Award-winning Theatre Brings Pinocchio To Life

Just weeks after winning a UK Theatre Award for its summer outdoor production for children and young people, The Dukes is turning its attention to Christmas.

Since 2012, The Dukes has been staging its festive show in The Round, bringing the audience as close as they can get to the charm and delight of familiar tales performed live.

And this year is no exception as the Lancaster theatre presents a new adaptation of Pinocchio from November 25-January 7.

The renowned and awardwinning children’s writer, Christopher William Hill has adapted Carlo Collodi’s captivating and enduring popular tale to transform it into a treat for all the family with a cast of wonderful characters and crammed full of joy, music, puppets and songs.

Pinocchio is the story of a wooden puppet who magically springs to life and along with a smart-talking sidekick, sets off on a journey to become a real boy. But life is tough when you’re made of wood and your nose just won’t stop growing.

Director and Dukes Associate Artist, Louie Ingham said: “Pinocchio will be a fun and fast-paced show, taking the audience on a thrilling and memorable theatrical adventure ride while staying true to all the elements of the original story.”

Louie, who has directed many productions for children and young people, worked on National Theatre Connections this summer as well as directing the Young Company in The Dukes UK Theatre Awardwinning production of The Hobbit.

Playing Pinocchio will be Lucas Button, a recent graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, who first appeared in a Dukes Christmas show in 2005 as Tiny Tim when he was a member of its youth theatre.

To book tickets for Pinocchio, ring The Dukes box office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org