Details

'Mum and Dad would have loved this. Except... I'm here with you, Oona. Because... you're who I need now. As long as I'm with you, I'm OK. Maybe one day you'll carry me out of this jungle like you carried me in.' Following the tragic death of his father, everyone is keen to help young Will. When his grandmother suggests an Indonesian holiday it's a dream opportunity to encounter the elephants he adores and learn about his own heritage. No-one could foresee the world-changing events of Boxing Day 2004. Or the remarkable elephant who would carry Will deep into the jungle after the Tsunami. But before he can allow the orangutans, monkeys, snakes and other animals to heal his wounds, he has to escape the hunters and their terrifying boss, the evil palm oil king, Mr Anthony. This thrilling and touching tale of healing and the power of nature is set in the magnificent landscape of Cass Sculpture Foundation, against the backdrop of monumental sculptures and dramatic settings. The cast will be completed by an ensemble of 57 young performers from the local community aged between 9 to 19, alternating performances in two groups, making this Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's largest ever production.

Cast/Performers

Joshua Fernandes (Will - some dates), Tyler Osborne (Will - some dates), Ava Potter (Will - some dates), Hattie Ladbury (Mum / Geraldine), Ira Mandela Siobhan (Dad / Hunter), Eric Mallett (Grandad / Kaya), Joyce Henderson (Grandma), Stephen Ventura (Mr Anthony), Okorie Chukwu (Red Bandana / Mahout), Laura Cubbitt (puppeteer), Ben Thompson (puppeteer), Michael Taibi (puppeteer), John Leader (puppeteer), Sarah Mardel (puppeteer), Stuart Angell (puppeteer), Fred Davis, Romina Hytten

Creatives/Company

Book by: Michael Morpurgo
Producer(s): Open Air Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre
Adapted by: Samuel Adamson
Director(s): Timonty Sheader, Dale Rooks, Jessica Ronane (casting director), Nick Lidster (Ensemble casting), Barbara Houseman (Season Associate Director)
Design(s): Finn Caldwell (puppets), Toby Olie (puppets), Paul Wills
Music: Rod Paton
Sound(s): Nick Powell (Sound Score), Nick Lidster (for Autograph)