
HOLDEN & ARTS ASSOCIATES
SHARING STORIES AND CREATING PARTNERSHIPS SINCE 1983
HARE & TORTOISE
Based on Aesop's fable
Produced by Tutti Frutti Productions
From Leeds, England




Resources
About the Company
The Hare and the Tortoise - a timeless tale with a fresh twist.
Two unlikely friends — the speedy, confident Hare and the calm, steady Tortoise — meet for the greatest race on Earth. A race filled with suspense, surprises, and a nail-biting, medal-winning finish. Ready... Steady... Is it time to GO?
This playful and imaginative adaptation of Aesop’s classic fable is brought to life on stage in a vibrant performance. With three talented actors-musicians and a whole lot of energy, the story unfolds across the seasons — from the blossoming days of sunny spring through to the icy sparkle of winter. This heartwarming tale explores patience, friendship, and what it means to grow up.
Tutti Frutti Productions brings you this much-loved story brimming with fun, live music, unforgettable songs, and delightful characters.
‘The real pleasure here is the touchingly drawn friendship between the over excitable Hare and the careful and methodical Tortoise’
– The Guardian
‘Young audiences deserve the very best and here they get it’
– The Stage
Best for: Grades PreK-3rd
Audience Size: Small, Medium, & Large Venues
Please contact us to watch a full length archival recording.
Curriculum Connections
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Fine Arts: Performance, Sound Design, Music and Composition
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Language Arts: Storytelling, Character, Adaptations, Creative Writing
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Science: Time, the Seasons, the Natural Environment
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Emotional/Social Development: Relationships, Friendship, Identity, Imagination, Emotional Literacy, Risk Taking, Self Esteem, Aspirations
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
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Load In Time: 4 hours (if lighting pre rig is done)
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Crew Needs: 1 lighting technician for load-in and load-out. 1 sound technician in venues where capacity is more than 200.
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Min. Stage Size: 20’ width x 20’ depth x 12’ height, no wing space required.
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Sound Needs: 3 wireless mics in venues where capacity is more than 200
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Load Out Time: 1 hour
Artistic Team
Director - Wendy Harris
Writer – Brendan Murray
Set & Costume Designer – Catherine Chapman
Composer – Dominic Sales
Original Performers: Luisa Guerreiro & Barnaby Southgate
This production was originally produced in 2012 and will be remounted for tour, including an updated larger-scale set design, more live music, and a third performer.
The touring team will comprise 3 actor/musicians and a stage manager, TBD.
Critical Acclaim
Winner of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain Award for Best Play (Children & Young People) in 2012!
‘The real pleasure here is the touchingly drawn friendship between Barnaby Southgate’s gangly, over excitable Hare and Luisa Guerreiro’s careful and methodical Tortoise’ – The Guardian
‘Hare and Tortoise captivates immediately and draws children and their families into a beautiful world’ – The Stage
‘Hare and Tortoise, is another fine show to introduce young children to an exciting theatrical world’ – British Theatre Guide
Company Background
Past tours: Underneath a Magical Moon (2019 & upcoming spring 2025), Ugly Duckling (2023), and The Boy Who Cried Wolf (2024)
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. The feedback was incredibly positive and joyous about our work. 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.
‘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
For more information, please visit the company’s website.
Gallery of Past Productions



Photo by Brian Slater
