Joint CEOs Artistic Director Paul Hart and Executive Director Claire Murray, along with the entire team at Newbury’s Watermill Theatre, are delighted to announce the cast and creative team for their upcoming festive family production of Michael Morpurgo’s “Pinocchio.” The show opens on Friday, 15 November 2024, and runs until Sunday, 5 January 2025, with a press night scheduled for Wednesday, 20 November at 7 pm.
The story follows Pinocchio as he embarks on an adventurous journey after being lovingly crafted in Geppetto’s workshop. Despite his parents’ dreams of a bright future for him, Pinocchio seeks fun and freedom. His adventures lead him to encounter various colourful characters and make significant decisions that result in calamitous consequences—such as starting a fire, transforming into a donkey, and even ending up inside a whale.
Jerome Yates will portray ‘Pinocchio,’ while Christopher Bianchi takes on the role of ‘Geppetto.’ Other notable cast members include Fred Double as ‘Cricket,’ Hanora Kamen as ‘Fox,’ Lottie Latham as ‘Signora Geppetto,’ Eddy Payne as ‘Cat,’ Jacoba Williams as ‘Carabiniere,’ with Simon David serving both as musical supervisor and onstage musical director.
The stage adaptation is by Simon Reade with music and lyrics by Chris Larner. Co-direction is provided by Elle White and Indiana Lown Collin. The set and costume design are managed by Yoav Segal alongside Marc Parrett who also serves as puppet designer/director. Lighting design is handled by Jonathan Chan while sound design comes from Ella Wahlstrom; movement direction is led by Asha Jennings-Grant.
Completing the production team are Production Manager Tom Nickson; Company Stage Manager Cat Pewsey; Deputy Stage Manager Caitlin Ravenscroft; Assistant Stage Managers Fern Bamber & Katie Crump; BSL Supervisor Stephen Collins; Sign Integrated Performer Kim Helman; Audio Description specialist Lixi Chivas & captioning expert Min Gilby.
Paul Hart expressed excitement about bringing this new production to life at the Watermill Theatre: “We’re thrilled about this unique rendition of Pinocchio crafted through Simon Reade’s insightful adaptation paired beautifully with Chris Larner’s compositions.” He praised both directors’ visions alongside Marc Parrett’s puppetry work which enhances storytelling within their atmospheric venue resembling Geppetto’s workshop itself—a perfect setting indeed!
Michael Morpurgo has been writing since the 1970s becoming one among UK’s most cherished authors earning accolades like Children Laureate (2003) & OBE (2006). His works including “War Horse” have seen successful adaptations across mediums globally making him an influential literary figure today! On this occasion he remarked: “Finally! Pinnochio speaks himself here—it feels right doing so amidst such talented folks.”
For those attending opening night (15 Nov), tickets priced £15 come inclusive complimentary hot drink plus sweet treat courtesy onsite café pre-showtime whilst additional activities await during special Fun Day event held earlier month-end featuring themed crafts/drama games/storytelling sessions too—all supported generously via Horsey Lightly Solicitors longstanding patrons theatre alike!
BOOK ONLINE AT WATERMILL.ORG.UK OR VIA THE BOX OFFICE ON 01635 46044
About the Author
