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 25 Jul 2021 - Sun 28 Nov 2021
Come and sing your heart out at our monthly musical celebration! It’s unplugged and spontaneous: it’s just the piano, the pianist, the show-tunes and...
More info and tickets
Showing: Thu 28 Oct 2021 - Thu 25 Nov 2021
Our Social Club is an opportunity for anyone aged 55 and over to connect with other members of our community, learn new skills and take part in fun...
More info and tickets
Showing: Thu 28 Oct 2021
This half term come and learn about working in a theatre! In our three day workshop we’ll have industry professionals from various departments of the Mercury...
More info and ticketsGet our Newsletter
