Jane McGowan chats to Hannah Miller, one of the stars of The Snail and the Whale, which sails into the West End this Christmas.
For anyone with a child under the age of seven, Julia Donaldson is (or certainly should be) a major part of your life. Her stories – The Gruffalo, Paper Dolls, Stick Man et al – are some of the most beautiful and affecting in the children’s literary canon.
What could be better then than a trip to the West End to see one of her most poignant stories – The Snail and the Whale – performed live?
Produced by the innovative company Tall Stories (the team behind the other Donaldson adaptations such as The Gruffalo’s Child and Room on the Broom) The Snail and the Whale follows a father and daughter as they embark on an adventurous journey.
As they travel, he recalls the tale of a tiny sea snail who dreams of seeing the world. The snail’s wish comes true when she hitches a ride on a whale but when disaster strikes, can the seemingly insignificant snail muster the strength to save the day?
“It’s a wonderful story about how something so small can make a huge difference,” explains Barnes-based actor Hannah Miller, who plays the dual role of the snail and daughter in the show, which arrives at the Apollo Theatre in the West End this month.
Alongside Hannah, the cast comprises Tim Hibbard as the father/whale and viola player and narrator Charlotte Mafham. The immersive piece is told through movement, prose and song, which Hannah says all help to convey the narrative to the young audience.
“The instrument is a really important part of the piece. As well as music for the songs, the viola lends itself to all kinds of sounds such as for the seagulls, waves and storms. It adds to the magic of the story, which the children really respond to.”
Hannah is no stranger to children’s theatre, having recently appeared in the stage adaptation of another children’s classic, Judith Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
“It’s wonderful to see the children’s faces,” says Hannah. “They get so much from the show and they give so much back to us. The way they react is amazing. The [Snail] show has got everything – laughter, a bit of sadness and some peril, which children really enjoy.”
Born and bred in Bristol, Hannah moved to West London after securing a place at LAMDA in Hammersmith. After graduating she has toured extensively, performing with Chapterhouse Theatre Company and Les Petits Theatre.
“I have been lucky enough to keep busy since leaving drama school,” she admits. “Sometimes it’s a bit nerve-wracking wondering where the next job will come from but being able to do something I love as a career is definitely worth the struggle.”
The Snail and the Whale, which is suitable for children aged 4+, marks Hannah’s first West End role and she can’t wait to get started.
“It is really exciting,” she says. “It’s a wonderful show to be performing at this time of year. A really warm story about family, about having a dream and the importance of helping one another.”
Following its time at the Apollo, the production is heading to Australia for a series of shows at the Sydney Opera House, before heading to Hong Kong.
“I am really looking forward to that,” Hannah says. “Going to Australia and performing the show in such a venue should be amazing. And it’s nice to have the chance to take the Snail to the other side of the world.”
The Snail and the Whale is at the Apollo Theatre, London until Jan 5. Visit: tallstories.org.uk
