Proteus Creation Space to stage interactive summer show

The Proteus Creation Space, in Basingstoke, will be transformed for Let's Go To The Seaside, an immersive new show.

The performance, suitable for ages two to eight, features a journey to the coast with characters Pip and her dad.

Last year’s summer show Let’s Go Camping at the Proteus Creation Space. (Image: Proteus)

Audiences will move through the art centre's different rooms, each transformed as a different part of the story.

Along the way, they will encounter hand-crafted puppets by Nick Ash, that Pip interacts with along the way.

The story starts in Pip and Dad’s kitchen before they head for the bus.

On their way to the coast, they visit a local farm, hunt for treasure and meet a cast of seaside characters.

Scratch Built Productions has created the show in partnership with Proteus.

The company recently curated the opening Parade of Mythical Beasts for the Basingstoke Festival and the pop-up show The Toy Hospital in Festival Place.

They also produced the 2025 sell-out Christmas show, The Christmas Dragon, at the Proteus Creation Space.

The show features the return of Tim Steadman from Harrogate Theatre Panto and local actress Pip Simpson, both reprising their roles as Pip and Dad.

The show is scheduled for two extra-relaxed performances.

Last year’s summer show Let’s Go Camping at the Proteus Creation Space. (Image: Proteus)

The first, on Sunday, August 2 at 10am, is designed for SEN families, offering a reduced capacity, softened lighting and sound, and a dedicated break-out space.

The second, on Tuesday, July 28 at 2pm, is a special show for adults with additional or complex needs.

It is open to members of the local Launchpad group, as well as other community members who might enjoy the adapted performance.

Solicitors Lamb Brooks has funded places for families accessing The Safe Basingstoke to attend the show.

It has consistently been hugely supportive of making arts accessible to local families.

A Proteus Creation Space spokesperson said: "Let’s Go To The Seaside is a charming introduction to immersive theatre for younger children (aged two to eight) and their families, filled with gentle storytelling, gorgeous puppetry, interactive sensory elements and plenty of giggles.

"So, if you and your family love our magical in-house Christmas shows, then you are in for a treat this summer as we team up with Scratch Built Productions once again for another fun-filled and interactive summertime family adventure...just don’t forget the suncream."

Tickets for the show can be bought on the Proteus website.