Coventry Welcomes World STage Premiere Of The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas

Bruno and Schmuel - Colby Mulgrew, Jabez Cheeseman

John Boyne’s highly acclaimed and best-selling international novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas will visit Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre from Tues 16 – Sat 20 June as part of a major new UK tour. The show has already stopped off at Wolverhampton Grand, you can see LMT's review here. The book, which is a KS3 level school text for 11 - 14 year olds, has been adapted for stage by Angus Jackson.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is an emotive tale of an unlikely friendship between two innocent boys. Set during World War II, the story is seen through the eyes of Bruno, the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and devastating consequences.

John Boyne’s 2006 novel has sold millions of copies around and has appeared on many bestseller lists including the New York Times where it reached number 1. It was made into a Miramax feature film which was released in 2008.

This play will be 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. The Partnership have previously toured Goodnight Mister Tom (which won the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and Family) and Swallows and Amazons. There will be an extensive education programme attached to this production and there are additional matinee performances in all venues to accommodate school parties.

Edward Snape for the Children’s Touring Partnership commented:
"The Children's Touring Partnership aims 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."

Chichester Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director, Jonathan Church said: 
"Creating and supporting high quality work for young people is an important thread running through Chichester’s work, which is why we are proud to be part of the Children’s Touring Partnership. We’re delighted that The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas will receive its world premiere in our renewed Festival Theatre following its major refurbishment."

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas will visit the Belgrade Theatre from 16 to 20 June. Tickets are priced from £10 to £16.50 for adults and £10.25 & £12.75 for children. Family tickets are priced at £41 & £47. For more information and to book, call the Belgrade Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk where tickets are cheaper.