Ian Seraillier’s children’s novel The Silver Sword has been adapted for the stage and will receive its world première at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre before going on a UK tour.
Written in 1956, The Silver Sword was named as one of the top 50 children’s books of all time by The Times. It is the story of three children whose determination to become a family takes them on an adventure to find their father. Set in the immediate aftermath of World War II, The Silver Sword follows the Polish Balicki children’s search for safety as Europe is divided up and displaced people return to their homelands.
Along the way Ruth, Edek and Bronia meet 14-year-old Jan, a boy who had met their father by chance and was given the family’s precious paper knife, affectionately known as the Silver Sword.
The cast is Tom Mackley as Jan, Nathan Turner as Joe Wolski / gypsy man, Lucy Tregear as Frau Wolff / Mrs Krause, Julian Harries as Joseph, John O’Mahony as Herr Wolff, Oliver Buckner as Edek, Sue Appleby as Margarit, Rachel Flynn as Ruth and Alex Knox as Adam / Major Hargreaves. The role of Bronia will be played by child actors in each of the tour venues.
The Silver Sword is a co-production by the Belgrade and Sell a Door Theatre Company. Susie McKenna who directs and musical director Steve Edis have adapted the book for the stage.
Designer is Lotte Collett and David W Kid is lighting designer. Sound designer is Tom Marshall, puppet designer and maker is Scott Broker and associate director is Anna Fox.
The Silver Sword runs at the Belgrade from Saturday 26 September until Saturday 3 October.