Prideaux Angels

Prideaux Angels (2017)

A Magical Outdoor Promenade Performance

Presented in 2017, Prideaux Angels was a captivating, moving, and magical performance that charmed audiences of all ages. Commissioned by Dance Republic 2, the production was performed at the stunning Elizabethan manor house, Prideaux Place, in Padstow, Cornwall.

Set against the backdrop of Prideaux Place’s beautiful, house, stable yard and gardens, Prideaux Angels was an immersive outdoor promenade experience, where audiences were guided through the historic grounds as the performance unfolded around them. The show seamlessly blended dance, live and recorded music, spoken word, and puppetry, creating a rich sensory tapestry that enveloped the audience in both spectacle and story.

​​…It is Christmas 1941 and the people of Prideaux Place prepare for a party. Blown in on icy winds, a robin heralds the arrival of a mysterious visitor. A visitor who touches the hearts of all those she meets, turning Prideaux into a magical, christmassy place. But everyone has to be on their best behaviour, as the Lord and Lady are due to arrive at any moment!

An Original Vision

The concept for Prideaux Angels was the brainchild of Simon Lewis Birch, who, through collaboration with an exceptional creative team, brought to life a unique dance theatre experience. The piece explored the theme of “welcoming the stranger,” with its narrative unfolding through a series of moving and evocative scenes, each one designed to touch the heart while inviting reflection on the universal themes of acceptance and hospitality.

The production was a collaborative effort, with a diverse and talented team working together to create this original piece of theatre. The creative team included a director, producer, writer, composer, designer, a team of makers, actors, musicians, and dancers—each contributing their expertise to build a multi-layered performance that was as visually striking as it was emotionally resonant.

Creative team

Director and choreographer: Simon Lewis Birch

Writer of the script and book: Kimberley Campanello

Composition and Sound Designer: Jon Hughes, Claire Ingleheart

Production Designer: Mydd Drualus Pharo 

Performers:  Snowflake: Emily Alden, Mrs Penrose the cook: Debbi Purtill, Gertie the land girl: Claire Ingleheart, Lord Edmund: Anthony Middleton, Lady Bridget: Isabel Slingerland, Mr Petherick the butler: Jon Hughes, Land Girls: Sarah Fairhall, Jenny Beare, Kimberley Campanello 

Evacuees: Phoebe Crawford-North, Emma Longley, Emerald Smith, Tallula Peters, Maddy Westhead, Tilly Waller, Jonny Waller, Otto Purtill-Ritchie, Evie Watson.

Producer: Antony Waller

Composition Of Snowflake & Kitchen Themes: Claire Ingleheart

Lighting Design & Technical Manager: Tim Hardy

Production Assistant: Christina Romero Cross

Head Of Costume:  Sara Whetherly

Set Construction: Luke Wood 

Willow Sculpture Design:  Laura Martin

Additional Set & Technical Support:  Phil Hughes 

Additional Costume Support:  Liz Hughes 

Rehearsal & Costume Support: Becca Moss

Catering: Ed Stein

Photographer: Steve Tanner        

Huge thanks go to the Prideaux-Brune family and household, the fabulous team of makers, the young cast, Ed Stein for delicious food and DR2 for such amazing faith, support and hard work.