The Butterfly Lion
Ahead of its nationwide tour
A MERCURY THEATRE MADE IN COLCHESTER PRODUCTION PRESENTED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH BILL KENWRIGHT LTD
Following the incredible stage and screen success of War Horse, the novels of Michael Morpurgo have suddenly found a new wider audience, drawn to the heartbreakingly honest stories he tells of growing up and growing old, of the horrors of war, and of the deep bonds that exist between humans and animals.
The Butterfly Lion is arguably Michael’s finest book, so we’re thrilled to be bringing this much-loved and multi award-winning tale to life in a brand new stage adaptation, featuring a mix of wonderfully inventive storytelling, haunting original music and captivating puppetry.
The Butterfly Lion tells the extraordinary story of young Albert Andrews and the unlikely friendship that he strikes up with the orphaned white lion cub he rescues one day from the African Veldt. It’s an epic tale that spans more than seventy years and takes us from rural Wiltshire to the plains of South Africa, and from the bleeding heart of war-torn France finally back to England and the safety of home. It’s a journey that begins with a solemn promise made by a boy never to forget his friend, a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its startling conclusion.
Lloyd Notice
Lion/Mr Cook
Gwen Taylor
Millie
Sam Clark
Farm Hand
Sydney K Smith
Merlot’s assistant
Gina Isaac
Ambulance Driver
Adam Buchanan
Ensemble
Tracy Bargate
Farm Hand
Christopher Hogben
Merlot
Michael Palmer
Soldier
Ensemble
Matron
Bertie’s Mother
Ensemble
Michael/Bertie
Nanny
Nurse
Ensemble including Matron and Bertie's mother
Basher Beaumont
Captain
Cafe Owner
Ensemble
Latin Master
Bertie’s Father
Colonel
Ensemble
At the outset of a national tour
Financial Times
it held an audience of young children spellbound.
The Guardian
This is a gripping and ultimately touching couple of hours
The Public Reviews
made all the more compelling by Daniel Buckroyd’s staging.
This amazing company can really make us believe they’re off to Africa bringing the watering hole to life
You may also be interested in...
Showing: Sun 12 Sep 2021
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. This weekend is your chance to see...
More info and tickets
Showing: Tue 24 May 2022 - Tue 04 Apr 2023
Come and meet those dancing feet! Each week our experienced choreographer will teach routines inspired by hit musicals in our brand new dance...
More info and tickets
Book each week!
Showing: Tue 24 May 2022 - Tue 04 Apr 2023
Tots is an interactive story-telling, music and movement class for early years children and their grown-up friends. At the Mercury we believe imagination and...
More info and ticketsGet our Newsletter
