The award-winning Birmingham-based Sonia Sabri Company have announced the 2021 tour of their acclaimed SAME SAME .. BUT DIFFERENT, a show designed for young children and their families, visiting 26 libraries and spaces across England from 27 July-26 August.

Originally commissioned by Birmingham Hippodrome and The Place, with support from Birmingham Royal Ballet, SAME SAME…BUT DIFFERENT is the company’s first ever children’s production which received its world premiere at the Hippodrome in 2019.  The show mixes Kathak and contemporary dance with live music, beat boxing and physical storytelling to create a playful, colourful world, exploring curiosities and fears, the times we feel different and when we belong.

In a world and time where there is 'fear of the different' the show celebrates diversity and inclusivity in its broadest sense.  A joyous and colourful live experience for children 5+ and their families.

The show will tour mostly to libraries across England and other spaces, reaching out to local communities that would not necessarily have access to live theatre.

The piece is choreographed by multi award-winning Sonia Sabri, one of the world’s leading Kathak dancers and Artistic Director of Sonia Sabri Company. She said: “The last 14 months have been such an incredibly difficult time for children, so it seems extremely poignant to be bringing this high-class performance to the doorsteps of communities in England at this time. This is something a professional national touring company rarely does especially in library settings.  We therefore very much look forward to providing families with a fun, playful and happy theatre experience after so long. 

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Arts Council England for their support in helping us to reach so many communities.” 

The cast features Katie Albon, Michael Kelland and Aakanksha Rawat.

SAME SAME .. BUT DIFFERENT tours from Tuesday 27 July – Thursday 26 August including Stoke, Nottingham, Luton, Birmingham, Black Country, Cheshire, Middlesborough and Reading.   

Full tour details are listed on the website here.