Adapted from Dick King-Smith’s much-loved children’s novel which inspired the Oscar-winning 1995 film, Babe, The Sheep-Pig will be brought to life on stage this spring at the Wyvern Theatre in an enchanting new production.
Featuring stunning puppetry, an original score and an utterly charming ‘baa-ber sheep’ quartet, Babe and the residents of Hogget’s Farm will visit the Wyvern Theatre from Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April as part of a major UK Tour.
In anticipation of their upcoming visit, Babe himself and Puppet Director Matthew Forbes paid a visit to Roves Farm this morning to meet some real life piglets and chat to some of the farm’s visitors.
Matthew, who is also Associate Puppetry Director on War Horse, explained how he trains the entire Babe cast in operating the puppets and bringing them to life for the show.
When Babe arrives at Hogget’s Farm he is taken in by the trusty sheep-dog Fly, and soon discovers a talent for herding. With the help of his adopted Mum, the polite piglet soon wins over the most suspicious of sheep. But can a small pig make it in a dog’s world, and when his farmyard friends are in trouble can Babe save the day?
Dick King-Smith’s The Sheep-Pig was first published in 1983, and has since been translated into fifteen languages, as well as winning King-Smith the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award. In 1995 it was adapted for the big screen as the film Babe, which received huge critical and box office success. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won one for Best Visual Effects, as well as winning the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture: Musical or Comedy.
Babe, The Sheep-Pig is adapted for the stage by Olivier Award-winning playwright David Wood OBE, who is best known for his adaptations of classic family titles including Goodnight Mister Tom, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG and The Tiger Who Came to Tea. David also wrote the book and lyrics for new musical The Go-Between, currently playing in the West End.
Join Babe and friends for an enchanting family favourite, and follow the incredible story of one piglet’s rise to become the world famous sheep-pig.
Babe, The Sheep-Pig runs at the Wyvern Theatre from Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April.
Book tickets today at swindontheatres.co.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 01793 524 481.
