FAMILIES in Newton Abbot are being invited to experience the joy of storytelling this summer as an award-winning bilingual theatre show arrives at the town’s library.

The Librarians, an enchanting performance created for both deaf and hearing audiences, will take place at Newton Abbot Library on Friday, July 31, at 10am.

The show is supported by Arts Council England as part of the National Year of Reading and aims to make theatre and storytelling more accessible for children and families.

Combining British Sign Language (BSL) and spoken English, the intimate production offers a fun and inclusive experience for children aged four to nine and their families.

Through visual theatre, physical comedy and imaginative storytelling, audiences are introduced to the delightfully eccentric characters Miss Book and Mr Page as they celebrate the wonder of books and creativity.

The production has been created by award-winning touring theatre company HELENandJOHN, featuring performer Alex Nowak.

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive at Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs Devon’s libraries, said the performance reflects the organisation’s commitment to ensuring everyone can enjoy the benefits of stories.

‘We believe everyone should be able to experience the joy of stories. The Librarians is a brilliant example of how creativity can bring people together, offering a truly inclusive award-winning theatre experience for Deaf and hearing children and their families’, he said.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Libraries, said the show demonstrates how libraries can help communities connect through shared experiences.

‘Our libraries are places where everyone should feel welcome. This wonderful show brings stories to life in a way that can be enjoyed by Deaf and hearing children together’, she said.

For more information, and to book, visit Libraries Unlimited’s website.