Winter's Dream

A little snowman dares to dream of making the impossible possible

This is a story of curiosity and hope

Where the magic of winter meets the joy of spring

And reminds us to find the beauty and joy in all the seasons 

Cocooned in a world of magic; with beautiful music, lighting and set; the audience will be invited to interact with the playful cast and imaginative props. Suitable for all ages but particularly aimed at those who wish to experience a humorous and gently paced theatre experience. Families and young audiences will be transported to a dreamlike world for a cosy and magical experience; the perfect antidote to the hectic and often over-stimulating festive season. 

Artists

Ayesha Mailey (performer) is a freelance dance artist and the Associate Artistic Director of Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company. She is a performer, choreographer, improviser and teacher working in the North West of Ireland. Her work has taken her to research, teach and perform in England, New York, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Russia, Italy, Hong Kong and throughout Ireland. Ayesha works in professional and participatory arts projects, with people of all ages and abilities, exploring and composing Poetic Movement.

Kelly Quigley (performer) has been a freelance dance artist and has been developing and sharing her perspective on Poetic Movement for the last 15 years. She became an ensemble member of Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company in 2009 and has been teaching, directing, choreographing, performing and writing ever since. Kelly regularly performs locally, nationally and internationally with her own work and as part of the Echo Echo Ensemble, including places such as Hong Kong, Russia and Sweden. She frequently teaches poetic movement to people of all ages and abilities both nationally and internationally, and plays a leading role in Echo Echo’s award-winning programme for over-50s, Body Wisdom, which often creates new performance projects.

Zoë Ramsey (performer) graduated from Falmouth University with a BA Hons in Dance Performance. Since 2010 she has been performing, directing and devising professionally in a wide range of projects, both nationally and internationally. Her practice has taken her to places such as Poland, Sweden, Finland, Romania, Russia and Hong Kong and includes Contact Improvisation, clowning, corporeal mime, masked theatre, martial arts, rock climbing, outdoor pursuits. She is an ensemble member of Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company. She teaches and performs regularly, working with adults and children of all ages.

Antonina (Tonya) Sheina (director, designer, performer) studied acting in Moscow at the Russian University of Theatre Arts (GITIS) and worked in the Moscow Malaya Bronnaya Theatre repertory company for four years, where she performed various roles including major principle roles. During that time Antonina became interested in performance-improvisation art. A developing interest in movement widened her focus beyond classical theatre and acting to include clowning and dance. She has participated and taught in various international projects and festivals. Since 2011 she has been a core ensemble member of Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company, based in Derry, Northern Ireland, working on numerous projects as a performer, director, teacher and organiser.

Barry Davis (lighting designer/technician) is the Technical Manager for Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company from 2014 to present. He graduated with first class honours in BSc Music Technology, specialising in Audio Engineering and Acoustics. He also holds a PGD in Acoustics and Noise Control from the IOA. He has experience in audio engineering, music performance and production, theatre rigging, lighting design and is highly skilled in many areas of visual art, graphic design, interactive media software and technical theatre.

Production photography by Patrick Duddy

Winter's Dream artwork by Tonya Sheina

Past Performances

Winter’s Dream was first premiered at Echo Echo Studios in December 2023.

• Echo Echo Studios, Derry | 12-17 December 2023 | 12 public performances

Audience Feedback

A small selection of the amazing feedback that we received on Winter's Dream performances in Derry in December 2023...

“Amazing creative performance. All the costumes were beautifully done and the performers brought it all to life. Everything was really funny and magical. Thank you to everyone in Echo Echo that helped put this show together. It was wonderful. Thanks!” under 16

“Best Christmas show that I have ever seen and also very magical” under 16

“It was utterly beautiful, so creative, magical – literally had me in tears with all of the simple, perfect joy! Keep up the incredible, important work” 45-54

“Beautiful performance – detailed, poignant, thought- provoking and truly magical from all ages! We really loved the audience participation, the colours and sounds and the storytelling. Echo Echo is the magic at the heart of Derry!” 35-44

“This play was like a silent movie, opening up to a beautiful world of colour, with playful interaction with the audience, my daughter loved it!! Well done to all involved, a beautiful piece of art.” 35-45

“Winter’s Dream is one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen this year. Metamorphic winter, a promise of summer, the flourishing under frost. It’s a short show and very beautiful. It touches that little thing that has to do with light and hope.”  45-54

“The most wonderful piece. I loved every minute as did my daughter and niece. Thank you so much Echo Echo, it made this Christmas a bit more magical.” 19-29

Touring 2024/25

Available for touring.

The show can be accompanied by a participation workshop for all ages and abilities.

Please contact us for details.

Thanks

Echo Echo receives Principal Funding from ACNI and The National Lottery through ACNI. Echo Echo is supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Thanks to the Enkalon Foundation for a small grant towards making this production in 2023.

Performances and touring in 2024 are not grant funded.

Gallery