Family theatre company Tall Stories will present the world premiere of The Elmer Adventure at The Lowry in Salford from October 22-26.
Elmer the patchwork elephant was created by David McKee 35 years ago and there are now 30 picture books in the series, which have sold 10 million copies in over 60 languages.
The multi Olivier award-nominated Tall Stories (The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Room on the Broom, The Smeds and The Smoos) will celebrate Elmer’s 35th anniversary year with songs, storytelling and puppetry.
The puppetry director and designer is Yvonne Stone, who was behind the Olivier award-winning puppetry design in Hey Duggee and worked on the National Theatre’s Warhorse and His Dark Materials. She has risen to the challenge of designing a huge elephant operated by two performers. which will be seen striding majestically across the stage.
Elmer’s jungle habitat will be brought to life by set and costume designer Amanda Mascaren. A designer and visual artist, Amanda works mainly in theatre, television and events and has worked with companies such as Talawa Theatre, Northern Stage, Oily Cart and English Touring Opera.
Music and lyrics are by Matthew Floyd Jones; movement director is Sundeep Saini; lighting is by Rajiv Pattani and completing the team, playing the three adventurers on a mission to find the beloved elephant, are Amelia Gabriel (The Grapes of Wrath, National Theatre); Frankie Turton (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and Jack Benjamin (To Kill A Mockingbird).
Artistic director Toby Mitchell said: “Elmer is a true icon of children’s literature. Having helped adapt another of the brilliant David McKee’s creations, Mr Benn, I’m excited to bring the fantastic adventures of the patchwork elephant to the stage.”
Info and tickets here