HOLDEN & ARTS ASSOCIATES
SHARING STORIES AND CREATING PARTNERSHIPS SINCE 1983
THE BOY WHO CRIED WOLF
Based on the Aesop’s Fable
Written by Mike Kenny
Produced by tutti frutti
From Leeds, England
Resources
About the Company
Silas is from a family of shepherds and tries to do right by his mum and granddad as he reluctantly takes on the responsibility of watching their sheep up on the mountain over the winter. But he’s bored, lonely, and missing out on the fun of the annual knitting competition in town, so desperate for attention he cries out- “Wolf!”
This is a beautiful wintery tale about a boy who learns the importance of the truth and finds a place for himself (and his imagination) in his warm woolly community. Inspired by Aesop’s famous fable, a gifted ensemble of actor musicians play instruments and sing live as they embody all the characters, including mischievous sheep and even a scary wolf or two…
Back by popular demand after a successful US tour in spring 2024, Tutti Frutti Productions brings us this much-loved story, brimming with live music, unforgettable songs, and delightful characters.
"Reaching out through imaginative storytelling and hilarious characterisation, the show is alive with creative ensembles of music and dancing … There is a fun, folky edge to this yarn." - York Mix
Best for: Grades PreK-5th
Audience Size: Small, Medium, & Large Venues
Please contact us to watch a full length archival recording.
Curriculum Connections
-
Fine Arts: Performance, Sound Design, Music and Composition
-
Language Arts: Storytelling, Character, Adaptations, Creative Writing
-
Science: Wolves, Sheep, the natural environment, Shepherding, Wool
Emotional/Social Development: Self-Awareness, Self Management, Identifying Emotions, Empathy, Respect for Others, Perspective-taking, Relationship Skills, Social Engagement, Relationship Building, Teamwork, Ethical Responsibility
Outreach & Workshops
With advance notice, tutti frutti is able to offer drama based workshops in your venue for students or children. Please contact us if this is something you'd like to explore.
“Relaxed” or “Sensory Friendly” Performances
This performance is also available as a “sensory friendly” or “relaxed” performance if arranged with the company in advance and with specific direction as to what adjustments are necessary for your venue.
Minimum Tech Requirements
-
Load in: 4 hours (assuming full pre-rig)
-
Crew needs: 2 technicians for load-in, focus, sound establishment and load-out. 1 additional technician to operate radio mics
-
Stage Requirements 20’ width x 20’ depth x 12’ height, no wing space required
-
Sound 3 wireless mics in venues
-
Load out time 1 hour
Artistic Team
Director – Wendy Harris
Writer – Mike Kenny
Composer – Dominic Sales
Movement Director – Joanne Bernard
Designer – Hannah Sibai
The touring team will comprise 3 actor/musicians and a stage manager. TBC.
Critical Acclaim
"The Boy Who Cried Wolf is a shining example of theatre for young audiences done right." Anisa Elisa, Everything Theatre"
"The children in the audience were captivated from the offset but, as it happens, so too were the adults. It was enchanting, uplifting and could melt the heart of any children's theatre cynic. " Lauren Masterman, Yorkshire Times
"Reaching out through imaginative storytelling and hilarious characterisation, the show is alive with creative ensembles of music and dancing … There is a fun, folky edge to this yarn. " Vanessa McDougal, York Mix
"…director Wendy Harris aided by Kenny’s take on the story, offers a magical world full of sheep, knitting and wolfish behavior where the audience’s imagination can run riot." Steve Pratt, Northern Echo
'It shows the young minds the art of the possible in theatreland, and a dramatic experience that’s completely new'- Huddersfield Examiner
Company Background
Past North American tours: The Boy Who Cried Wolf (23-24 season), Underneath a Magical Moon (18-19 & 25-26 seasons), Ugly Duckling (22-23 season), and Hare & Tortoise (25-26 season).
Tutti Frutti Productions has been creating imaginative, visual and meaningful story-based theatre for children for over 30 years. We specialize in bringing fantastic, distinctive and carefully crafted shows to children aged 3+ and their families and teachers across the UK and the world. We commission award-winning writers like Mike Kenny, Evan Placey and Emma Reeves to write new plays for children and adaptations of traditional stories. Over the years we have delivered high quality touring productions and built an excellent reputation for inventive, creative and highly physical productions for children aged 3+ and their families.
In 2013 we began making in-roads into international touring. We have toured several times to Hong Kong, Singapore and Ireland, performed Rapunzel at the Assitej World Congress in 2014 in Warsaw and Wild! at the IPAY Showcase in Madison, US in 2017. We were also juror selected to perform at the Assitej World Congress in Cape Town in 2017. In 2019 we completed our first USA tour with Underneath a Magical Moon by Mike Kenny and were delighted to undertake our second USA tour in 2023, with The Ugly Duckling by Emma Reeves. In 2023 over 25,000 children and families came to see Ugly Duckling and reems of audience members reached out online to let us know that they enjoyed the show. We toured The Boy Who Cried Wolf in 2024 and then retoured Underneath A Magical Moon in 2025 reaching audiences of 39,825 young people and families. The feedback was incredibly positive and joyous about our work and we look forward to many more tours to come.
‘I saw your show in Kerrville, Texas with my second grade class and I have never seen them laugh so hard, sit so still, and empathize so completely. An absolutely stunning play. My only complaint is that you weren’t around long enough for me to bring my own kids and family!! I couldn’t stop raving about it. Still can’t. Beautifully done. Absolutely remarkable. Best field trip of the year! Thank you!!!’- audience feedback, 2023
"The Tutti Frutti team has done it again! Thank you for such a magical week of performances at Des Moines. Rave reviews from our family and school audiences and such fun to experience the wonder you create." - Karoline Myers, Des Moines Performing Arts, 2025
For more information, please visit the company’s website.
Gallery of Past Productions
Photo by Brian Slater