THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE Coming to Sydney Opera House in January

Some travel by bus and some get around by bike, but to see the whole world, it's best to hitch a ride on the tail of a giant humpback whale.

As told by a loving father to his young daughter, one small snail "with an itchy foot" does just that in an adventure-filled story about an unlikely friendship.

The Snail and the Whale, the acclaimed show based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (also known for The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child) is coming to Sydney Opera House from 7-17 January 2015. Tickets go on sale on Friday 3 October.

Devised by Tall Stories (creators of the stage adaptations The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom), this unique summer adventure delivers oceans of imaginative storytelling, live music and lots of laughs to remind us how even little friends can be big heroes.

A tiny snail longs to see the world, so she hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, experiencing sharks and penguins, volcanoes and icebergs. But then disaster strikes when the whale gets beached in a bay. Can the tiny snail save the day?

Tall Stories' adaptation is inspired by the work of Storybook Soldiers, who help British military personnel abroad to record bedtime story CDs for their children back home. The Snail and the Whale is seen through the eyes of a very adventurous young girl who'd love to be going around the world with her seafaring father. Showing that even the smallest person can make a big difference, The Snail and the Whale tells a story of love and adventure while celebrating the bond between parent and child.

The Snail and the Whale won the '2004 Early Years' award for the Best Pre-School Book, the '2005 Blue Peter' award for Best Book to Read Aloud and the '2007 Giverny' award for Best Science Picture Book.

After playing to rapturous audiences in the UK and New York, The Snail and the Whale, with its original UK cast, will make its Australian stage debut at the Sydney Opera House in January.

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