Doctor Who’s Arthur Darvill will compose the music for a new page to stage adaptation of Jon Klassen’s much-loved children’s book I Want My Hat Back at the National Theatre this autumn.
The tale of a bear who’s misplaced his headwear is one of two children’s shows making its way to the South Bank later this year, with Romeo And Juliet creators Bijan Sheibani and Ben Power reuniting to present another Shakespeare play – The Comedy Of Errors – for young audiences.
The directing and playwriting duo, whose take on the Bard’s classic love story thrilled young theatregoers in 2014, will present a fast-paced retelling of Shakespeare’s hilarious and moving farce from 21 October to 6 November in the venue’s Temporary Theatre.
Suitable for children aged between eight and 12-years-old, The Comedy Of Errors follows two sets of identical twins as they try to find each other amidst a city celebrating a carnival. Separated for many years, the brothers face much comic confusion and mistaken identity-related mayhem before calm is restored in a joyous reunion.
A stage version of Klassen’s quirky children’s book I Want My Hat Back, which is suitable for children aged three and older, will follow in the Temporary Theatre from 12 November to 2 January.
Featuring a book and lyrics by Joel Horwood, Wils Wilson’s production promises humour, music and surprises as it charts the tale of the furry hat-loving creature on a mission to reacquaint himself with his beloved headgear.
While Darvill may be best known for his television roles as Rory Williams in Doctor Who and Rev Paul Coates in Broadchurch, the multi-talented star has previously penned music for Shakespeare’s Globe’s The Frontline and The Lightning Child, as well as for shows at the Bush Theatre and Young Vic. His music writing NT debut follows his recent starring role at the venue in Treasure Island.
For more information and to find out about half-term family workshops accompanying the run of The Comedy Of Errors, visit the National Theatre’s website.