Bill Kenwright Presents
The Mercury Theatre Colchester Production of War Horse Writer Michael Morpurgo’s Acclaimed
The Butterfly Lion
A new theatrical event for this Autumn around the UK
Award-winning writer Michael Morpurgo’s inspiring tale of enduring friendship – The Butterfly Lion – will tour the UK this autumn in an enchanting new stage production. Starring one of Britain’s leading actresses, Gwen Taylor.
The Butterfly Lion transports audiences from the African veld to the battlefields of First World War France, as they follow the adventures of Bertie and the White Lion as they strive to find sanctuary amongst devastating adversity.
Former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo was catapulted onto the world stage in 2007 with the National Theatre production of his book War Horse. The show subsequently transferred to the West End and Broadway and still plays to sold out audiences all over the world. It has since been adapted for the screen and is now a major motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg.
Michael was awarded an OBE for services to Literature in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2007. He has written over 120 books, including Kensuke’s Kingdom, which won the Children’s Book Award and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Children’s Book Award in 2000. His novel, Private Peaceful won the 2004 Red House Children’s Book Award and the Blue Peter Book Award in 2005. As well as War Horse and The Butterfly Lion, many of Michael’s books have been adapted for the stage including Private Peaceful, Kensuke’s Kingdom, Why the Whales Came and The Mozart Question.
Gwen Taylor is much loved for her role as Amy in hit TV comedy Duty Free, and for playing the title role in the ITV sitcom Barbara. Most recently Gwen has been seen playing Ann Foster in Coronation Street, and has appeared in many other television favourites including; Heartbeat, Class Act and Midsomer Murders. Her theatre credits include: Driving Miss Daisy, Calendar Girls, Prick up Your Ears and Shirley Valentine.
THE BUTTERFLY LION – UK TOUR DATES 2013
Friday 30 August – Saturday 14 September
Box Office: 01206 573 948
Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk
Monday 16 – Saturday 21 September
Box Office: 01242 572 573
Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Website: www.everymantheatre.org.uk
Monday 23 – Saturday 28 September
Box Office: 01492 872 000
Venue Cymru, Llandudno
Website: www.venuecymru.co.uk
Monday 30 September – Saturday 5 October Box Office: 01223 503 333
Arts Theatre, Cambridge
Website: www.cambridgeartstheatre.com
Monday 7 – Saturday 12 October
Box Office: 01323 412 000
Devonshire Park, Eastbourne
Website: www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
Monday 14 – Saturday 19 October
Box Office: 01684 892 277
Festival Theatre, Malvern
Website: www.malvern-theatres.co.uk
Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 October
Box Office: 0115 989 5555
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
Website: www.trch.co.uk
Monday 28 October – Saturday 2 November
Box Office: 0844 871 7647
Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Website: www.atgtickets.com
Monday 4 to Saturday 9 November
Box Office: 0844 871 7651
Richmond Theatre, Richmond
Website: www.atgtickets.com/richmond
Monday 11 – Saturday 16 November
Box Office: 0844 871 7650
Theatre Royal, Brighton
Website: www.atgtickets.com/brighton