Gwen Taylor to Lead UK Tour of THE BUTTERFLY LION; to Kick Off 30 August!

Award-winning writer Michael Morpurgo's inspiring tale of enduring friendship - THE BUTTERFLY LION - will tour the UK this autumn in an enchanting new stage production. Starring one of Britain's leading actresses, Gwen Taylor, THE BUTTERFLY LION will open at The Mercury Theatre COLCHESTER on FRIDAY 30 AUGUST.

THE BUTTERFLY LION transports audiences from theAfrican veld to the battlefields of First World War France, as they follow the adventures of Bertie and the White Lion as they strive to find sanctuary amongst devastating adversity.

Former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo was catapulted onto the world stage in 2007 with The National Theatre production of his book War Horse. The show subsequently transferred to the West End and Broadway and still plays to sold out audiences all over the world. It has since been adapted for the screen and is now a major motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg.

Michael was awarded an OBE for services to Literature in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2007. He has written over 120 books, including Kensuke's Kingdom, which won the Children's Book Award and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Children's Book Award in 2000. His novel, Private Peaceful won the 2004 Red House Children's Book Award and the Blue Peter Book Award in 2005. As well as War Horse and The Butterfly Lion, many of Michael's books have been adapted for the stage including Private Peaceful, Kensuke's Kingdom, Why the Whales Came and The Mozart Question.

Gwen Taylor is much loved for her role as Amy in hit TV comedy Duty Free, and for playing the title role in the ITV sitcom Barbara. Most recently Gwen has been seen playing Ann Foster in CoronationStreet, and has appeared in many other television favourites including; Heartbeat, Class Act and Midsomer Murders. Her theatre credits include: Driving Miss Daisy, Calendar Girls, Prick up Your Ears and Shirley Valentine.

Friday 30 August - Saturday 14 September
Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Box Office: 01206 573 948
Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Monday 16 - Saturday 21 September
Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Box Office: 01242 572 573
Website: www.everymantheatre.org.uk

Monday 23 - Saturday 28 September
Venue Cymru, Llandudno
Box Office: 01492 872 000
Website: www.venuecymru.co.uk

Monday 30 September - Saturday 5 October
Arts Theatre, Cambridge
Box Office: 01223 503 333
Website: www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

Monday 7 - Saturday 12 October
Devonshire Park, Eastbourne
Box Office: 01323 412 000
Website: www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Monday 14 - Saturday 19 October
Festival Theatre, Malvern
Box Office: 01684 892 277
Website: www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

Tuesday 22 - Saturday 26 October
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
Box Office: 0115 989 5555
Website: www.trch.co.uk

Monday 28 October - Saturday 2 November
Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Box Office: 0844 871 7647
Website: www.atgtickets.com

Monday 4 to Saturday 9 November
Richmond Theatre, Richmond
Box Office: 0844 871 7651
Website: www.atgtickets.com

Monday 11 - Saturday 16 November
Theatre Royal, Brighton
Box Office: 0844 871 7650
Website: www.atgtickets.com