NEWS: Scratchworks Theatre present 'Faina And The Snow Beast', an interactive audiobook for children

Children’s theatre company reworks show into an interactive audiobook in the wake of Covid-19

Faina and the Snow Beast

Ages 6-11 by Scratchworks Theatre Company

Release date - 19 November 2020

https://scratchworkstheatre.bandcamp.com/releases

https://www.scratchworkstheatre.com/audio-book

Laura, Alice and Siân are talented theatre makers in their twenties. Based in Exeter, Devon and the

London Borough of Bexley, they started their theatre company Scratchworks in 2103. They have

since won multiple awards and toured around the UK in venues like New Diorama Theatre, Greenwich 

Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre, Salisbury Arts Centre and Theatre Royal Bath. However like so many in

the arts industry, the pandemic put a stop to their income and creative work. Luckily, with the help of the

Arts Council they have managed to create a new way of reaching their audiences.

After a successful run of their science infused show The Snow Beast, in association with the Barbican

Theatre, Scratchworks were due to be touring three shows (a historical trilogy about the forgotten women

of history) to venues across the UK at the time of the lockdown. Distraught that their tour was suddenly

cancelled and their work put on hold they applied for the Arts Council England’s Emergency Fund which

helped them recover from a whole tour being cancelled. With no tour on the horizon the trio came up

with the fantastic idea to reform their show into an interactive audiobook to reach more children and

bring the arts (and a bit of fun) to families in the safety of their homes.

Faina and The Snow Beast is a thrilling audio adventure for budding young scientists aged 6 to 11. In the

snowy town of Seldomberg test tubes bubble, experiments explode and new inventions whirr for the 

Science Academy’s Final Exams. But Faina’s got a problem… her project has unexpectedly burst into 

flames! Desperate to pass her Final Exams, Faina sets off on a perilous expedition into the wilderness to 

find the Snow Beast. With help from her owl assistant Maude, they encounter extraordinary spectacles 

and mountainous obstacles as they battle through the wild, wintry wilderness in search of the truth. Can 

you help Faina and Maude overcome the scientific puzzles along the way? Does The Snow Beast even 

exist? This audio book blends action-packed storytelling with an original soundtrack and science 

experiments! This audio adventure comes with an at-home activity pack for you to try the science 

experiments at home with everyday household items! The pack is perfect for the classroom, suitable 

for KS1 and KS2.

“Science is all about getting things wrong. Our Experiment Pack gives young scientists the opportunity 

to try some of Faina’s experiments at home with ordinary bits and pieces you find around the house or in 

the recycling bin! We want children to not be afraid of failure, but see it as a vital part of their learning 

journey. It’s something we adults should remind ourselves of too!”

Siȃn Keen, Co-Artistic Director

Release date: 19 November 2020
Price: £6.99
Link to buy: https://scratchworkstheatre.bandcamp.com/releases Also accessible at 

www.scratchworkstheatre.com/audio-book for schools learning outcomes information.

Title: Faina and the Snow Beast
Running time: 90 minutes
Age guidance: 6-11 years old
Twitter: @ScratchworksC
Instagram: @scratchworkstc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScratchworksTheatreCompany
Created by: Scratchworks Theatre Company and Jack Dean
Illustrator: Charlie Brandon-King
Music/sound: Lucie Treacher
Faina: Siân Keen
Maude: Alice Higginson-Clarke
Narrator: Laura Doble
Contributors: Siân Keen, Alice Higginson-Clarke, Laura Doble, Jack Dean and Lucie Treacher