Children’s Touring Partnership is delighted to announce the full cast for the first UK Tour of Running Wild by Michael Morpurgo in an adaptation by Samuel Adamson.
Michael Morpurgo’s novel, based on a true story, is brought to life in this award-winning production, which has been described by critics as ‘inspiring’, ‘evocative, ‘imaginative’ and ‘life-affirming’. Originally produced by Regent’s Park Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre, this epic production, complete with spectacular life-size puppets, tells an emotional and moving story of love, loss and loyalty and of living for the moment.
Running Wild is the story is of a girl named Lilly, who, whilst on holiday with her mother in Indonesia, takes an elephant ride. During the ride, Oona, the elephant, suddenly becomes anxious and runs from the beach deep into the jungle. With Lilly on her back, they escape moments before the tsunami hits the island. Miles from civilisation, at first there’s wonder, discovery and tree-top adventures with the orangutans, but, as thoughts turn to her mother left behind on the beach, and wild tigers prowl, and hunger hits, Lilly must now learn to survive the rainforest. And then the hunters come…
Running Wild Cast will include:
The lead role of Lilly will be shared by three young actresses, Jemima Bennett, India Brown and Annika Whiston.
Dad/Red Bandana will be played by Kazeem Toisin Amore
Grandma by Liz Crowther
Mahout/Kaya by Stephen Hoo
Dr Geraldine by Corinna Powlesland
Mr Anthony by Jack Sandle
Mum will be played by Balvinder Sopal.
The puppeteers will be:
Darcy Collins (Frank, the baby orangutan)
Romina Hytten (orangutan Mani Head)
Fred Davis (Mani Body)
Elisa de Grey (elephant Oona Trunk)
James Charlton (Oona Head)
Michael Peters (Oona Heart)
Wela Mbusi (Oona Hind)
with Gareth Aled and Scarlet Wilderink as alternate puppeteers.
Running Wild begins at Chichester Festival Theatre on 10 February 2017. Booking information information can be found at www.runningwildlive.co.uk.
