Bestselling picture book Giraffes Can’t Dance turned into stage show for Christmas 2019
A brand-new production based on the number one bestselling picture book by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees, Giraffes Can’t Dance, is coming to the stage this Christmas. Presented by Curve Theatre Leicester, Rose Theatre Kingston and Simon Friend Entertainment, the show is being produced in association with Hachette Children’s Group and Coolabi Group. It will run in the Curve Theatre’s 300-seat studio in Leicester from 9th to 31st December this year.
The stage rights deal was signed between Karen Lawler, Head of Licenced Content for Hachette Children’s Group and Simon Friend, for Simon Friend Entertainment Limited.
Giraffes Can’t Dance has been delighting children for over 20 years. It was first published by Orchard Books (part of the Hachette Children’s Group) in 1999 and has gone on to be translated into 34 languages, selling millions of copies worldwide. 2019 is the 20th anniversary year for the book, supported by a publishing programme which showcases this wonderful story in a variety of fun new formats, bringing the book to an audience of new readers.
Karen Lawler, Head of Licenced Content for Hachette Children’s Group, says, “Giraffes Can’t Dance is a modern classic, beloved by millions of families all over the world. At its heart is an important message of self-acceptance and being yourself. I know children will love boogieing along with Gerald as he discovers the joy of dancing to his own tune.”
Illustrator Guy Parker-Rees says, “I remember trying out lots of dance moves in the mirror to illustrate this book. I can’t wait to see how this rather brilliant stage company brings it all to life.”
Having opened this Christmas at Curve, the stage adaptation will move to the Rose Theatre in Kingston from 8th to 19th April, before embarking on a national tour (full dates to be announced).
Curve’s previous work for children includes successful productions such as Dr Seuss’s Cat in the Hat and Roald Dahl favourites George’s Marvellous Medicine, The Twits and The Witches. Giraffes Can’t Dance will see Curve and Rose Theatre Kingston come together once again as co-producers to create live storytelling for children and young people at its finest.
Carrying the important and universal message of acceptance and self-belief, the story of Giraffes Can’t Dance is perfect for young children, who will be encouraged to dance to their own tune with Gerald the Giraffe and company of five actors playing warthogs, lions, rhinos chimps – and a violin-playing cricket.
Curve will also be creating a number of workshops for children to accompany the production, encouraging young people to creatively explore the show through dancing and dramatic activities.
Speaking about the production, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said, “Giraffes really can dance! Giles Andreae’s world is richly imaginative and a beautifully colourful account of the giraffe who finds his dancing shoes and unique freedom of expression, making it a perfect Christmas treat for the little ones. With West Side Story playing opposite this world premiere stage production of Giraffes Can’t Dance, it really is the Christmas season of love, dance and music for all the family at Curve this Christmas.”
