How to Hide a Lion

Having first roared into life at Polka Theatre and Oxford Playhouse in 2016, Helen Stephen’s much-loved children’s story How to Hide a Lion will now embark on its first national tour, enchanting young audiences around the UK. Adapted and directed by Peter Glanville, this magical play features dazzling puppets and lively jazz by acclaimed jazz and cabaret artist Barb Jungr.

With playful humour and lots of roars, How to Hide a Lion tells the story of Iris, a little girl who develops an unexpected friendship with a lion. When the lion is chased out of town, Iris helps him to find somewhere to hide. Join Iris on her mission to squash her new friend into a variety of sneaky tight spots, as the misinformed town folk try to track him down.

Adapted from Helen Stephen’s award-winning first book, which has now been sold in fourteen languages worldwide, the central character of Iris is lovingly based on Stephen’s own daughter.

Peter Glanville comments, It has been a pleasure to adapt Helen Stephen’s captivating tale with the talented composer Barb Jungr. The show was a roaring success at Polka and I’m delighted that Pigtails Productions are taking this production out on a national tour. The story of this young girl who is the only person in town to befriend a kind Lion is a heart-warming tale of friendship and acceptance of the outsider – a strong social message in the world we live in. Barb Jungr’s ‘cool’ jazz score brings a joyful quality to the musical alongside beautifully designed puppets that magically bring the beautiful book illustrations to 3D life. Whilst Polka present theatre at their base in Wimbledon all year round, we are keen to reach audiences across the country. This UK tour will allow us to share our expertise in creating world-class theatre.

Staying true to the terrific tale and delightful drawings, with an extra pawful of stagey sprinkles... this makes for a very classy production (Curious Mum).

Generously supported using public funding by Arts Council England.