Acclaimed writer and former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo (War Horse, Private Peaceful, Running Wild) is set to appear at an award-winning theatre in Cirencester to celebrate the opening night of a show based on his book The Butterfly Lion.

The Barn Theatre, which recently won the 2019 Stage, Fringe Theatre of the Year Award, opens its new season with a fantastic family show and arguably one of Morpurgo’s finest books in April.

And lucky audience members will have an opportunity to attend the opening night on Tuesday, April 2, alongside the author, who has kindly agreed to answer questions after the show.

The Butterfly Lion is a heart-warming yet bitter-sweet story of faithfulness, destiny and love. Adapted for the stage by Daniel Buckroyd, it tells the extraordinary story of young Albert Andrews and the unlikely friendship that he strikes up with the orphaned white lion cub he rescues one day from the African veldt.

It’s an epic tale that spans more than 70 years and takes us from rural Wiltshire to the plains of South Africa, and from war-torn France back to England.

A journey that begins with a solemn promise made by a boy never to forget his friend, it is a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its startling conclusion.

The whole story is creatively brought to life through great storytelling, music and captivating puppetry.

“Following an amazingly successful inaugural year, we’re really excited that Michael could come to the Barn for the opening night,” said Barn Theatre artistic director Iwan Lewis.

“It will be interesting to get his thoughts on our interpretation of the show.

“This is going to be such a great hit with families. The lion puppets that our creative team have designed are absolutely stunning and will provide a real wow factor for the audience.”

  • The Butterfly Lion - April 2 - May 4 2019, Barn Theatre, Cirencester - for more information and to book tickets visit barntheatre.org.uk