It has been announced that Jonathan Rockefeller’s production of the beloved children’s book will return to the West End from the 13th December.
Eric’s well-known books captivated readers with his iconic colourful hand-painted tissue paper collage illustrations and distinctively simple stories, introducing generations of children to a bigger, brighter world – and to their first experience of reading itself.
The timeless classic has made its way off the page and onto the stage.
Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed production of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show’ features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle stories, The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Adapted for the stage by Jonathan Rockefeller, The Very Hungry Caterpillar first premiered in Australia in 2015 before opening in New York at the Acorn Theatre in January 2016, where it was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience. The production received its West End premiere at the Ambassadors Theatre in December 2016, prior to a major UK Tour in 2017.
Talking about the news Jonathan Rockefeller said: “Eric Carle has created a deceptively simple, yet sophisticated introduction to reading through the magic of his iconic collage illustrations and memorable stories. Our production takes audience on a truly memorable journey, bringing these stories to life through the magic of puppetry, movement and stagecraft. We have a menagerie of larger-than-life puppets, bursting with vibrant colour – it’s astonishing to compare the original illustrations to the puppets and how exact they are. ”
Eric Carle added: “I am delighted my friends in the UK will once again be able to share the same enjoyment I felt when seeing my characters come to life in the beautiful and enchanting Broadway production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show.”
The Very Hungry Caterpillar will play at the Ambassadors Theatre from the 13th December until the 7th January 2018. To book tickets click here.