Theatre and Dance

Adapted from the dark and fantastical short story by acclaimed author Michel Faber, The Fahrenheit Twins tells the tale of a brother and sister who live with their scientist parents on a remote arctic exploration station.

They spend their days racing huskies across the wintry tundra, rolling in the snow and recording key events in The Book of Knowledge. Their existence is unusual but very content, until one day their mother unexpectedly takes to her bed and life for the twins is never the same again.

Funny and savage, The Fahrenheit Twins is a tender tale about childhood interrupted by life's cruel turns, and the irreversible progression towards becoming an adult.

Told By An Idiot's co-founders and artistic directors, Hayley Carmichael and Paul Hunter, will perform together in a two-hander, with a distinctive set and directed by Matthew Dunster.

Hayley Carmichael and Paul Hunter

The Fahrenheit Twins is the latest in a series of productions in collaboration with acclaimed living authors. Previous work includes Philip Pullman’s novel The Firework-Maker’s Daughter (2003) and Casanova (2007) - of which the latter was performed at the West Yorkshire Playhouse after it was specially commissioned by Told By An Idiot from recently-appointed Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy.

The Fahrenheit Twins embraces artifice and makes no attempt to portray reality, but  the company still believe it nonetheless straddles the fine line between comedy and tragedy that infuses everyday life.

Told By An Idiot's production of The Fahrenheit Twins runs from Tuesday 13 October until Saturday 17 October 2009 at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Quarry Hill.