SPLAT! A secret revealed…

Over the past few months I have hinted at a TOP SECRET PROJECT and now I am able to reveal what it is. After a few weeks of meeting and discussions I have agreed to licence the theatrical rights in Katie to SPLATS ENTERTAINMENT.
This is a theatre, circus and education company who specialise in small or midscale productions of classic stories, and accompany these with “make a play days” in schools, involving children in all parts of the process.
Mike Redwood, theatre director, wanted to work with a living author rather than a dead one, and as his children loved the Katie books, he approached me and here we are, with a contract in place and lots of ideas and plans for Katie’s theatrical debut.
Work begins early next year with some school workshops. From there Mike and his team will develop a play that will eventually become a professional production with a team of actors and will use puppetry and special effects. As Mike himself said : “I want this to be really magical!”
I will of course be posting regularly about progress. We hope the play will be ready for it to be presented in a London theatre by Christmas 2011, although that remains fluid. The exciting thing is that I will be involved with how it develops and – excitingly – how it looks. With my longstanding interest in theatrical set design, I just can’t wait! Hurrah!
What a wonderful piece of news to conclude a year of 21st Anniversary celebrations for Katie!

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James Mayhew

James is the creator of the much-loved Katie and Ella Bella Ballerina series and has written or illustrated many other books, including Koshka’s Tales, Mouse & Mole (by Joyce Dunbar) and Gaspard the Fox (by Zeb Soanes). Alongside his work in publishing, James performs live on stage during concerts for children, combining live classical music, storytelling and art.

10 responses to “SPLAT! A secret revealed…”

  1. Thomas Taylor avatar

    I want to buy a ticket now!

    Fantastic news, James!

  2. James Mayhew avatar

    I’ll make sure you and the family have the best seats in the house Thomas!

  3. nicolakillen avatar

    Congratulations! That’s really exciting news 🙂

  4. James Mayhew avatar

    Thanks Nicola. I hope it all comes off!

  5. Charlotte avatar

    please let us know how far afield the school work will go, we have had companies in to do play in a day and musical in a day work with our kids. They have the most wonderful time and create the most fantastic theatre.

  6. Saviour Pirotta avatar

    Wow! Can’t wait to see the play. It’s going to be brilliant, I’m sure

  7. James Mayhew avatar

    Charlotte, I’m sure they will cover the whole of the British Isles…

    Saviour – thanks! Fingers crossed… I think it should be fun!

  8. Tanja Doig avatar
    Tanja Doig

    Please help!!! I am a Literacy coordinator at a primary school in Morden, Surrey and want to invite James Mayhew into our school to inspire our children. Looking for contact details however not been very successful. If you know how to contact him (or if you read this yourself) , please let me know how. Thank You
    Tanja Doig

  9. James Mayhew avatar

    Dear Tanja,

    I hope you return to the blog to find my message.

    Please contact my publisher, Orchard Books. Try Sarah Bennett:

    sarah.bennett@hachettechildrens.co.uk

    Thanks for your interest

  10. James Mayhew avatar

    PS or there is an email link if you look at my profile…

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