News: Freckle Productions’ stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s Zog goes on a summer tour

Freckle Productions and Rose Theatre Kingston present a UK tour of Julia Donaldson’s Zog, adapted into a magnificent stage show. Embarking on a 10-week summer stint, the tour opens at The Lowry, Salford, on Saturday 3 July.

Roaring back to the stage, the production is based on the bestselling book, which features illustrations by Axel Scheffler.

Large in size, and keen in nature, Zog is eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragons learn all the things that dragons need to know.

Zog tries so very hard, perhaps too hard, and he bumps, burns and roars his way through years one, two and three.  Luckily, the plucky Princess Pearl patches him up ready to face his biggest challenge yet…a duel with knight, Sir Gadabout the Great!

One of the best-loved creations of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the UK’s number one picture book pair have also produced modern classics including The Gruffalo.

Zog was first published in 2010, winning the Galaxy National Children’s Book of the Year Award. It has since sold over 1 million copies and has been published in 19 languages.

The cast of actor-puppeteers features Billy Mahoney as Zog, Lois Glenister as Princess Pearl, Benedict Hastings as Sir Gadabout, Asha Cornelia Cluer as Madam Dragon and Danielle Whittaker in various roles. Handcrafted puppets are designed and created by Little Angel Theatre co-founder Lyndie Wright.

The show is directed by Emma Kilbey with songs by Joe Stilgoe. It is designed by Katie Sykes with lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, puppetry design by Lyndie Wright and orchestrations and musical direction by Paul Herbert.

Check out the latest theatre news.