Join Elmer on a joyful jungle adventure in a magical, musical adaptation of the much-loved Elmer books.
Family theatre company Tall Stories has revealed the cast and creatives who will bring to life Elmer, the glorious vibrant patchwork elephant, in the much-anticipated world premiere of their latest theatrical extravaganza, The Elmer Adventure.
The multi-Olivier Award-nominated Tall Stories will celebrate Elmer’s 35th anniversary year with magical songs, brilliant storytelling and spellbinding puppetry, creating a colourful jungle on stage - perfect for a patchwork elephant to hide in. In the ultimate fun test for families this half term, we’ll see if audiences are able to spot Elmer in London and Manchester.
The Elmer Adventure will be directed by Tall Stories Artistic Director Toby Mitchell, who co-founded the company in 1997. Puppetry Director and Designer, Yvonne Stone, has inventively brought Elmer to life for the production. The enchanting world of Elmer will be playfully enhanced by Matthew Floyd Jones’s music and lyrics and Elmer’s bold and colourful jungle habitat will be deftly brought to life by Set and Costume Designer Amanda Mascarenhas. Movement Director Sundeep Saini will be bringing to life the illusion of a herd of elephants and other jungle animals on stage and the atmospheric lighting will be provided by Lighting Designer Rajiv Pattani.
Completing the team are the cast who take on the grand adventure of bringing the iconic character to life on stage are the amazing Amelia Gabriel (The Grapes of Wrath, National Theatre; The Lord of the Rings, Watermill Theatre), the fantastic Frankie Turton (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, National Tour; The Three Wise Women, She Productions), and the brilliant Jack Benjamin (To Kill A Mockingbird, West End; Josephine, Theatre Royal, Bath) will play the three adventurers on a mission to find the beloved elephant.
Elmer was created by David McKee and first published by Andersen Press in 1989. With 30 picture books in the series, and more novelty titles, Elmer has since gone on to sell over 10 million copies in over 50 languages. In the original classic book, Elmer realises that it is his differences that make him who he truly is and are what his friends love about him.
Audiences will be transported to the heart of a magical jungle through a colourful, atmospheric set and a magical soundscape as they join the adventurers in their search for Elmer. Told using Tall Stories’ exciting blend of storytelling theatre, catchy music and lots of laughs, this celebration of friendship, empathy and cooperation captures the essence of David McKee’s Elmer books.
Celebrate Elmer’s unique patchwork colours and wear all your colourful clothes when you see the show.
The Elmer Adventure: 30th October – 3rd November
The Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Run Time: 55 mins (approx.)
Price from £16 ( concessions available)
Further Information: The Elmer Adventure | Southbank Centre