With a dog, a bird, a cat, a witch and even an epic dragon, children and adults alike will be entranced by the latest production from the Cayman Drama Society, Julia Donaldson’s “Room on the Broom.”

Following the success of “The Gruffalo”, also written by Donaldson, “Room on the Broom” is a 30-minute play for children aged 2-8 following the adventures of a witch, an increasingly crowded broom and a brave assortment of animal passengers.

Directed by Emily Harris, the production mixes live music, physical comedy, puppetry and a sprinkle of theatrical chaos to bring this beloved children’s story to life.

First-time director Harris has been a member of the drama society for three years, taking part in productions such as the Christmas production of “Cinderella” and playing the role of the Mouse in “The Gruffalo”. As headteacher of Sprogs Garden Playschool on Walkers Road, Harris is no stranger to keeping children interested and engaged, and she says that adults will also love the production.

“’Room on the Broom’ is an absolute favourite book of the children’s,” she said. “They just love it! It’s a really fun show and at 30 minutes long, it’s timed with the target audience in mind. We do feel that it’s going to be a favourite with all the family though as there are parts in there adults are going to find just as funny.”

The production has a 10-strong cast as well as the director, stage manager and lighting technician and uses a mix of actors and puppeteers.

“It’s very colorful and upbeat,” said Harris. ‘The story is about there being space for everyone and about friendship, and about looking after each other. It’s a really sweet story.”

Children will be able to meet the cast of characters after each production as well as enter the dragon’s mystical cave and even take part in a spot of potion making.

Opening night is Friday 28 Aug. and the play will run over the next few weekends, with older children expected to attend the evening performances.

“There is something very exciting about dressing up to go out to the theatre and it’ll be finished by 7.30pm, so it’s not too much of a late night,” said Harris.

As well as the production in the Prospect Playhouse, the cast and crew of “Room on the Broom” are going to hit the road, performing for students at Lighthouse School and also offering free-of-charge community performances in East End and West Bay. In a first for the drama society, the production is even heading to Cayman Brac for two free performances at the Aston Rutty Centre.

“I really wanted it to be a community piece which can be seen by children who wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity to go to the Prospect Playhouse,” said Harris. “The set has been deliberately designed to be mobile, so it can be folded up and moved between locations, and all the costumes and props will be coming with us, too.”

She added, “The idea is that the children have a really immersive, exciting experience of theater with a really fun show. It’s got live music, it’s got multi-sensory lights, it’s got great costumes – it’s got a little bit of everything going on, and it’s really exciting to watch.”

Tickets for the performances at the Prospect Playhouse are available from the Cayman Drama Society’s website at www.cds.ky.

Performance dates and times

West Bay – Sir John A. Cumber Primary School

East End – East End Primary School

Cayman Brac – Aston Rutty Civic Centre