FOLLOWING highly acclaimed stage adaptations of Stick Man and Tiddler and other Terrific Tales, Scamp Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre are collaborating on a brand new adaptation of Pirate Gran.
Based on the books by Geraldine Durrant, illustrated by Rose Forshall, Pirate Gran opens at Watford Palace Theatre on Friday, March 28, 2014 (Press Performance at Greenwich Theatre on Sunday, April 13 at 4.30pm) prior to a UK Tour, Udderbelly Festival London and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2014.
Meet Gran. She bakes. She knits. You’d never guess she was a Pirate!
Pirating isn’t the life for everyone, but Gran says if you don’t mind sleeping in a hammock and being called Scary Mary, then it’s a career more girls should think about. With a pet crocodile under her bed, a wicked sense of humour and a whole raft of adventures under her belt, time with Gran is never dull!
Join Gran and the rest of her crew for what is described as a magical and swashbuckling show that promises to be an absolute treat for seafaring children aged 3+ and their shipmates of all ages!
Pirate Gran is created by the award-winning Scamp Theatre, whose work has been described as ‘wonderfully exuberant and imaginative’ by TimeOut. Founded in 2003 by award-winning producers Jennifer Sutherland and Louise Callow, Scamp Theatre brings a range of theatrical live performance to audiences of all ages, with an increased focus on adaptation, particularly in children’s literature. Recent productions include Stick Man, which has just completed a hugely successful Christmas Season at Leicester Square Theatre, Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and Private Peaceful.
Geraldine Durrant is a journalist and features writer who began writing Pirate Gran in 2007 when she won a BBC competition to promote literacy and inspire families to read together. A 60 second version of the story was brought to life with illustrations by Rose Forshall and narrated by actress Linda Robson. Durrant was then commissioned by the National Maritime Museum, with three books in the Pirate Gran series now published all over the world.
Pirate Gran’s crew will be brought to life with puppetry designed by Toby Olié, associate puppetry director of the National Theatre’s production of War Horse. Olié was involved in the development of the puppetry for War Horse and also played Joey in the original production and West End transfer. His other work as puppet designer includes The Light Princess (National Theatre), The Little Mermaid (Disney Theatrical), The Wind in the Willows (Royal Opera House and in the West End), and Goodnight Mr Tom (West End).
The cast of Pirate Gran features Pauline Goldsmith as Pirate Gran, Martyn Dempsey, Jack Maurice and Peta Maurice.
The production is directed by Pieter Lawman, with music by Benji Bower, set and lighting design by James Lewis, puppet design by Toby Olié and costume design by Katie Sykes.
The tour will visit Swindon Arts Centre; Birmingham Rep; Winchester Theatre Royal; South Holland Centre, Spalding; Haverhill Arts Centre; Mercury Theatre, Colchester; Thameside Theatre, Thurrock; Stantonbury Campus Theatre, Milton Keynes; The Riverfront Theatre, Newport; Dorchester Arts Centre; Bridport Arts Centre; Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl; Gwyn Hall, Neath; Theatre Mwldan; Borough Theatre, Abergavenny; Ffwrnes Llanelli Theatr; Welfare Hall, Ystradgynlais; Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford; Burnley Mechanics…
…Empire Theatre, Consett; The Atkinson, Southport; Uppingham Theatre, Leicestershire; Theatre Royal, Margate; The Met, Bury; Square Chapel, Halifax; Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield; The Hunt Theatre, Felsted School; Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne; New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich; The Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple; Arts Depot, London; Corner Stone Arts Centre, Didcot; Lighthouse Theatre, Poole; and The Lowry, Salford.
The Udderbelly Festival at London’s Southbank Centre takes place from Monday, June 30 to Saturday, July 5.
E4 Udderbelly, Edinburgh runs from Thursday, July 31 to Monday, August 25, 2014 (not August 13).