Rose Theatre, Nicoll Entertainment, Curve, MAST Mayflower Studios, and Unicorn Theatre today announce full casting and further creative team for the world premiere tour of Sarah Punshon’s adaptation of Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s best-selling children’s book, The Lion Inside, with original music and lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer. The production previews at Curve in Leicester from Thursday, 14 March, before officially opening its international tour at the Rose Theatre on Thursday, 28 March.
The cast includes Caitlin Mallory (Lion), James Keningale (Mouse), Clarke Joseph-Edwards (Storyteller), and Esmée Cook (Understudy).
The creative team includes Sarah Punshon (Adapter & Director), Eamonn O’Dwyer (Music & Lyrics), Oli Townsend (Set & Costume Design), Laura Cubitt (Movement & Puppetry Director), Ryan Day (Lighting Designer), Ella Wahlström (Sound Designer), Chuck Brown for Unit 9 Puppet Workshop (Puppet Design & Fabrication) Emma Brunton (Additional Choreography & Puppet Associate) and Antonia Day (Costume Supervisor).
Fed up of being ignored and forgotten by the other animals, Mouse wishes he could roar like Lion. But, as he discovers, even the biggest, bossiest people are scared sometimes … and even the smallest creatures can have the heart of a lion!
This is a heart-warming story about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar. Based on the multi-million copy selling book by Rachel Bright & Jim Field published by Hachette Children’s Group, this brand-new adaptation for stage is scheduled to tour throughout the UK and Middle East through late summer 2024. A preliminary list of venues and dates is included below with additional engagements to be confirmed.
Sarah Punshon, writer and director, said: “Bringing such well-known and well-loved characters to life on stage is a big responsibility! Rachel’s words and Jim’s pictures are embedded in so many families’ hearts. My script needed to be true to the story we all know, but find its own theatricality. We’re having great fun in rehearsals finding ways to bring a whole savannah of animals to life, and I can’t stop singing Eamonn O’Dwyer’s fabulous songs. It’s a joy collaborating with this amazing creative team. I’m so looking forward to delighting audiences with our brand new version, inspiring children across the country to find their own roar.”
Christopher Haydon, Artistic Director at the Rose said, “Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s delightful story gives us a perfect opportunity to create a joyful and inspiring production to entertain family audiences up and down the country. We’re excited to be working with such a talented creative team and producing partners to kick off an exciting tour.”
