Finchley’s Artsdepot is to present a new stage adaptation of the classic children’s television series Mr Benn later this year.
The show will have two preview performances at the North London venue on 30 April and 1 May before returning for a longer Christmas season.
Written and illustrated by David McKee, Mr Benn was a popular animated television series during the 1970s. Each episode Mr Benn entered a magical changing room and exchanged his suit and bowler hat for a costume appropriate for the extraordinary adventure he was about to embark upon.
This new stage adaptation is created by Tall Stories, the company behind the popular stage versions of Room On The Broom and The Gruffalo, which have both enjoyed West End seasons.
Mr Benn opens a summer season at Artsdepot that includes a collaboration with Japanese and Korean performers, Looking For Yoghurt (7 May), Half Moon’s origami-inspired Rip, Fold, Scrunch (15 May), Banyan Tree theatre’s stage adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Steadfast Tin Soldier (29 May) and classic tales The Frog Prince (5 June) and The Owl And The Pussy Cat (12 June).
Despite losing its core funding from Barnet Council, Artsdepot has today been confirmed as part of the Arts Council’s National Portfolio for the next three years, securing the company’s immediate future.
Chief Executive Tracy Cooper said: “We are delighted to receive national portfolio status, which allows us to look forward to a bright future for Artsdepot. We are pleased the Arts Council has acknowledged Artsdepot as a vibrant, valued and successful venue, allowing us to maintain our integral role in the local community.”
For the full programme of children’s events visit the Artsdepot website.
CB