The St. James Theatre Presents THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE, December 10-January 5

St. James Theatre is proud to announce that Tall Stories' latest collaboration with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Snail and the Whale, will play at the St. James Theatre from Tuesday 10 December 2013 to Sunday 5 January 2014, following a national tour.

Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, which won the 2004 Early Years award, the 2005 Blue Peter award and the 2007 Giverny award; the production is directed and co-written by Toby Mitchell, with Olivia Jacobs as creative producer and co-writer. Music is by Richard Heacock, design by Isla Shaw and lighting design by James Whiteside. The cast is Patrick Bridgman as Dad/ Whale, Rhiannon Wallace as Daughter/ Snail and Ellen Chivers as Narrator/ Viola.

Created in Tall Stories' unique style; the show combines storytelling, live music and lots of laughs, in a show for everyone aged four and up. All music and sound effects are created live on stage by an electric viola player with an effects pedal.

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, icebergs and volcanoes. But when the whale gets beached, how will the tiny snail save him?

'An exquisite piece of theatre... that leaves you smiling' (The Stage)

'An inventive and charming adaptation. ****' (The List)

'Tall Stories sets the benchmark for children's theatre' (The Sunday Times)

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 amazing journey of the tiny snail is seen through the eyes of a very adventurous young girl - who'd love to be going round the world with her seafaring father.

Tall Stories is a registered charity founded by co-directors Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell in 1997. The company has performed at The National Theatre, at various West End theatres, on Broadway and at the Sydney Opera House. Tall Stories shows tour to venues of all sizes in the UK, and have performed abroad as far away as Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan and the US.