Author and performer Oliver Sykes, 34, will be coming to The Met theatre next month for a “funny and empowering” one-man show aimed at children aged five and up.
The show, Fishing for Rainbows, is based on his second book and inspired by his childhood as one of six children brought up on the breadline by his single-parent dad on a rural council estate.
Oliver said: “Fishing for Rainbows is inspired by my childhood when I would often go out fishing with my dad and brothers.
Oliver’s little sister Amber
“The character of Kezia was created for my little sister Amber, who says she always felt sad not to be invited on the fishing trips.
“It is a story about families, loss and reaching for the stars.”
The stage adaptation of Fishing For Rainbows tells the story of strong-minded siblings Kezia, Duke and Danior Boswell.
Since their mum died, the family has fallen into a strict routine- the boys and Dad go out fishing while 12-year old Kezia stays at home to tidy and cook.
Author and performer Oliver Sykes
But Kezia has a plan, one that could transform her from a modern-day Cinderella into a “super cool fishergirl”.
Oliver, who grew up in the Peak District in north Derbyshire, and now lives in North Wales, is touring the show, which has just been longlisted for the 2024 Children’s Literature Festivals Book Awards.
It follows Oliver’s successful stage version of his first book, Alfie’s First Fight, published in 2022, the book was named Illustrated Young Reader of the Year at the 2023 Children’s Literature Festivals Book Award.
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This was influenced by his family’s love for boxing and the Alfie’s First Fight show toured 60 venues across England and Wales, including libraries, theatres, schools, and boxing clubs.
Oliver Sykes
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The show will be staged at 2pm on Saturday, February 17 with tickets costing £8.
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The event is supported by Big Imaginations, Z-Arts, and Touchstones, and was created using public funding from Arts Council England.
It is written and performed by Oliver and directed by Dominic Berry.
