Greg Barnett in Fantastic Mr Fox. Picture: Manuel Harlan
The hit touring production of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox will return to London’s Lyric Hammersmith next month seven months after its launch at the venue.
Following on from its world premiere last Christmas at Southampton’s Nuffield Theatre, the Nuffield and Leicester Curve’s new musical adaptation of the classic story has been touring the UK since January.
Adapted for the stage by playwright Sam Holcroft with music by composer and actor Arthur Darvill and lyrics by Darren Clark, Darvill and Holcroft, Fantastic Mr Fox’s return visit to Hammersmith will run from 26 July until 20 August.
Directed by Maria Aberg, the cast includes: Richard Atwill, Greg Barnett, Patrick Burbidge, Jade Croot, Lillie Flynn, Sandy Foster, Gruffudd Glyn, Richie Hart, Thomas Hewitt, Edward Hole, Kelly Jackson and Tanya Shields.
The production’s experienced creative team includes designer Tom Scutt, sound designer Claire Windsor, lighting designer Lee Curran, movement director Ayse Tashkiran, music director Richie Hart and casting director Annelie Powell.
A flagship production for last year’s celebrations marking what would have been Dahl’s 100th birthday, the commission by Nuffield and Curve in association with the Lyric Hammersmith brings Dahl’s wily, witty creation to life on stage with live music and songs.
Announcing the Lyric return run, the director of Nuffield Southampton Theatres, Sam Hodges said: “I am very pleased that our hit production of Fantastic Mr Fox is coming back to London, following the last sell-out run. This is a terrific adaptation of a special story and this return to the Lyric marks a well-deserved finale to a successful tour.”
In a joint statement Curve’s chief executive Chris Stafford and artistic director Nikolai Foster said: “We are thrilled that even more families and young people will be able to experience our successful co-production of Fantastic Mr Fox.
“Audiences across the country and internationally have all had a wonderful time watching this ‘fantastic’ Roald Dahl classic be brought to life live on stage.”
The artistic director of Lyric Hammersmith, Sean Holmes, added: “We are delighted to welcome back Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox after its sell-out success here at the Lyric earlier this year. A great treat for all the family this summer.”
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.
Angela Thomas
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