A NEW show which explores life and death, using theatre to explain the concept to children as young as three, premieres in Trowbridge next week.

South West theatre companies Light and Lark and Sixth Sense Theatre are joining forces to create Papillon, which is aimed at youngsters aged three-six.

Through the life of Papillon, a curious and cheeky young butterfly, the audience will be able to explore the journey of life through vibrant visuals, puppets, songs and animation.

Papillon has just been born and can’t wait to explore the world with his brand new wings. The show follows his adventures as he explores the garden through all the seasons, makes new friends and makes special memories along the way. Where will he go? What will he learn? How will he finally rest?

All the performances are followed by a short ‘stay and play’ session with the actors in which children can meet the puppets and explore specially made sensory boxes. South West schoolchildren have helped to develop the show, alongside consultants on Special Educational Needs and Makaton.

The premiere is on Friday, July 10 at Trowbridge Town Hall, where actors Clive Duncan, best known for his role as Mr Jolly on CBBC’s Playdays, and Emma Vickery have been rehearsing this week.

Papillon is being supported and promoted by Trowbridge Arts for the premiere. Tracy Sullivan, director of Trowbridge Arts, said: "Last year we held a number of performances for Early Years audiences and they will love Papillon from this exciting partnership."

Natalie Remington, of Light and Lark, commented: “Papillon addresses issues of life, friendship and memories in a vibrant and accessible way. As a new company we’re thrilled to partner the well-respected Sixth Sense.”

Mark Powell, artistic director, Sixth Sense added, “This is a wonderful opportunity for children to see the region’s creativity at its finest.”

We will tour nationally to theatres as well as hospitals and hospices, with the therapeutic aim to help the children understand change and loss. There will also be an outreach programme of art and play therapy from professional practitioners."

Light and Lark were founded in January 2015 with a commitment to create high-calibre, vibrant and engaging multisensory theatre for children and young people, creating work which employs South West artists. They aim to address issues that are rarely explored within professional theatre, with a primary focus on children's mental health. Papillon is the company's first production, funded by Arts Council England and gently addresses themes of bereavement and loss.

Sixth Sense Theatre is Swindon's only professional theatre company and also run Swindon Youth Theatre, working with 150 young people aged 5-25 years.

Performances are at Trowbridge Town Hall on Friday, July 10 at 10am and 2pm, with tickets from 01225 774306/www.trowbridgearts.com

The show then moves to the Rondo Theatre, Bath, on Saturday, July 11 at 2.30pm, tickets from 01225 463362/ www.rondotheatre.co.uk and will then tour libraries in the Swindon area.