THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS Coming to Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

THE STAGE adaptation of John Boyne's highly-acclaimed and best-selling international novel The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas comes to The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, later this month (March).

Set during the Second World War, it is an emotive tale of an unlikely friendship between two innocent boys. The story is seen through the eyes of Bruno (Finlay Wright-Stephens), the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy (Shmuel, played by Tom Hibberd) on the other side of the camp fence has startling and devastating consequences.

Other cast members include Phil Cheadle (Father), Marianne Oldham (Mother), Helen Anderson (Grandmother), and Ed Brody (Kotler).

Boyne's 2006 novel has sold millions of copies around the world and has appeared on many bestseller lists, including the New York Times (where it reached number one). It was made into a Miramax feature film, which was released in 2008.

The book, which is a KS3 level school text for 11 to 14 year olds, has been adapted for stage by Angus Jackson. It is produced by The Children's Touring Partnership, which is led by independent producer Fiery Angel, Chichester Festival Theatre and a consortium of major regional theatres, including The Marlowe Theatre.

The partnership have previously toured Goodnight Mister Tom (which won the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and Family) and Swallows and Amazons.

Edward Snape, of the Children's Touring Partnership, said: "We aim to produce and tour innovative, ambitious and engaging large-scale theatrical productions for children and families. After two years of development we are very excited by this new commission which will bring this extraordinary story to life on stage for the first time'.

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, which is recommended for those aged 11 and over, is at The Marlowe Theatre from Wednesday 25 to Saturday 28 March. Performances are 7pm, with 1pm matinees on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets, priced from £15 to £30.50 (concessions available, booking fee applies), are from the Box Office on 01227 787787 or marlowe theatre.com.