The Premise

Return to Aesop is a colourful retelling of Aesop’s fables, with an array of exciting characters and flexible cast.

Young Jack, confined by his mothers’ grief and overprotection, yearns for adventure. The sighting of a hare in a running bib, and a mysterious notebook with the inscription ‘Return to Aesop’ propel him on a quest to find its owner. He soon encounters a tortoise, who tells Jack about his upcoming race with the hare. Tortoise teaches Jack to ‘Keep it Slow’ and encourages him to write down everything he’s learning in the book marked ‘Return to Aesop’, leading him into a world of talking animals and unexpected friendships. As Jack navigates this new reality, he discovers the power of storytelling, the importance of family, and the courage to overcome adversity. He chronicles his adventures inside the book, finding fame and celebrity as a storyteller while his household staff embark on their own mission to return Jack home for good. The feud comes to a head at the finish line of the Hare and Tortoise race.

Within a playful exploration of Aesop’s classic tales, the musical delves into themes of loss, growth, and the enduring nature of human connection. Ultimately, Jack must confront his past and find a way to heal his family while embracing his own unique voice.

Development

This fun, family musical was workshopped and developed in London in spring 2014 before receiving its premiere production that August as the culmination of the 2014 Starling Arts Summer School.

Listen

Hear some songs from Return to Aesop below! To hear more songs by Garsin & Shields, visit our Soundcloud page.