Andersen Press – publisher of the popular picture book character, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant by David McKee – has partnered with Tall Stories to create a new Elmer stage show.
The appointment followed a pitch for stage rights, managed by licensing agency Metrostar, in conjunction with the Andersen Press team.
Tall Stories’ unique brand of physical storytelling theatre has toured from Cornwall to Aberdeen and from New York to Sydney. Its productions include The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, The Smeds and The Smoos and David McKee’s Mr Benn.
Targeted at young children and their families, Elmer show development will start in 2023 with a launch date in 2024, the character’s 35th anniversary year. The launch will be followed by a nationwide tour.
“We invited a number of producers to submit proposals and ideas for Elmer and it was heart-warming to see such an enthusiastic response,” commented Paul Black, brand director at Andersen Press. “We are very excited by Tall Stories creative vision for Elmer and look forward to working with them to bring the show to life.”
Metrostar’s Claire Potter added: “A stage show is a wonderful way to connect Elmer with his many fans and as such is a great platform for licensing. We are delighted to welcome Tall Stories and look forward to introducing them to the Elmer licensing family.”
Toby Mitchell, artistic director at Tall Stories, continued: “Everyone at Tall Stories is very excited to be creating a stage show based on Elmer and his extraordinary adventures. We’re also really happy that we’re continuing our association with the wonderful David McKee, following our adaptation of Mr Benn several years ago.”
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