Emma Rice directs her and Michael Morpurgo’s critically acclaimed theatrical adaptation 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, a little known story of the rehearsal of the D-Day landings, and of the 946 people who were killed during Operation Tiger at Slapton Sands in Devon in 1944.
Imagine being told to leave your home…imagine American soldiers occupying your house and land…imagine being 12 and angry, with only a cat to tell your secrets to…
Well it all happened (most of it anyway) in Slapton Sands, Devon, in 1944
Based on Michael Morpurgo’s novella The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, 946 explodes everything we thought we knew about the D-Day landings. With the kind of storytelling sorcery Kneehigh is famous for, 946 uses live music, dance and puppetry to tell this story of war, prejudice and love. At once, tender, political and romantic, this production speaks to all ages, revealing the secrets the US and British government tried to keep quiet.
This is the first time that the War Horse author has co-adapted one of his own books for stage, and Morpurgo said,
There is no theatre company that tells stories more imaginatively, more unexpectedly than Kneehigh. 946 is a story that emerges not just from the legends and the rocks and the landscape, but is based on historical events that took place in and around Slapton as the Americans trained for the landings in France a year later. I have witnessed first-hand the way Kneehigh weaves a tale and makes it live on stage for us. For my story to play a part in this is simply a joy.
More about 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips
Adapted by Michael Morpurgo and Emma Rice.
Directed by Emma Rice.
Designed by Lez Brotherson with lighting by Malcolm Rippeth and sound by Simon Baker.
Musical direction by Pat Moran. Composition by Stu Barker. Choreography by Emma Rice & Etta Mufitt
Cast: Nandi Bhebhe, Emma Darlow, Ncuti Gatwa, Kyla Goodey, Chris Jared, Katy Owen, Mike Shepherd, Adam Sopp, Akpore Uzoh and Ewan Wardrop.
Kneehigh has enjoyed huge critical success in recent years with UK and international tours of shows including Rebecca, Dead Dog in a Suitcase, Tristan & Yseult, and Brief Encounter.
The production is suitable for ages 7 upwards.
UK Tour Dates
Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Thursday 6 to Saturday 15 October
Tickets: 0121 236 4455
www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Home Manchester
Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 October
Tickets: 0161 200 1500
www.homemcr.org
West Yorkshire Playhouse
Tuesday 1 to Sat 5 November
Tickets: 0113 213 7700
www.wyp.org.uk
Warwick Arts Centre
Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12 November
Tickets: 024 7652 4524
www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
Bristol Old Vic
Weds 16 to Sunday 20 November
Tickets: 0117 987 7877
www.bristololdvic.org.uk
