Philip Pullman’s classic children’s novel I Was A Rat! Is coming to Salford’s Lowry Theatre following its premiere at the Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham as part of Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s centenary celebrations.
Philip Pullman’s gloriously dark and gripping story is brought to life on the professional stage for the first time in the UK. Full of music, comedy and fantastic physical performances I Was A Rat! will surprise, delight and move audiences of all ages.
I Was A Rat! introduces us to Roger, a scruffy page boy who turns up one evening on the doorstep of old married couple Bob and Joan. “I was a rat!” he insists! But what is he now? A terrifying monster rampaging in the sewers? A money-spinning fairground freak? A champion wriggler and a downy card? Or just an ordinary boy, though a little ratty in his habits?
Leading the ensemble cast as Roger is young actor Fox Jackson-Keen. Fox made his debut on the professional stage in 2008 at the tender age of 13 in the lead role of Billy in Billy Elliot the Musical. He was the first Londoner to play the role, appearing in a total 201 performances in the award-winning musical.
This fantastical story has been adapted for the stage by director Teresa Ludovico who is artistic director of Teatro Kismet in Bari, Southern Italy. Teresa is best known in the UK for her thrilling visual and physical productions of Beauty and the Beast, The Snow Queen and The Mermaid Princess.
Teresa explains:
“I really like this story because despite its fairy-tale structure and wonderful comic appeal, it also deals with contemporary issues, such as the power of society’s institutions, including the press, which creates bogus news, purely for economic or political reasons.”
7 to 11 May
The Lowry Salford
0843 208 6000 / thelowry.com
For tour dates, news and more visit: www.IWasARat.co.uk
