Through the generations

A moving stage adaptation of Farm Boy - Sir Michael Morpurgo's follow-up to his epic War Horse - is sure to captivate Bristol audiences, writes NATALIE BANYARD

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COMPELLING sequel to his beloved masterpiece War Horse, Sir Michael Morpurgo’s Farm Boy is a delightful, moving story that pays homage to the generation who fought in the First World War, the land they came home to, and how the conflict affected them.

Adapted for the stage by the multi award-winning Lichfield Garrick Theatre, the production enjoyed a critically acclaimed run in New York and has now embarked on a UK tour, with two performances at The Redgrave Theatre tomorrow (May 24).

Combining drama, storytelling and original music, this charming and captivating production lovingly evokes the bonds between farm and farmer; grandson and grandfather. It is a moving account of the changing face of the English countryside and a beautifully crafted reminder that stories really can reach out across the generations.

Published in 1997, Morpurgo calls Farm Boy his ‘home story.’ Set in the cottage he owns in Devon, on the farm where he lives, based on real people he has met, he was delighted when Lichfield Garrick chose to bring this personal story to life on stage.

One of the team working closely with the production, Lichfield Garrick Theatre marketing and communications officer Manisha Chauhan, recalls: “We were over the moon when Sir Michael Morpurgo agreed to speak with our artistic director, Daniel Buckroyd, about our production of Farm Boy. He told us how much he enjoys seeing his words brought to life on stage and he was delighted to hear that we had chosen to produce this story in particular.