Tom, a young chimney sweep, jumps into a cool stream to clean himself. There, he enters a strange and magical underwater world of crotchety lobsters, snobbish salmon and a host of other fantastical creatures. Adults and children alike will be enthralled as Tom travels to the Other-end-of-Nowhere on an unforgettable voyage of discovery teeming with adventure.

Five multi talented performers play the story tellers who, with puppetry, mime and live music, come together to conjure the extraordinary world of The Water Babies. Filled with simple yet beautiful theatrical invention, internationally acclaimed Northern Broadsides turn this classic children's fairytale into an enchanting play for all the family.

Suitable for anyone aged 5 upwards with a vivid imagination and sense of wonder.

“Northern Broadsides' first venture into children's theatre is by and large a success. All conclusive proof that water babies do exist - even if only in the imagination.” The Guardian

“This is the company’s first venture into children’s theatre and what a way to begin. It is every bit as bold and forthright as the productions for adults. A standard has been set and director Adam Sunderland, who wants only the very best for young audiences, can be excused a satisfied smile. Utterly fascinating - the level of inventiveness will astonish.” The Stage

“The resourceful and multi-talented Northern Broadsides cast managed to do the seemingly impossible – create a watery world before our very eyes, gripping the attention of every member of the responsive and appreciative audience from toddlers to octogenarians and everything in between.”
The Halifax Courier

“Five actors present themselves as storytellers and appear to invent the world of The Water Babies before our eyes. Through mime, caricature, puppetry and shadow play, they evoke the young sweep's terrifying ordeal in the labyrinthine chimneys of the big house; his flight across moor, down steep crag; his transformation into a water baby and underwater encounters with salmon, sea snails, anemones and an hilarious lobster”
The Observer