Giraffes Can't Dance heads to stage

A production of Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees’s Giraffes Can’t Dance (Orchard) is coming to the stage this Christmas, in association with Hachette Children’s Group.

The stage rights deal was signed between Karen Lawler, head of licensed content for Hachette Children’s Group and Simon Friend, for Simon Friend Entertainment.

The show will run at Curve’s 300-seat theatre in Leicester from 9th to 31st December, later moving to the Rose Theatre in Kingston from 8th to 19th April, before embarking on a national tour.

Giraffes Can’t Dance, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, was first published by Orchard in 1999 and has gone on to be translated into 34 languages.

Lawler said: “Giraffes Can’t Dance is a modern classic, beloved by millions of families all over the world. At its heart is an important message of self-acceptance and being yourself. I know children will love boogieing along with Gerald as he discovers the joy of dancing to his own tune.”

Parker-Rees added: “I remember trying out lots of dance moves in the mirror to illustrate this book. I can’t wait to see how this rather brilliant stage company brings it all to life.”