Based on a true story, this lively, warm-hearted tale begins in Birmingham, 1917, with the characters growing up as part of a hardworking, creative family. It follows the lives of Ida, Jack, Dora and Louis as they form a thrilling acrobatic dance act – Les Cygne Four. ‘Tread the boards’ with them as they tour variety shows from the 1930s to the 1950s, meet lovely and loathsome landladies and dance their way through success, hardship, war, tragedy, and love, displaying courage and determination along the way.

As a child, Annette-Frances B (also known as children's author A. F. B. Griffey) lived and breathed theatre, eagerly absorbing weird and wonderful accounts of daring adagio dancers, singers, magicians, snake charmers, spectacular costumes, dazzling scenery and… well, the list is endless. These memories were shared by her theatrical family. She no longer has those loving, charismatic characters, but she still has their tales and is happy to share them with you.

“…and there is sensational dancing by Les Cygne Four.”
Copyright © The Stage (September 1943)

“…daring acrobatic act by Les Cygne Four.”
Copyright © The Stage (September 1947)