Nine actors set sail at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick for Swallows & Amazons—an adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s much-loved Lake District tale.
The story follows siblings John, Susan, Titty and Roger as they sail away in their boat Swallow to do battle on the water with the savage Amazons and then join forces to defeat the black-hearted Captain Flint.
The show also brings to life a number of birds and other animals through puppetry, using similar techniques to those seen in the hit show War Horse.
This adaptation by Helen Edmundson with songs by Neil Hannon (of The Divine Comedy), was first performed at the Bristol Old Vic in 2010 and went on to a successful run in the West End and a UK tour.
The multi-talented group of actor-musicians play 15 instruments, including the piano, violin, accordion and even tin whistle. Five of the group have appeared on stage at Theatre by the Lake before, including two in the spring production of Rogue Herries.
Swallows & Amazons opens next Friday and runs until January 18.