Aunt Valerie’s Stottie Cake is a playful dance-theatre adaptation of the children’s book by Romani storyteller Richard O’Neill and illustrator Alfie Joey.

Following a mischievous stottie cake as it escapes Aunt Valerie’s kitchen and bounces its way through Newcastle, the work combines physical storytelling, comedy, character performance, social and folk-dance influences, and larger-than-life props.

This short excerpt captures the project at an early R&D stage, developed over just two days and first shared with family audiences at the book launch in Carlisle. It offers a glimpse into Dance Ahead CIC’s vision for a joyful, accessible touring work for school playgrounds, outdoor festivals and family audiences.

Watch the 3-minute R&D excerpt below.