Coventry's Belgrade Theatre to Debut New Musical Adaptation of THE SILVER SWORD

Ian Seraillier's highly acclaimed and much-loved children's novel, THE SILVER SWORD, will receive its world stage premiere at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre from Sat 26 Sept - Sat 3 Oct before embarking on UK Tour throughout Autumn 2015.

Originally written in 1956, THE SILVER SWORD was recently named as one of the top 50 children's books of all time by The Times. This brand new musical co-production has been adapted for the stage by Susie McKenna and Steve Edis.

THE SILVER SWORD is a heart-warming tale of three children whose determination to become a family again, takes them on an incredible adventure to find their father against all the odds. Set in the immediate aftermath of WWII, THE SILVER SWORD follows the Polish Balicki children's search for safety as Europe is divided up and displaced people return to their homelands.

Along the way, Ruth, Edek and Bronia meet 14 year old Jan - a boy who, years before, had met their father by chance and been given the family's precious paper knife, affectionately known as the Silver Sword. Jan's instructions are to show it to the children, should their paths cross, with the message that their father is still alive and headed for Switzerland. During their adventures they cross paths with people from every nation as well as animals such as Jimpy the cockerel, Bistro the chimpanzee and Ludwig the dog. Full of warmth, music and excitement, this brand new musical adaptation is brought to life by a cast of skilled actor/musicians and features amazing puppetry and stunning visual projections.

Full Cast announced: Tom Mackley as Jan, Nathan Turner as Joe Wolski/ Gypsy Man, Lucy Tregear as Frau Wolff/ Mrs Krause, Julian Harries as Joseph, John O'Mahony as Herr Wolff, Oliver Buckner as Edek, Sue Appleby as Margarit, Rachel Flynn as Ruth and Alex Knox as Adam/Major Hargreaves. The role of Bronia will be played by local child actors from each of the venues listed on tour.

This brand new co-production is presented by the Belgrade Theatre and Sell a Door Theatre Company, whose recent productions include Avenue Q (2014 UK Tour), Spring Awakening (2011 UK Tour), Seussical (West End) and the highly-acclaimed UK touring production of Alan Bennett's The History Boys.

Producer, David Hutchinson said: "We are thrilled to be working in collaboration with The Belgrade Theatre on producing this exciting new adaptation based on Ian Seraillier's classic "The Silver Sword" this autumn. At a timely moment during the First World War centenary years, we tell the story of a family devastated by war, opening in a city that can identify with the desolation that war had both on communities and individual families. I've been hoping to work with Susie McKenna and Steven Edis for some time, as a really exciting creative team who have penned an excellent piece of theatre for family audiences. The Silver Sword brings joy, truth, adventure and heart to the stage with a ensemble of top performers and creative - it really will be a treat for all the family"