Noah Barleywater strikes a chord with Kilkenny audiences

Barnstorm Theatre Company has garnered a reputation for producing high quality theatre for young audiences that is both relevant and relatable.

Their latest production, Noah Barleywater Runs Away lives up to this reputation as it tells the story of a young boy, Noah who runs away from home only to stumble upon a magical toyshop in the middle of a forest. There he meets an old and very wise man and an ensemble of puppets who come to life on stage.

PICTURES: Thumbs up from Kilkenny audiences to Barnstorm play

The story is adapted by renowned playwright, Mike Kenny, who is a regular collaborator on Barnstorm productions, from the novel by acclaimed author, John Boyne. The storyline is strong and explains to the young audience that running away rarely fixes things or provides lasting solutions and sometimes in life you have to be brave and muddle through adversity and that tough times are part of living.

The set is designed by Andrew Clancy and the puppet design is by Tommy Baker and it is in the set and the puppets coming to life through the ensemble (Áine Collier, Dylan Kennedy and Meabh Quinn) that the magic and sense of adventure prevails.

The leading actors Jack Mett as Noah and Andy Doyle as the Old Man both deliver stellar performances engaging with the audience on multiple levels. The play is directed by Philip Hardy and is yet another triumph for Barnstorm Theatre Company.