Pullman novel on Nottingham Playhouse stage

This is the first time that the dark and gripping story has been brought to life on the professional stage and calls at Nottingham from 26th March to 13th April as part of a UK tour.

Full of music, comedy and fantastic physical performances, ‘I Was A Rat!’ will surprise, delight and move audiences of all ages.

The plot introduces us to Roger, a scruffy page boy who turns up one evening on the doorstep of old married couple Bob and Joan, insisting that he was a rat.

But the question is;what is he now? A terrifying monster rampaging in the sewers? A money-spinning fairground freak? A champion wriggler and a downy card? Or just an ordinary boy, though a little ratty in his habits?

This fantastical story has been adapted for the stage by director Teresa Ludovico who is artistic director of Teatro Kismet in Bari, Southern Italy.

She said: “I really like this story because despite its fairy-tale structure and wonderful comic appeal, it also deals with contemporary issues, such as the power of society’s institutions, including the press, which creates bogus news, purely for economic or political reasons.”

Leading the ensemble cast as Roger is young actor Fox Jackson-Keen, who made his debut on the professional stage in 2008 at the tender age of 13 in the lead role in Billy Elliot the Musical.

Leading UK actors Tyrone Huggins and Lorna Gayle play Bob and Joan respectively while the versatile ensemble cast, taking on multiple roles, also includes Christopher Dingli, Joey Hickman, TJ Holmes, Jack Jones and Dodger Phillips.

Tickets for the play are available on 0115 9419419 or at www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk.