Fans of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse may be keen to learn that his sequel story, Farm Boy, comes to Theatre Royal Winchester from Tuesday 8 April.
Farm Boy tells of a summer when a young boy goes to stay on his grandfather’s farm, where it feels like time stands still, where an old Fordson tractor rusts in a barn, and where his grandfather tends to his chickens. But this summer, the old man decides to begin telling him stories about what it was like when he was a boy.
A family-friendly show combining drama, storytelling and original music, Farm Boy explores the changing face of the English countryside and acts as a reminder that stories can reach out across the generations. Morpurgo calls it his ‘home story’, set in the cottage where he lives in Devon, on the farm where he lives, based on real people he has met; and plays homage to those who fought in the First World War, and how the conflict affected them.
A production that enjoyed a critically acclaimed run in New York and successful UK tours; and has been described as ‘must-see’ by The Daily Mail, Farm Boy is by the multi award-winning Lichfield Garrick Theatre – with the story adapted and directed by Daniel Buckroyd who has adapted several other Morpurgo books including The Butterfly Lion and Friend or Foe. Lichfield Garrick hopes that, in a world where grandparents and grandchildren are spending less time sharing stories, Farm Boy can bring families together to share this one.
Farm Boy is the sequel to Morpurgo’s beloved War Horse, which has captivated audiences as a war drama directed by Steven Spielberg and a five-star rated National Theatre production well-known for its life-sized horse puppets. This production of Farm Boy stars Alan Booty as Grandpa – who has performed at the National Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre, on TV and in film; while Jonathan Houlston appears as Grandson – who has built up a wealth of stage experience and starred in BBC’s Doctors.
Farm Boy will be at Theatre Royal Winchester on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 April at various times. For more information or to book tickets visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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