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
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