1,000 Lewisham school children to see award-winning playwright’s adaptation of The Little Prince for free

February 14, 2020

This week, 1,000 local school children will be treated to a performance of The Little Prince, adapted by award-winning playwright Inua Ellams, for free.

Thanks to the Albany’s ‘A Theatre Trip For Every Child’ campaign, the cost of tickets will be covered and will provide the first taste of theatre for many children.

Centred on the belief that every child should have the chance to experience the magic of theatre, the pioneering ticket scheme – which counts actors Noma Dumezweni and Jude Law amongst its patrons – was first launched in 2017 and has provided 5,000 free tickets to Year 1 pupils since its inception.

Following the critical success of Ellams’ fourth show The Barbershop Chronicles which sold out at the National Theatre, and where his current adaptation of Chekhov’s Three Sisters is currently playing, The Little Prince is a radical, afrofuturist reimagining of the classic story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

Produced by theatre company, Fuel, the story follows the journey of a Little Prince, descended from an African race in a parallel galaxy, who travels across space and time to bring peace to his warring planet.

During his adventure he meets a fighter pilot, desperate to repair her plane and together the two of them discover the importance of friendship and small efforts. Using puppetry and music of North African heritage, the play also addresses contemporary concerns around climate change and protecting the natural world.

CEO and Artistic Director of the Albany, Gavin Barlow said:

“We’re really pleased to be able to present a new and exciting show of such high calibre to schoolchildren for free. We know that access to the arts and culture at a young age has a Page | 2

profound impact on wellbeing, confidence and social skills and I’m sure imaginations of all ages will enjoy this fresh and futuristic version of the famous story.”

The Little Prince schools shows run from Wed 12 – Fri 14 Feb. Public shows run from Sat 15 – Sun 16 Feb.