THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE to Launch UK Tour from London in September

Following the huge success and popularity of family shows The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, Tall Stories are pleased to present their latest collaboration with writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler; an adaptation of their much loved children's book, THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE. Former Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson and world renowned illustrator Axel Scheffler are responsible for some of the most charming and best loved children's books and Tall Stories are proud to continue to bring their books to life on stage for children all over the world.

THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE will not only tour the UK, but also America, Canada, Dubai and Bermuda. The UK tour will begin at Jacksons Lane in London on 7 September, with a press performance at the Rose Theatre in Kingston at 1.30pm on Thursday 12 September. The production will then perform at St James Theatre in London's Victoria for the Christmas period of 10 December to 5 January 2014, making it one of four productions Tall Stories will have on in London over the Christmas period, the other three being Snow Dragon at Watermans Brentford, My Brother the Robot at the Roundhouse and The Gruffalo at the Lyric Shaftesbury Avenue.

"An exquisite piece of theatre...that leaves you smiling" The Stage

Created in Tall Stories' unique, family-friendly style, THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE will enchant and captivate all children from age 4 upwards, with physical storytelling, live music and lots of humour. The book was published to great acclaim in 2003, winning the 2004 Early Years award, the 2005 Blue Peter award and the 2007 Giverny award. Julia Donaldson has said it is "probably my favourite of all the books I have written for Axel Scheffler to illustrate".

A tiny snail longs to see the world, so she hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, experiencing sharks and penguins, icebergs and volcanoes. But when the whale gets beached, how can the tiny snail save him?

Tall Stories' adaptation is inspired by the work of Storybook Soldiers, who help British Military personnel abroad to record bedtime CDs for their children back home. The Snail and the Whale is the most requested book by the children for their fathers and mothers to record. In the stage adaptation, the amazing journey of the tiny snail is seen through the eyes of a very adventurous young girl, who would love to be going round the world with her seafaring father.

The Snail/Daughter will be played by Rhiannon Wallace, Whale/Dad by Patrick Bridgman and Daughter/Musician by Ellen Chivers.

Tall Stories is a registered charity founded in 1997 by co-directors Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell. The Company has toured extensively in both small and large scale venues across the world, including various West End theatres, The National Theatre and on Broadway.

THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE is adapted and directed by Toby Mitchell with creative producer Olivia Jacobs, music by Richard Heacock, design by Isla Shaw, sound design by Shock Productions and lighting by James Whiteside.

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