Award-winning writer Michael Morpurgo’s inspiring tale of enduring friendship – The Butterfly Lion - is playing at Richmond Theatre until Saturday November 9.

Starring one of Britain’s leading actresses, Gwen Taylor, The Butterfly Lion will transport audiences from the African veld to the battlefields of First World War France, as they follow the adventures of Bertie and the White Lion as they strive to find sanctuary amongst devastating adversity.

Former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo was catapulted onto the world stage in 2007 with the National Theatre production of his book War Horse. The show subsequently transferred to the West End and Broadway and still plays to sold out audiences all over the world. It has since been adapted for the screen and is now a major motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg.

Lloyd Notice as Mr Cook
Lloyd Notice as Mr Cook

Michael was awarded an OBE for services to Literature in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2007. He has written over 120 books, including Kensuke’s Kingdom, which won the Children’s Book Award and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Children’s Book Award in 2000. His novel, Private Peaceful won the 2004 Red House Children’s Book Award and the Blue Peter Book Award in 2005. As well as War Horse and The Butterfly Lion, many of Michael’s books have been adapted for the stage including Private Peaceful, Kensuke’s Kingdom, Why the Whales Came and The Mozart Question.

Gwen Taylor is much loved for her role as Amy in hit TV comedy Duty Free, and for playing the title role in the ITV sitcom Barbara. Most recently Gwen has been seen playing Ann Foster in Coronation Street, and has appeared in many other television favourites including; Heartbeat, Class Act and Midsomer Murders. Her theatre credits  include: Driving Miss Daisy, Calendar Girls, Prick up Your Ears and Shirley Valentine.

Adam Buchanan as Bertie with the cast of The Butterfly Lion
Adam Buchanan as Bertie with the cast of The Butterfly Lion