Scamp Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre Present PIRATE GRAN, Based on the Popular Books by Geraldine Durrant

Following highly acclaimed stage adaptations of Stick Man and Tiddler and other Terrific Tales, Scamp Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre are delighted to announce their next collaboration on a brand new adaptation of Pirate Gran, the popular children's books by Geraldine Durrant, opening at Watford Palace Theatre on Friday 28 March 2014 (Press Performance Greenwich Theatre, Sunday 13 April at 4.30pm) prior to a UK Tour, Udderbelly Festival London and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2014.

Meet Gran. She bakes. She knits. You'd never guess she was a Pirate!

Pirating isn't the life for everyone, but Gran says if you don't mind sleeping in a hammock and being called Scary Mary, then it's a career more girls should think about. With a pet crocodile under her bed, a wicked sense of humour and a whole raft of adventures under her belt, time with Gran is never dull! Join Gran and the rest of her crew for a magical and swashbuckling show that promises to be an absolute treat for seafaring children aged 3+ and their shipmates of all ages!

Pirate Gran is created by the award-winning Scamp Theatre, whose work has been described as 'wonderfully exuberant and imaginative' by TimeOut. Scamp Theatre was founded in 2003 by award-winning producers Jennifer Sutherland and Louise Callow, and brings a range of theatrical live performance to audiences of all ages, with an increased focus on adaptation, particularly in children's literature. Recent productions include Stick Man, which has just completed a hugely successful Christmas Season at Leicester Square Theatre, Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and Private Peaceful.

'The quality of what Scamp do is amazing'- THE INDEPENDENT

Geraldine Durrant is a journalist and features writer who began writing Pirate Gran in 2007 when she won a BBC competition to promote literacy and inspire families to read together. A 60 second version of the story was brought to life withby illustrations by Rose Forshall and narrated by actress Linda Robson. Geraldine was then commissioned by the National Maritime Museum, with three books in the Pirate Gran series now published all over the world.

Pirate Gran's crew will be bought to life with puppetry designed by Toby Olié, associate puppetry director of the National Theatre's production of War Horse. Toby was involved in the development of the puppetry for War Horse and also played Joey in the original production and West End transfer. Toby most recent designed the puppets for The Light Princess at the National Theatre, with other recent work as puppet designer including The Little Mermaid for Disney Theatrical, The Wind in the Willows at the Royal Opera House and in the West End, and Goodnight Mr Tom in the West End.

The cast features Pauline Goldsmith as Pirate Gran, Martyn Dempsey, Jack Maurice and Peta Maurice.

Pirate Gran is directed by Pieter Lawman with music by Benji Bower, set and lighting design by James Lewis, puppet design by Toby Olié and costume design by Katie Sykes. It is produced by Scamp Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre.

FRIDAY 28 - SUNDAY 30 March 2014
WATFORD PALACE THEATRE
Box Office www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

THURSDAY 3 APRIL 2014
SWINDON ARTS CENTRE
Box Office www.swindon.gov.uk/artscentre

SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2014
BIRMINGHAM REP
Box Office www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

SUNDAY 6 - MONDAY 7 APRIL 2014
WINCHESTER THEATRE ROYAL
Box Office www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL 2014
SOUTH HOLLAND CENTRE, SPALDING
Box Office www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

THURSDAY 10 APRIL 2014
HAVERHILL ARTS CENTRE
Box Office www.haverhillartscentre.co.uk

FRIDAY 11 - SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2014
MERCURY THEATRE, COLCHESTER
Box Office www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

SUNDAY 13 APRIL 2014