Stage production of acclaimed Michael Murpurgo book

Award-winning writer Michael Morpurgo’s inspiring tale of enduring friendship – The Butterfly Lion -will tour the UK this autumn in an enchanting new stage production.  Starring one of Britain’s leading actresses, Gwen Taylor, The Butterfly Lion will visit Richmond Theatre from Monday 4 November on its UK tour until Nov

The Butterfly Lion transports audiences from the African veld to the battlefields of First World War France, as they follow the adventures of Bertie and the White Lion as they strive to find sanctuary amongst devastating adversity.

Lloyd Notice as Mr. Cook

Former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo was catapulted onto the world stage in 2007 with the National Theatre production of his book War Horse. The show subsequently transferred to the West End and Broadway and still plays to sold out audiences all over the world. It has since been adapted for the screen and is now a major motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg.

Adam Buchanan as Bertie

Michael was awarded an OBE for services to Literature in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2007. He has written over 120 books, including Kensuke’s Kingdom, which won the Children’s Book Award  and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Children’s Book Award in 2000 . His novel, Private Peaceful won the 2004 Red House Children’s Book Award and the Blue Peter Book Award in 2005. As well as War Horse and The Butterfly Lion, many of Michael’s books have been adapted for the stage including Private Peaceful, Kensuke’s Kingdom, Why the Whales Came and The Mozart Question. 

Gwen Taylor is much loved for her role as Amy in hit TV comedy Duty Free, and for playing the title role in the ITV sitcom Barbara. Most recently Gwen has been seen playing Ann Foster in Coronation Street, and has appeared in many other television favourites including; Heartbeat, Class Act and Midsomer Murders.  Her theatre credits include: Driving Miss Daisy, Calendar Girls, Prick up Your Ears and Shirley Valentine.

October 21, 2013