New musical The Famous Five based on Enid Blyton books to premiere this autumn

Brand new musical The Famous Five based on the books by Enid Blyton will premiere this autumn.

A co-production between Theatr Clwyd and Chichester Festival Theatre, the world premiere will take place at Theatr Clwyd on 29 September with previews from 23 September.

The piece will then run in Chichester from 21 October as part of the venue’s 60th anniversary season.

Based on Enid Blyton’s multi-million-selling novels, Artistic Director of Theatr Clwyd Tamara Harvey directs the new musical written by Elinor Cook, with music and lyrics by Theo Jamieson.

Lucy Osborne designs with choreography by Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster, musical supervision by David White and Benjamin Holder, musical direction by Katherine Rockhill, orchestrations by Theo Jamieson, lighting by Johanna Town and video design by Ash Woodward.

Join Enid Blyton’s Famous Five for a daring musical adventure!

When George and her dog Timmy find out that her cousins Julian, Anne and Dick are coming to stay, they’re pretty sure the whole summer is ruined. But out in the bay lies Kirrin Island and a ruined castle filled with mysteries to solve.

Together they embark on a daring mission with the future of the planet at stake – a mission that might just be the making of the Famous Five…

Tamara Harvey said: “I loved Enid Blyton’s stories when I was a kid – the magical worlds she created and the daring adventures she and her characters took me on – and so it’s a huge privilege to have the chance to bring The Famous Five to life on stage.

“Elinor and Theo have perfectly captured the spirit of the books, whilst also bringing their own wit and sense of mischief to this brand new musical. Blyton’s work has inspired millions of readers for generations.

“Together with Chichester Festival Theatre and our team of brilliant creatives, I can’t wait to share the joy of this new Famous Five adventure with audiences in North Wales and Chichester.”

About the author: Josh Darvill

Josh is Stageberry's editor with over five years of experience writing about theatre in the West End and across the UK. Prior to following his passion for musicals, he worked for more than a decade as a TV journalist.