The Opera Group
VARJAK PAW
VARJAK PAW
UK tour September - November 2008
One Small Cat, One Big City
music Julian Philips
lyrics Kit Hesketh-Harvey
based on the best-selling books by SF Said
Varjak Paw is a young Mesopotamian Blue cat. He lives high in a house on a hill. No-one in his family has ever set paw outside; not since their legendary ancestor - Jalal.
But when the sinister Gentleman and his two black cats come to the house, Varjak must seek help. Alone in a dark and dangerous city, he encounters a world of tough street cats, makes some unexpected allies and discovers in himself an ancient and magical martial art.
Thrilling, action-packed and often funny, Varjak Paw is a dazzling musical tale about growing up, discovering friendship and thinking for yourself.
Varjak Paw is based on the best-selling books by S F Said: Varjak Paw, winner of the Smarties Prize Gold Award (2003), and The Outlaw Varjak Paw, Blue Peter Book of the Year (2007).
“A wonderfully original creation”
Evening Standard on The Outlaw Varjak Paw
Great fun for ages 8+
Read composer Julian Philips’s blog here.
Tour Dates
11 – 13 September The Haymarket, Basingstoke
16 September Oxford Playhouse
18 – 20 September Lighthouse, Poole
25 – 28 September Linbury Studio Theatre at the Royal Opera House
4 - 5 October Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Aldeburgh
28 October Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
30 October – 1 November Warwick Arts Centre
Free Varjak Paw Waterstone’s Events
Basingstoke
Live 15 minute performance and book signing by SF Said.
Waterstone’s, Wesley Walk, Basingstoke, Wed 10 Sep 4.30pm (call for info on 01256 460646).
Oxford
Live 15 minute performance and book signing by SF Said.
Waterstone’s, Broad Street, Oxford. Mon 15 Sep at 4.30pm
Poole
Live 15 minute performance.
Waterstone’s, Falkland Square, Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole. Thu 18 Sep at 4pm.
London
Free Varjak Paw events at Waterstones Piccadilly:
Family Workshop day on Sat 13 Sep from 11.30am (call 020 7851 2400 to book places)
Live performance, Q&A with creative team and book-signing by SF Said on Wed 24 Sep 5pm.
Aldeburgh (Ipswich)
Live 15 minute performance and book signing by SF Said.
Waterstone’s, Buttermarket, Ipswich. Fri 3 Oct at 4.30pm
Cardiff
Live 15 minute performance.
Waterstone’s, The Hayes, Cardiff. Sat 25 Oct 12.30pm
Warwick (Leamington Spa)
Live 15 minute performance.
Waterstone’s, Royal Priors, Leamington Spa. Sat 25 Oct 12.30pm.
Video Clips
The Making of Varjak Paw
The Making of Varjak Paw
Video by David Newell
(3 minutes)
Music Director Gerry Cornelius
Director John Fulljames
Designer Rhys Jarman
Lighting Bruno Poet
Title treatment designed by Module Media. Photo by Chris Nash.
Supported by
