The Bone Sparrow

Presented by Pilot Theatre in co-production with York Theatre Royal, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Mercury Theatre Colchester and Derby Theatre

The Bone Sparrow - a photo of a young man looking out to the distance, behind him is a yellow background, with a black cloud (like a thought bubble) with illustrations inside it, on the bottom right is Pilot Theatre's logo
Show Information
Showing on:
Sat 2 April 2022
Duration:
Approx. 2hrs 45mins, incl. interval
Price:
Genre:
Array
Venue:
Mercury Theatre
Age Guidance:
11+

An adaptation of the novel by Zana Fraillon by award-winning playwright S. Shakthidharan.

Subhi is a refugee. Born in an Australian permanent detention centre after his mother fled the violence of a distant homeland, life behind the fences is all he has ever known. But as he grows, his imagination gets bigger too, until it is bursting at the limits of his world. The Night Sea brings him gifts, the faraway whales sing to him, and the birds tell their stories.

One night, Jimmie, a scruffy, impatient girl appears from the other side of the wires, and brings a notebook written by the mother she lost. Unable to read it, she relies on Subhi to unravel her own family’s mysterious and moving history.

Subhi and Jimmie might both find a way to freedom as their tales unfold. But not until each of them has been braver than ever before.

Pilot Theatre won Excellence in Touring at the 2019 UK Theatre Awards.  Pilot’s renowned work for young audiences (Noughts and Crosses, Crongton Knights) is fully supported by a range of learning resources.

Click here to download your FREE Digital Programme

Schools

We welcome bookings from school and college groups for this show. Our schools rate is £11.50 per ticket, and for every 10 you purchase, you get one free for teachers/assistants. Should you wish to book, please call our friendly ticket sales team on 01206 573948.

Click here to view or download our KS3 Schools Resource Pack

Click here to view or download the GSCE Drama Pack Part A

Post-show Q&A

Join us after the 7.00pm performance on Wed 30 Mar for a 30 minute post-show Q&A session.

Trailer

Production shots

With an affecting and distinctive narrative voice…[Zana Fraillon] builds a convincing and complete world. Moving and memorable, The Bone Sparrow deserves to be read by all who care about our common humanity

The Guardian

You may also be interested in...

8684 02 JE Social 1920x1080px V2
Jane Eyre
A Mercury Theatre Colchester, Rose Theatre & Storyhouse co-production, in association with Northern Stage and supported by a grant from The Royal Theatrical Support Trust

Showing: Sat 26 Sep 2026 - Sat 10 Oct 2026

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” One woman’s fight for a life that is worthy of her courage, and a love that is worthy of her...

More info and tickets
An Evening From The West End Heroes & Villains 1920x1080
An Evening From The West End – Heroes & Villains

Showing: Sat 31 Oct 2026

5 West End Stars. Legendary Characters. One Wickedly Good Night. Step into a thrilling Halloween spectacular as Heroes & Villains brings together an...

More info and tickets
Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack and the Beanstalk

Showing: Sat 21 Nov 2026 - Sun 17 Jan 2027

This Christmas, the Mercury Theatre present the pantomime spectacular you’ve all BEAN waiting for – Jack and the Beanstalk! Colchester panto legends Antony...

More info and tickets