Eric Idle's OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT Sets Sail for The Belgrade Theatre

The owl and the pussycat are setting sail for the Belgrade Theatre in a brand new musical adaptation for families this February half-term.

Based on the best-selling book by Eric Idle and inspired by Edward Lear's poem, The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat has been adapted for the stage by Dougal Irvine.

Edward Lear's famous poem 'The Owl and the Pussycat' was first published in 1871 as part of his book Nonsense, Songs, Stories, Botany and Alphabets, and remains a well-known classic, inspiring the book by the actor and writer of the legendary Monty Python series.

Eric Idle and the cult comedy group gave their first stage performance at the Belgrade Theatre in Monty Python's The Flying Circus as part of the Lanchester Polytechnic Arts Festival in 1971, making the Belgrade Theatre the perfect place to stage this world premiere production.

Eric Idle said, "I love the Belgrade Theatre Coventry because it's where we first performed Monty Python live on stage in January 1971 for three sold out midnight shows. It's very close to where we opened my play Pass The Butler in 1982, and it is totally where Dougal Irvine is launching The Quite Remarkable Adventures of The Owl and The Pussycat which will be sailing into the spotlight shortly to bring more Nonsense to Coventry."

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.

With a beautifully crafted musical score, Eric Idle's book has been adapted for the stage by Writer and Composer Dougal Irvine whose theatrical experience includes The Snow Queen (Nuffield Southampton/Northampton Royal & Derngate), The Witches (Curve Theatre Leicester) and most recently The Twits (Curve Theatre Leicester/West Yorkshire Playhouse).

This fantastically imaginative new musical adaptation will be directed by the Belgrade's Artistic Director, Hamish Glen and is the latest co-production between the Belgrade Theatre and Selladoor Family whose previous family productions include Kidnapped, The Silver Sword and James and the Giant Peach.

Audiences can expect to be transported to the Land of Bong with incredible set and costume design by Libby Watson and video projection by Dick Straker. Completing the creative team are Lighting Designer Mike Robertson, Sound Designer Andy Graham and Movement Director Cressida Carré.

The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat runs at the Belgrade Theatre from Sat 18 Feb to Sat 4 Mar. Tickets are available now priced from £14.50 for adults, £9.50 for children and £38 for families. Book by calling the Belgrade Box Office team on 024 7655 3055 or book online at www.belgrade.co.uk.

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