A MICHAEL Morpurgo adaptation will take to the stage at Queen's Hall, Hexham.

Soldiers' Arts Academy presents a new adaptation of Little Manfred, which recently played to packed houses and rave reviews in London's Polka Theatre.  

Little Manfred is a story created by Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE, writer of War Horse which this year celebrates its 40th birthday, and has enjoyed both stage and film adaptations.

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It will be performed on February 10 at 1pm and 6pm, and February 11 at 11am.

Little Manfred, which has been adapted for stage by Alnwick Playhouse's artistic director Damian Cruden and SAA's creative director Amanda Faber, is set in the summer of 1966. 

Charley and her brother Alex are walking their dog Manfred on the beach when they notice two older men staring out to sea. A chance encounter brings them together.

Slowly, Charley and Alex learn of their mother’s past, and of the friendships that can be formed in difficult circumstances. In 1945, their farmstead home was a posting for German prisoners of war, and their mother Grace was just a little girl.

The cast for this production includes serving and veteran military personnel and their family members. With puppetry and original storytelling, this is an unmissable production adapted from the story.

Damian Cruden and Tom Bellerby direct and Amanda Faber produces for Soldiers' Arts Academy.

Ms Faber, founder of Soldiers' Arts Academy, said: "We are delighted to be presenting Little Manfred in Name of Venue. To work with Sir Michael and Michael Foreman and this wonderful creative team is a real career high for everyone at Soldiers' Arts Academy.

"Our work is designed to enable all who participate to recover, to train in the arts and to transition into work either in the performing arts or beyond. Little Manfred is another moment of which we are supremely proud."

Mr Cruden said: "Alnwick Playhouse is delighted to be collaborating with SAA in the production of Little Manfred and to be presenting this fantastic Michael Morpurgo story for our schools and families."

Mr Bellerby added: "I am delighted to travel back to Northumberland for the second leg of the UK tour of Little Manfred. This is a heart-warming performance with a message which has resonated down through time. It is a pleasure to bring Michael Morpurgo’s novel to the stage."

Tickets are £10 for adults.