For Lilly, going to Indonesia isn’t just another holiday with mum. It’s a new start, and the chance to ride an elephant called Oona. But then the tsunami hit.
Charging deep into the jungle, Oona escapes the danger of the beach with her young rider desperately clinging on. Miles from civilisation, at first there’s wonder, discovery and tree-top adventures amongst the orang-utans. But, as thoughts turn to mum left behind on the beach, wild tigers prowl, hunger hits, and Lilly must now learn to survive the rainforest. Then come the hunters.
Michael Morpurgo’s novel, based on a true story, is brought to lush life with extraordinary heart, vibrant colour and exceptional creativity, wowing audiences of all ages and critics alike.
Directed by Timothy Sheader and Dale Rocks with puppetry design and direction by Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié, both previous Associate Puppetry Directors on War Horse, this epic and spectacular production tells an emotional and moving story of love, loss, loyalty and of living for the moment.
★★★★“A WINNER. The puppetry is exquisite, with full-sized animals manipulated so they seem to breathe with life. THEMAGIC REALLY HITS YOU.” Daily Telegraph
★★★★“ REMARKABLE by its INVENTIVE, EVOCATIVESTAGING.” The Times
★★★★“ AUDACIOUS and IMAGINATIVE, stylishly directed and those puppets are things of never-ending beauty.” Evening Standard
★★★★“A CROWDPLEASER, mainly thanks to INSPIRING and ENERGETIC staging, namely some amazing puppet animals brought to beautifully articulated life. Time Out
“Dazzling: the sung music effects of the sea from the chorus and the patter of rain, the huge blue material that represented the tsunami and enveloped the audience at one point took my breath away” A BRILLIANT, LIFE-AFFIRMING SHOW.” Radio Times
Running time: Act 1: 50 mins Interval 20 mins Act 2: 40 mins
Age guidance: 6+