The stories of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have been delighting children and adults for many years, who never tire of the adventures that come to life inside the pages.
We all have our personal favourites, but for one of the beloved characters Charlie Cook, he has many! Charlie loves reading - especially books about pirates. But his sister hates it – it’s boring!
Can Charlie convince her that reading is fun? Perhaps if she read a book about a pirate, who is reading a book about Goldilocks, who is reading a book about a knight.
Delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs at the Lowry Theatre this summer and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book.
The Little Angel Theatre’s new musical adaptation of the story will be performed at the venue from July 23 to August 4 and recommended for those aged 3+.
The Olivier-nominated writing team behind the adaptation of another of the author and illustrators books’ The Smartest Giant in Town, are also behind this adaptation. They want to fuel the imagination through the magic and wonder of puppetry.
Little Angel Theatre artistic director Samantha Lane and executive director Peta Swindall said: “As parents ourselves, we know just how special it is to cuddle up and read a book with a child; and Julia and Axel’s books are just so joyous and colourful, making the experience even more enjoyable.
“We hope audiences will enjoy delving into Charlie’s books as much as we have enjoyed pulling together all of the elements of this show. We are also thrilled to be offering workshops alongside the production.
“Children can be reluctant readers for many reasons, and we hope that either through the production or the workshop, those who struggle with reading might find new and creative ways into books.”
Alongside this puppet-filled musical, which at its core celebrates the joy of reading, Little Angel Theatre will deliver a literacy project Reading Through Play, in partnership with the National Literacy Trust and Macmillan Children's Books.
Julia Donaldson said of the show: “I am delighted that Little Angel Theatre has adapted Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book for the stage. It is a book that celebrates the joy of reading in many forms - books, magazines and even encyclopaedias.
“It is a book within a book within a book - in fact there are 11 books in total - complete with pirates, ghosts, dragons and aliens, to name a few. I am excited that the story has moved from page to stage, complete with puppets and songs, and that the production will travel across the UK this year.”
Axel Scheffler added: "Little Angel Theatre's clever production team has designed and created animal puppets that actually appear out of their individual books as their stories happen, which is such a brilliant idea.
“I am delighted to see Charlie Cook's Favourite Book come to life on stage and I know that all our readers, young and old, will enjoy this production in London and on tour."
