Mr Benn
Autumn 2012, UK. Ages 4-10
Current shows
About
The Extraordinary Adventures of an Ordinary Man
“This lovingly staged adaptation delights a whole new generation of youngsters” The Herald
As if by magic, the shopkeeper appeared…
Tall Stories (creators of the Gruffalo and Room on the Broom stage shows) present their latest production, with catchy songs and astounding magic – for everyone aged 4 to 104, old friends of Mr Benn and new adventurers alike…
One ordinary day, Mr Benn receives an invitation to a fancy dress party – and comes across an extraordinary shop. As if by magic, the shopkeeper appears with an array of costumes, and shows him into the dressing room.
Inside is a mysterious door that leads Mr Benn into incredible adventures, full of dragons, princesses and sea monsters… Will Mr Benn ever go back to his ordinary life?
“As the story of Mr Benn unfolds, the over-four target age group, not to mention the grown-ups who have sneaked in up the back, become entranced” Edinburgh Evening News
Where is it playing?
Please note, tour dates run in reverse order, to cause confusion. More dates to follow.
August 2011
3-18 (not 6th) Pleasance Grand, Edinburgh Festival Fringe
20 Stockton Arc
22-23 Radlett Centre
25-26 Newbury Corn Exchange
27-28 Northcott, Exeter
May 2011
01 ArtsDepot, London
10-14 Imaginate Festival, Edinburgh
18-21 The Rose, Kingston
30-31 Theatre Royal, Norwich
April 2011
30 ArtsDepot, London
Team
Adapted by the company from David McKee’s much-loved TV series
Mr Benn
Paul Curley
The Shopkeeper
Tim Hibberd
Number One
Owen Guerin
Number Two
Anna Delchev
Understudy
Jesse Briton (original production)
Director
Olivia Jacobs
Creative producer
Toby Mitchell
Designer
Isla Shaw
Lighting designer
James Whiteside
Music and sound
Jon Fiber and Andy Shaw for Shock Productions
Company manager
Chris Fossey (original production)
Original producers
Tall Stories, Kenny Wax, Nick Brooke and Austin Shaw
Reviews
As the story of Mr Benn unfolds, the over-four target age group, not to mention the grown-ups who have sneaked in up the back, become entranced… A timely reminder that the only limit to your experiences is your imagination.
Edinburgh Evening News
This lovingly staged adaptation delights a whole new generation of youngsters… The songs are jolly, as are the cast… A reminder of how a little escapist fantasy can enliven the way we see the world, and ourselves.
The Herald
A stage version full of magic and music… The hour long show, with puppetry, magic and illusion, was slick and smooth with clever and subtle lyrics… The message that seemingly ordinary things can be extraordinary is a positive and life enhancing one, so applause to that.
EdinburghGuide.com
