The world premiere production of Poet Laureate John Masefield’s festive classic has been adapted for the stage by children’s author Piers Torday and will play at Wilton’s Music Hall from the 1st December.
It has been announced that Matthew Kelly and West End star Josefina Gabrielle will star in Justin Audibert’s world premiere production when it plays at Wilton’s Music Hall.
This production is the first time that Poet Laureate John Masefield’s festive classic has been reimagined for the stage.
Kay Harker is on the train home from school for the holidays. But this Christmas will be different. His parents are dead, and the wolves are running…
On the train he meets an old magician, Cole Hawlings, who charges Kay with protecting his Box of Delights, a wondrous device with time travelling powers. But when the old man mysteriously disappears, Kay faces the fight of his life to protect the Box, and with it, the people he loves. For Cole’s nemesis, the wicked sorcerer Abner Brown will stop at nothing to get his hands on the Box.
Joining Kelly and Gabrielle in the cast will be Mark Extance, Safiyya Ingar, Tom Kanji, Samuel Simmonds, Rosalind Steele and Alistair Toovey.
Talking about the news, Matthew Kelly said: “I couldn’t be more delighted to be returning to Wilton’s, a magical venue and the perfect setting for the Christmas classic The Box of Delights. How they will achieve the effects of snow, flood, talking animals, miniaturised children and flying cars in this exciting time-travel adventure I have no idea.”
The production will feature designs by Tom Piper, lighting by Anna Watson, video design by Nina Dunn, sound design by Ed Lewis and puppet design by Samuel Wyer.
The Box of Delights will play at the Wilton’s Music Hall from the 1st December until the 6th January. For more information and to book tickets visit: https://wiltons.org.uk/whatson/365-the-box-of-delights