UK’s “Fantastic Fairy Tales” blends live music with animation to present children’s stories (with photos)
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The International Arts Carnival (IAC), a summer arts festival organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will present a music-and-film programme, “Fantastic Fairy Tales,” from August 14 to 16. Produced by Carrot Productions from the United Kingdom, the programme features original scores and is performed live by an ensemble. Paired with actors’ performances and animated screenings, it offers a heartwarming concert-and-screening experience.
The programme is divided into two parts. In the first half, performers present “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” with live music. It vividly depicts scenes from the story through melodies, such as the tiptoeing of the mischievous girl, the creak and crack of baby bear’s broken chair, and the thundering footsteps of the three bears returning home. In the second half, audiences will enjoy an animated adaptation of “The Bear and the Piano”, the award-winning picture book by British illustrator David Litchfield. Together, audiences will follow the journey of a gifted young bear pianist as he ventures into the big city to shine on stage.
Combining live music, storytelling and animation, the programme also features interactive elements, inviting children to explore how different musical instruments can tell stories, creating a delightful artistic treat for families.
“Fantastic Fairy Tales” will be held at 7.30pm on August 14; 11am, 3pm and 7.30pm on August 15; and 11am and 3pm on August 16 at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre Theatre. Tickets priced at $280 and $340 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288, or use the mobile ticketing app “URBTIX”.
The programme will be performed in English. Lights will be dimmed in the theatre during the performance. The performances at 11am and 3pm on August 15 are relaxed performances. Lighting and sound will be adjusted to a softer level. The house rules will also be relaxed, allowing audience members to make sounds and freely enter or exit the theatre at any time during the performance. A designated chillout area outside the theatre will be available for those who need a break.
Two fringe activities will take place on August 12 and 13 at the Rehearsal Hall, 7/F, Sheung Wan Civic Centre. The schedules are as follows:
(1) 11am: Parent-child Music and Movement Workshop
A Dalcroze specialist from Carrot Productions will guide participants through games, dancing and body movements to familiarise them with the original music featured in the performance.
(2) 3pm: Parent-child Music and Story-making Workshop
Guided by a music therapist and professional musicians, participants will improvise with percussion instruments to create a brand-new musical story inspired by the original music of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”.
Both workshops will be conducted in English with Cantonese interpretation. Tickets are priced at $180 (for adults) and $120 (for children) and limited places are available. For details, please visit the webpage at www.hkiac.gov.hk/2026/en/fairytales.html#fringe.
This year’s IAC is presenting over 100 performances and related activities in July and August, bringing together artists from overseas, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong for an exciting lineup of interactive, inspiring and family-friendly programmes, including acrobatics, dance, music, theatre and multimedia. There are also film screenings, library activities, parent-child workshops, an online programme and exhibitions.
For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.hkiac.gov.hk.