Animal Adventures at the Belgrade Theatre this February Half-Term

This February half-term, the Belgrade Theatre has an action-packed programme to keep families entertained during the holidays. From owls to elephants, the Belgrade will be taking audiences on an animal adventure with two incredible productions on its stages, plus plenty of extra activities for kids to get involved in!

Setting sail for the B2 auditorium is the world premiere production of The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat from Sat 18 Feb to Sat 4 Mar. Inspired by Edward Lear's famous nonsense poem and based on the book by Monty Python actor and writer Eric Idle, this story has been adapted for the stage with original songs by Dougal Irvine.

This surreal and brilliantly chaotic new musical follows the Owl and the Pussycat on their mission to save the world and defeat the dastardly Firelord, his imaginary dragon, Pyron, and his henchmen, Flicker and Brimstone. With Professor Bosh's help, they seek the magical Bong Tree which will lead them all to safety in the Land of Bong!

Their adventures take them across the Gromboolian Plains, down a river of jam, and over a frozen rainbow - helped on their way by a host of wonderful characters including a resurrected dinosaur skeleton, the Pie-Rats and a dancing Pig in sunglasses. It is set to be a celebration of nonsense that is sure to enthral and delight families and anyone with a sense of fun and wonder.

Running on the Main Stage from Weds 22 to Sat 25 Feb is Running Wild, based on the book by Michael Morpurgo and brought vividly to life with a cast of colourful, life-size animal puppets.

The story follows a young girl called Lily, whose family holiday to Indonesia takes a dramatic twist when a tsunami hits whilst she is taking an elephant ride along the beach. Oona and Lily escape deep in the jungle, miles from civilisation, where there is wonder, discovery and tree-top adventures with the orangutans. As thoughts turn to her mother left behind on the beach, wild tigers prowl, and hunger hits, Lilly must now learn to survive the rainforest...

Embarking on a UK wide tour in 2017, this exciting new family show for ages 6+ has been created by the team behind the smash-hit production of War Horse with puppetry design and direction by Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié.

Tickets for both of these shows are available now by calling the Belgrade Theatre Box Office team on 024 7655 3055 or book online at www.belgrade.co.uk.

Also this February half-term, the Belgrade's hugely popular Curious Kids Family Fun Day will return on Sat 11 Feb for more creative crafts and fun activities to keep children occupied. This free all-day event taking place throughout the theatre will include face-painting, dressing up, storytelling, drama activities, crafts and a special appearance from the cast of The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat!

Completing the half-term line up is a two-day February Camp on Mon 20 & Tues 21 Feb for ages 8 - 13. Themed around the city of Coventry, participants will be challenged to create their own piece of theatre inspired by their love of all things Coventry - from Lady Godiva to Two-Tone, CCFC to Coventry Cathedral, and not forgetting the Belgrade!

February Camp will be led by an experienced drama practitioner and is packed with drama games and activities. No previous theatre experience is necessary to take part.

Photo credit: Johan Persson