A HARWICH-based creative multi-media company is to tour a play nationally after securing £78,000 of funding.

Funnelwick Limb and its family-friendly theatre show The Chronicles of Atom and Luna are going on tour following National Lottery funding through Arts Council England.

Funnelwick Limb, which is now based in Harwich and used to be in Colchester, focuses on family-friendly live performances with virtual reality, audio content, interactive games and old-fashioned paper books.

The Chronicles of Atom and Luna was originally developed during a residency in Wrabness back in 2022, which included direct development with Wix and Wrabness Primary School.

Rehearsal - Rehearsals at Wrabness Community Centre, (Left to Right) Becca Bindang, Farrell Cox and Fran BurgiyneRehearsal - Rehearsals at Wrabness Community Centre, (left to right) Becca Bindang, Farrell Cox and Fran Burgiyne (Image: Luke Whitcomb)

The company has also been working with primary schools across Tendring, introducing more than 800 pupils to the world of Atom and Luna through a series of workshops, talks and visits.

Written by poet, writer and broadcaster Murray Lachlan Young, the story sees young twins Atom and Luna head into the ‘forbidden forest’ which was inspired by the time the company spent at Wrabness Nature Reserve.

Vanessa Lindsay, deputy head at the Wix and Wrabness Primary which won a Platinum Artsmark Award for supporting creativity and culture, said: “We’re all so pleased that we along with children and families across the country will get to enjoy more Atom and Luna.”

Tendring Council deputy leader Ivan Henderson added: “I am delighted to see The Chronicles of Atom and Luna go on a national tour after starting its journey in Tendring”. 

“It is a fantastic sign of the creative and cultural ambitions that Tendring has to offer.”

Claudia West, of Arts Council England, said: “We are thrilled to support Funnelwick Limb in bringing The Chronicles of Atom and Luna back on a national tour.”

“The show not only offers a magical theatrical experience for families, but also fosters a deep appreciation for storytelling and the arts amongst young people.

"We are proud to play a role in enabling this exciting cultural initiative and look forward to seeing its impact on audiences across the country.”