The Watermill Theatre, Newbury, has announced its new festive production of Michael Morpurgo's Pinocchio.

The musical adaptation, set to run from November 15 to January 5, 2025 at the Watermill Theatre, will be co-directed by Elle While and Indiana Lown-Collins.

The show will be adapted for the stage by Simon Reade, a long-time collaborator of Michael Morpurgo, and theatre lovers can expect a new take on the classic tale, with music and lyrics by Chris Larner.

The pair have worked together on multiple stage, screen and audio adaptations, including Private Peaceful, Waiting for Anya, An Elephant in the Garden, Toro! Toro!, and Twist of Gold.

In this new adaptation, audiences will follow Pinocchio as he embarks on a journey filled with adventure, big decisions, and a host of colourful characters.

According to the theatre, Pinocchio will experience a series of 'calamitous consequences' as he starts a fire, turns into a donkey, and even ends up inside a whale.

Mr Morpurgo, who has been writing stories since the 1970s, is one of the UK's most cherished authors. He was appointed Children's Laureate in 2003 and was awarded the OBE for his writing in 2006.

Mr Morpurgo's books, including The Butterfly Lion, Kensuke's Kingdom, The Mozart Question, and War Horse, have been adapted for the stage, with War Horse also being made into a film by Steven Spielberg.

 

(Image: Image supplied by Watermill Theatre)  Children's author, Michael Morpurgo

Mr Morpurgo expressed his excitement about the upcoming production, saying: "At last, Pinocchio speaks for himself! About time too. And I'm so thrilled he's doing it at the Watermill. Come see Pinocchio as he'd like to be seen.

"Others have read Pinocchio, the Collodi version of his life, or seen the movie. We've met him! Come see the show and you can meet him too!"

Elle While and Indiana Lown-Collins also shared their enthusiasm, stating: "We're thrilled to be bringing Simon Reade's adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's artfully told, funny and anarchic story of our favourite puppet boy Pinocchio to life.

"We're excited for audiences to join us on an adventure into a magical world where things aren't always what they seem"

The Watermill Theatre is offering a special treat for the first performance on November 15 at 5.30pm, as tickets will be priced at £15 and will include a complimentary hot drink and sweet treat from the Watermill café before the show.

A Pinocchio Fun Day is also scheduled for October 29, where participants can engage in themed crafts, drama games sessions, and storytelling.

Further details about the casting and the full creative team will be announced later this year.