Lost and Found, the best-selling children’s book by writer Oliver Jeffers, will be making its stage debut in Manchester. The show will take a bow at the new Factory International arts venue this Christmas.
It has been adapted for the stage by BAFTA-winning director WIll Brenton, with a score composed by Gruff Rhys, the creative force behind revered band Super Furry Animals. The show will be a blend of puppetry and performance and will be a faithful interpretation of Jeffers’ instantly recognisable illustrations.
The book, published in 2005, follows the touching tale of a boy who strikes up a friendship with a penguin, embarking on a thrilling journey to find his home. It won the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize Gold Award and was the Blue Peter Book of the Year.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
Director Will Brenton said: “Lost and Found is a beautiful story simply told. Oliver’s work tells and shows us only what we need to see, and by doing so creates innumerable personal versions of the tale for each person who reads it.
“I wanted to take that clarity and simplicity and bring it to the stage in a way that keeps the purity of the story and allows each person to make it their own. For me, this story is not just about a Penguin who is far from home, but someone searching for something that is missing in their life.
“Together with Factory International, bringing this show to their new venue is very exciting. I remember working in the old Granada offices when I was a director on Coronation Street, and to be a part of the re-invention of this site and at the beginning of what I know will be a thrilling new journey is a genuine honour.”
Oliver Jeffers said: “I can’t wait to see the book be brought to life onstage by Will Brenton and Gruff Rhys. It’s set to be a really enjoyable show for children and families.”
John McGrath, Artistic Director at Factory International, added: “We are delighted to welcome children and families to the venue for the world premiere stage adaptation of a much-loved story. Will Brenton has captured the beauty and simplicity of Jeffers’ iconic illustrative style in a way that truly brings the book to life before the audience’s eyes.
“After directing The Tale of Mr Tumble for MIF15, we are thrilled to work with Will again to bring a performance commissioned specifically for our youngest audience members to the venue for the very first time.
“We’re also excited to be working with Gruff Rhys, a legendary musician, composer and producer whose unique and experimental style perfectly captures the fun and emotion of the story.”
The show will run from December 15, 2023, to January 6, 2024.
READ NEXT:
