Eric Idle book inspires show at the Belgrade Theatre

A SURREAL and chaotic musical for families will be sailing into Coventry this year.

Playing in the Belgrade Theatre’s B2 auditorium from February 18 until March 4 is The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat, based on the book by Eric Idle and inspired by the famous Edward Lear poem.

The book has been adapted for the stage by Dougal Irvine and has been described as “surreal and brilliantly chaotic”. The new musical follows the Owl and the Pussycat on their mission to save the world and defeat the dastardly Firelord, as well as his imaginary dragon, Pyron, and his henchmen, Flicker and Brimstone.

Referencing the fact that Monty Python staged their first ever live show at the Belgrade in 1970, Eric Idle said, “I love the Belgrade Theatre Coventry because it’s where we first performed Monty Python live on stage in January 1970 for three sold out midnight shows.

“It’s very close to where we opened my play Pass The Butler in 1982, and it is totally where Dougal Irvine is launching The Quite Remarkable Adventures of The Owl and The Pussycat which will be sailing into the spotlight shortly to bring more Nonsense to Coventry.”

This fantastically imaginative new musical adaptation will be directed by the Belgrade’s own artistic director, Hamish Glen and is the latest co-production between the Belgrade Theatre and Sell A Door Theatre Company. Previous productions include Kidnapped, The Silver Sword and James and the Giant Peach.

Aimed at families with children aged six and up, it is set to be a celebration of nonsense, and is sure to enthral anyone with a sense of fun and wonder.

Tickets are available to book now by calling the Belgrade Theatre Box Office team on 024 7655 3055 or visit www. belgrade.co.uk for cheaper tickets online.