Rebel Sparks (formerly known as the Gramophones), is a Nottingham based theatre company that likes to rip up the rule book. With a focus on female and non-binary characters, their shows subvert stereotypes and offer exciting things for audiences of all ages. We loved their previous production, Aidy the Awesome (an aerial circus theatre show for ages 3 to 8). Their latest touring production, Take Flight, is a multi-sensory aerial theatre show for an even younger age group (babies aged 0-2) and their accompanying grown-ups.
The show sees a pair of birds (a Mum and her chick) navigating their new life as a family of two, from the moment of hatching through to Baby Bird’s first attempts at flight. Developed in conjunction with developmental Valentina Sclafani from Lincoln University, the show supports babies’ development and encourages bonding, drawing clear parallels between the onstage action and the audience’s own life experiences.
Beginning with a soft, semi-improved song while the families settle, this relaxed performance immediately sets a welcoming tone and inclusive environment. Even with a short running time of around half an hour, it’s impossible to expect a room full of babies to sit completely quietly, especially those at the top end of the age range who are as desperate to get up and explore as Baby Bird. The only rule is that they must stay on laps for safety – you don’t want toddlers storming the stage while performers are suspended on aerial silks!
There is plenty to hold the attention of this most demanding of audiences, including mini sensory nests that match the props used on stage, that the babies can explore whenever they want to. The performers regularly move from the stage itself into the seating area, giving each baby individual attention. It’s all very sensitively done, with the performers taking their cues from the youngsters and responding to their engagement (or otherwise). Meanwhile, the onstage action is captivating, resulting in impressively silent moments of awe from tiny humans – occasionally punctured by an excited giggle.
The show ends with a stay and play, giving the youngsters the opportunity to explore the set, and play with the performers. It was wonderful to sit back and watch the children venture into the performance space, and hear chuckles of delight from some of the older children who had clearly been craving this chance during the show itself.
Some might question the purpose of taking such young children to the theatre, wondering what they might get out of it that you couldn’t get from a baby sensory class. But, like all the best theatre, this is far more than just a show for the children. It’s an enjoyable piece for the adults too, with an engaging narrative that includes some relatable moments for new, and experienced, parents – from Mummy Bird’s struggles to understand what her new baby needs, to the never-ending process of tidying up after your child. (As the parent of two teenagers, I can confirm that this remains a perennial problem!)
Overall, Take Flight is a carefully crafted, engaging piece of work that will introduce the very youngest of audiences to the joys of theatre, and offer their grown-ups an enjoyable hour of bonding and escapism.
Take Flight played at Half Moon Theatre from 5 to 6 June 2026 as part of a wider tour. We received a complimentary press ticket to the 3pm performance on 5 June.