Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox will take to the road next year in a major new musical adaptation due to receive its world premiere this Christmas.
Amidst different events celebrating the much-loved author’s 100th birthday, producing partners Nuffield and Curve have revealed plans for the tour which will begin at the Lyric Hammersmith in January, following on from its debut run at Southampton’s Nuffield Theatre from 22 November until 8 January.
A flagship production for the ‘Roald Dahl 100’ celebrations, the brand new musical Fantastic Mr Fox brings Dahl’s wily, witty creation to life on stage with live music and songs.
The new commission by Nuffield and Curve in association with the Lyric Hammersmith has been adapted for the stage by playwright Sam Holcroft with music by composer and actor Arthur Darvill and lyrics by Darren Clark, Darvill, Holcroft and Al Muriel.
Commenting on the latest reimagining of Dahl’s classic character, the author’s grandson Luke Kelly, the managing director of the Roald Dahl Literary Estate said: “ We’re excited to be working with such an accomplished partner as Nuffield Theatre to bring Fantastic Mr Fox to the stage in this brand new musical version, and delighted that so many people across the UK will be able to see it during the 2017 tour.”
Although casting has yet to be announced, the experienced creative team already assembled includes director Maria Aberg, designer Tom Scutt, sound designer Claire Windsor, lighting designer Lee Curran, casting director Annelie Powell and movement director Ayse Tashkiran.
Published in 1970, Dahl’s tale of a clever fox who outwits a bunch of bungling farmers has enchanted generations of readers across the world. Director Wes Anderson’s 2009 movie version featuring the voice of George Clooney attracted new fans and was nominated for two Oscars and won a Golden Globe award.
Revealing details of ‘Mr Fox’s’ new stage show, Sam Hodges, director at Nuffield Southampton Theatres said:“This co-production, with our partners Curve, marks significant growth for Nuffield. I’m delighted to be able to announce our second London transfer in as many years and an ambitious national and international tour, reinforcing Nuffield as one of the country’s leading producing companies.”
Curve’s chief executive Chris Stafford and artistic director Nikolai Foster added: “We are delighted to be working with our friends at the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton on this new production. We’re thrilled to be working with an exceptional creative team, led by Maria Aberg, and that Fantastic Mr Fox will join recent Curve productions such as Breakfast At Tiffany’s and Sister Act, reaching new audiences and touring across the UK.”
Sean Holmes, artistic director at the Lyric Hammersmith where the tour will begin on 25 January said : “We are delighted to be the London home of Fantastic Mr Fox, continuing our tradition of world-class family theatre.”
After playing London’s Lyric Hammersmith until 19 February the production will head for Cardiff’s New Theatre (21-25 February); Dartford’s Orchard Theatre (28 February-5 March); Leicester Curve (3-9 April); Oxford Playhouse (11-15 April); Coventry Belgrade (18-22 April); Sheffield Lyceum Theatre (2-5 May); Kings Theatre, Edinburgh (15-20 May); Glasgow Theatre Royal (22-27 May); Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe (5-10 June); Plymouth Theatre Royal (13-17 June) and Norwich Theatre Royal (21-24 June).
Further tour dates are to be announced.
Angela Thomas
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