The world premiere stage production of Tales from Acorn Wood, based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling lift-the flap books for preschool children, comes to York Theatre Royal on January 26 and 27.
Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? And Rat-a-tat-tat! Who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? Audiences can also join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends.
Julia Donaldson says: “I am really happy that the Tales from Acorn Wood are now moving to the stage. Fans of the books are bound to enjoy seeing the four main characters – Fox, Bear, Pig and Rabbit – brought to life through NLP’s clever staging. Live performance and songs are both very close to my heart and I am sure this production will delight children and families.”
The show is packed full of toe-tapping songs and an array of beautifully crafted puppets, as well as striking state of the art staging, projection and technology which incorporates the much-loved lift-the flap elements of the book on stage.
Axel Scheffler says: “I have always enjoyed illustrating the Tales from Acorn Wood stories; the wide cast of animal friends is fun to draw, and I enjoy developing their world through my pictures. I am very pleased that the NLP team is using state of the art staging and technology to create a brilliant experience for children, and I am looking forward to seeing it all, especially how they create the lift-the flap effects on stage!”
The creative team includes celebrated choreographer Johnny Autin as Puppet Director, working alongside Director Brad Fitt, Production Designer Ian Westbrook, Motion Graphic Designer Louise Rhoades-Brown and Lighting Designer Alex Musgrave.
Props and puppets have been designed and created by Midlands based Deborah Mingham of Entify. The creative team is completed with Musical Director and Composer Miles Russell.
Tales from Acorn Wood is from the producing team behind Rod Campbell’s Dear Zoo Live and Dear Santa Live. Derrick Gask, Company Director & General Manager at NLP Ltd, says: “As a theatre production company, we’re all incredibly excited to be working with such a prestigious creative team, to bring these much-loved children’s books to life. At NLP, we’re passionate about producing live theatre that inspires and entertains, and we’re in no doubt that the Tales from Acorn Wood will do just that.”
For more information or to book tickets visit yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
