Grubs, Slugs and Boogie Bugs Flyer Image
Bud likes to play – and the community garden seems a good place to start. But who is hiding in the old shed, among the flowerpots or inside the compost heap? Join Bud and his friends in their magical garden, where as the winter frosts thaw, a whole new world of unexpected opportunities begins to appear.
Grubs, Slugs and Boogie Bugs featured original music and design inspired by the 1970s glam period.
This production, presented in fully-integrated British Sign Language and English and was the 2nd of 6 plays developed in this format by the company and which toured nationally.
Find out more about BSL and English bilingual theatre
You can access the script of this play via the British Library’s MPS Modern Playscripts Collection.
As a teenager Cyd Folan was a youth theatre member and an usher with Half Moon Theatre. She recalls Grubs, Slugs And Boogie Bugs. Interviewed by Rio Puffett.
Chris Elwell has been the Director of Half Moon Theatre on White Horse Road since 1997. He talks about the impetus for and aesthetic of creating bilingual work in British Sign Language and English. Interviewed by Kavana Joyett.
Designer, Alison Cartledge talks about the set design for Grubs, Slugs and Boogie Bugs which was a gigantic flower pot.
Theatre designer, Alison Cartledge talks about illustrating story books to accompany the productions for young children, which Half Moon Theatre produced during the 2000s. Interviewed by Toni Tsaera.
Grubs, Slugs and Boogie Bugs – Soundtrack
“Being surrounded by hordes of excitable two to five-year-olds at the theatre is a novel experience. Fortunately Half Moon Theatre’s production of Grubs, Slugs and Boogie Bugs provides a focus for their wayward attention.
The adventures of our hero, Bud, as he searches for the perfect gift for his mum, leads to a journey of discovery and unlikely meetings. As the frost thaws, so the magical garden, in which the play is set, comes alive, with a variety of creatures raising their colourful heads and offering advice.
Performed with high energy and panache, the actors bring the script to life, exploring themes of friendship, acceptance and loneliness.
The multi-purpose set offers a spectacular backdrop, and a highly original soundtrack accompanies the piece. British Sign Language is cleverly woven into the action, introducing both hearing and hearing impaired children to the exciting physical and theatrical language.
Sporadic lapses of concentration are combated by entertaining movement and slapstick routines.
There is plenty of theatre for young people around, especially in London, but I would suggest that all those with distractable young ones see Grubs, Slugs and Boogie Bugs and sample it’s colourful delights.”
Jamie Beddard, Disability Now, March 2005
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