning to the role of Stick Lady Love in Scamp Theatre’s adaptation of STICK MAN

Scamp Theatre’s adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s STICK MAN makes a welcome return to Salford’s The Lowry for a month-long run over Christmas.

Based on the hugely popular children’s book, STICK MAN tells the tale of a happy-go-lucky father’s epic journey to make it home in time for Christmas. After going for a jog one morning, Stick Man encounters a playful dog who wants to play fetch, a beautiful swan who wants him for her nest and even ends up on a fire! As the seasons’ pass, Stick Man meets a surprising friend who might just be able to help him get home but will he get back to the family tree in time for Christmas?

Touching, funny and utterly original, this award-winning production, from the teams behind TIDDLER AND OTHER TERRIFIC TALES and THE SCARECROWS’ WEDDING, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

Ahead of its run at Salford’s The Lowry, Lara Cowin, who makes a welcome return to the role following her recent run in London’s West End, talks about taking on the role of Stick Lady Love and why STICK MAN is the ultimate Christmas show for all the family.

Who do you play in STICK MAN?

Stick Lady Love.

Which is your favourite part of the show?

This varies but I do really enjoy the ‘snow scene’ which takes place a little later in the show. Stick Man has been through a lot and this moment is rather poignant. He’s cold, months have passed, the seasons have changed and the stakes are getting higher. Will he ever make it back to the Family Tree?

The cast of STICK MAN. Photo Credit Steve Ullathorne

The cast of STICK MAN. Photo Credit Steve Ullathorne

What are you most looking forward to when performing at The Lowry?

I have always wanted to perform at The Lowry so I am very excited about this upcoming run! I have only ever heard positive things about the venue. Plus, I am really looking forward to getting to know Manchester. I have only been to the city a couple of times, but I think it will be a magical place over Christmas. I’m delighted to be here!

What moment in the show do children most react to?

The children usually love the moments with audience interaction such as the dog chase and the beach ball scene. Sometimes their enthusiasm and sheer joy is totally infectious and makes our job onstage incredibly rewarding. The children often know all the words and are bold enough to speak along with us. I particularly love it when they shout words of reassurance to Stick Man; ‘don’t worry, you’ll make it back to the Family Tree!’ That’s very cute.

Why should families come to see STICK MAN?

Stick Man is not just a children’s show. It’s for the whole family! It’s imaginative, quirky, funny and a vibrant spectacle with singing, music and dancing. It’s a beautiful story with heart – you care about the characters and, mostly, Stick Man finding his way safely home. It has been a joy to return to the role of Stick Lady Love.

STICK MAN runs at The Lowry from 1 December to 6 January 2018.