British Bamboozle Theatre Company brings Pulse, an immersive integrated theatre experience where rain falls on stage, a bird can land on an audience member's shoulder, and live music responds to the audience's presence. Set during the 1930s American Dust Bowl, the show follows Patience and a little bird as they wait for rain that may or may not come.

About the Show

Pulse is set in the American Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Patience and a little bird wait through the dust and dry weather for rain. Their waiting is interrupted by Cranky Jane and her homemade “cloud-making rain machine.”

The production transforms the theatre into something resembling a backyard, with fabric laid across the floor, wooden boxes, clay pots and a rain-making machine. Rain falls during the performance, while the bird can move among the audience.

The production also incorporates live music, with performers singing and playing blues, bluegrass and old folk songs. Wooden boxes and clay pots can become part of the soundscape, while the performers respond to the audience and their presence.

At its centre is a story about waiting, taking one's time, and accepting people as they are.

About Bamboozle Theatre Company

Bamboozle Theatre Company is a British theatre company that has spent more than 30 years creating theatre for children who have traditionally had fewer opportunities to access theatre.

The company emphasises creating environments of care, encouragement and opportunity, while respecting children's individual responses and choices during performances.

The Shanghai presentation is part of the company's ongoing collaboration with Da Jingyu. The organisers also state that 10% of seats will be made available to children with mild to severe learning disabilities, and that all performance income will support the “Starfish Wish” special-needs children's arts inspiration public welfare project.

Why Go

This is an immersive performance designed around participation rather than simply watching from a fixed seat. Audiences can interact with elements of the stage environment, experience rain falling in the theatre and encounter live music and the bird character at close range.

The production is also presented as an inclusive experience for children, with accessible seating and designated places for children with learning disabilities.