Much-loved Julia Donaldson story to make world premiere on Royal stage in Northampton for Christmas show
A much-loved Julia Donaldson children’s story is to make its world premiere on stage in Northampton this Christmas.
What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks, is being brought to the stage for the first time in a new production created by Royal & Derngate.
The festive family show will take over the Royal stage from Saturday, November 28, until Thursday, December 31.
And the familiar little ladybird will have a Christmas crisis to solve.
Troublemakers Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len are plotting to steal the children’s Christmas presents – leaving the smallest creature to hatch a plan with her animal friends to stop them.
The production will feature six actor-musicians, with Sam Morgan-Grahame playing Hefty Hugh and Max Alexander-Taylor taking on Lanky Len.
Morgan-Grahame previously appeared at Royal & Derngate in the title role of The Jolly Christmas Postman. The cast also includes René Francalanza, Maisie Mandley, Olivia Williamson and Alexander Zane.
The book has been adapted by Royal & Derngate associate director Erica Martin, who will co-direct alongside artistic director Jesse Jones, with new songs by Darren Clark.
The production combines the story with live music, new songs and festive fun and has been created specifically for young audiences and their families.
The What the Ladybird Heard series has sold four million copies worldwide since the first book was published in 2009 and has been translated into more than 20 languages.
Tickets available through Royal & Derngate.