York Theatre Royal To Premiere First Ever Stage Adaptation of My Family and Other Animals
My Family and Other Animals is the much loved book by Gerald Durrell that has kept its appeal across the generations. Now York Theatre Royal presents the first ever stage adaptation as part of it’s In The Round Ensemble Season.
In this magical book, Gerald Durrell looks back at his unconventional upbringing on the Greek island of Corfu when his family decided to leave the grey skies of 1930s England behind in search of sun, adventure and freedom.
Durrell grew up to be a champion for wildlife preservation, making over seventy television programmes about his expeditions and founding the Jersey Zoological Park and the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust.
My Family and Other Animals recalls the time in his life when his passion for wildlife truly took hold. It’s about the inquisitive nature of youth and explores not only the rich natural landscape but the cultural life which Durrell was exposed to at an early age.
My Family and Other Animals has been adapted by Janys Chambers (who also wrote the first radio adaptation of the book) who has worked closely with the theatre to create a stunning new script that evokes not only the beauty of the original text but captures this adventurous spirit of youth.
My Family and Other Animals has been adapted by Janys Chambers (who also wrote the first radio adaptation of the book) who has worked closely with the theatre to create a stunning new script that evokes not only the beauty of the original text but captures this adventurous spirit of youth.
As well as drawing on the comedy of this eccentric family the play explores what effect a life of freedom can have when you’re faced with having to grow up.
York Theatre Royal have built a reputation for its ability to create beautiful storytelling plays (The Olivier award-winning The Railway Children, The Wind in the Willows) and My Family and Other Animals will continue their commitment to producing new adaptations of classic texts for the whole family to enjoy.
This production brings the animals that fascinated Durrell so much as a young boy to life through magnificent puppetry and physical theatre. The puppets have all been hand-made especially for the show and will be operated by the cast. It will be presented on the newly configured in the round stage at York Theatre Royal which will make the excitement of the Durrell families adventure to Corfu all the more contagious with the audience as they experience it in this intimate setting.
York Theatre Royal launched its In The Round Ensemble Season last week with Arthur Millers classic The Crucible. It now prepares for the next production in its seven month season which sees the theatre produce eight back to back productions with a repertory company of actors.
This production brings the animals that fascinated Durrell so much as a young boy to life through magnificent puppetry and physical theatre. The puppets have all been hand-made especially for the show and will be operated by the cast. It will be presented on the newly configured in the round stage at York Theatre Royal which will make the excitement of the Durrell families adventure to Corfu all the more contagious with the audience as they experience it in this intimate setting.
York Theatre Royal launched its In The Round Ensemble Season last week with Arthur Millers classic The Crucible. It now prepares for the next production in its seven month season which sees the theatre produce eight back to back productions with a repertory company of actors.
To book your tickets to any of the Ensemble Season shows and to find out the full schedule visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01904 623568.
Directed by Damian Cruden
Book by Gerald Durrell
Adapted by Janys Chambers
Lighting by Richard G Jones
Designer Jane Linz Roberts
Music by Christopher Madin
Dates: Tue 7 – Sat 25 Jun
Times: 7.30pm with 2.30pm (Sat) matinees
Cast: Stephen Billington, Jonathan Race, Simeon Truby, Emily Pithon, Gordon Kane, Julia Watson, Michael Roberts, Michael Lambourne, Martin Barrass, Simon Yadoo, Laura Cox, Helen Kay
Labels
Theatre
