'Tintin' to Transfer to West End for Limited Christmas Run

Whatsonstage.com reports that Tintin, adapted by Rufus Norris (Festen, London Cabaret revival) and David Greig from Georges Remi's classic comic strip character, will play a limited West End Christmas engagement at the Playhouse Theatre from December 6th, 2007 through February 23rd, 2008.  The show will open on December 12th.

The Young Vic's production of Tintin, which premiered at the Barbican Theatre in December of 2005 with The History Boys' Russell Tovey in the title role, will now star Matthew Parish as the intrepid boy reporter.

According to the article, "The stage play is based on Tintin in Tibet which Hergé (the nom de plume of Remi) described as 'a song dedicated to friendship'. The story follows our Tintin's quest to save his friend Chang, into the snow fields of the Himalayas where the legendary abominable snowman is rumoured to live. Tintin is joined on his journey by a host of characters including the irascible sea dog Captain Haddock."  Tintin, whose loyal canine friend is named Snowy, was introduced as an illustrated character in 1929 in the Belgian comic strip Le Petit Vingtieme.  The Tintin adventures now annually sell three million copies in over 50 countries in 40 different languages.

The production is designed by Ian MacNeil, with lighting by Rick Fisher and sound by Paul Arditti. Sonia Friedman Productions, Mark Rubinstein, Michael Edwards and Carole Winter, Tulching/Bartner Productions and WTTP, in association with Watford Palace Theatre, produce Tintin.

A 17-week UK tour will precede the West End production, running from July 28th, 2007 through November 24th.