ANNOUNCEMENT: Owl and the Pussycat Sail to Belgrade

The Owl and the Pussycat are setting sail for the Belgrade Theatre in a brand new musical adaptation, The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat, from February 18 2017.

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.

This new musical, adapted by Dougal Irvine, 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 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. Set and costume design is 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.