Puppets bring tale of love and loss to life

Spectacular life-size animal puppets will take centre stage at the Marlowe Theatre later this month when the Running Wild novel is brought to life.

The show, based on the work of author Michael Morpurgo, is inspired by the real-life story of Amber Owen, who was on holiday in Indonesia when the devastating tsunami hit on Boxing Day in 2004.

Eight-year-old Amber was staying in Phuket with her mother and stepfather and when riding an elephant on the beach, noticed the animal was attempting to pull away from the receding sea water.

When Morpurgo read Amber’s story in a newspaper, he said it was the one bit of hope amid the destruction of the disaster.

Now Running Wild, which will appear at the Marlowe from Wednesday, May 31 will bring Morpurgo’s novel to life.

It tells of love, loss and loyalty as Lilly – playing Amber’s character – escapes moments before the tsunami hits.

Miles from civilisation, at first there is wonder at tree-top adventures with the orangutans, but, as thoughts turn to her mother left behind on the beach, Lilly must now learn to survive the rainforest and hunters.

Running Wild is at the Marlowe Theatre from Wednesday, May 31 to Saturday, June 3 with performances at 7pm and 2pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tickets, priced from £17.25 to £24.25, are available from the box office on 01227 787787 or www.marlowetheatre.com.