The classic children’s tale The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams will be brought to life in an original musical adaptation in a Lyric Theatre & Replay Theatre co-production, 14 – 30 March, as part of the Belfast Children’s Festival. Re-imagined for a new generation of young people it will be an unforgettable theatrical experience featuring the talents of writer Jan Carson and composer Duke Special.
Follow the journey of a boy and his favourite toy The Velveteen Rabbit, who learns what it means to become “real” through the power of love. As the rabbit becomes worn and shabby over time, he discovers that being truly “real” comes not from appearances but from the love and connection we share.
The show is set to be a true celebration of Northern Irish talent, with a creative team that includes some of the best in the industry. Prepare to be enchanted by original music from Duke Special who will add rich layer of emotion and whimsy to the production. Known for her moving and imaginative storytelling Jan Carson will bring new life to the timeless classic with a modern twist.
Lyric Theatre Executive Producer Jimmy Fay commented: “ It’s amazing to work with Replay and the talented Jan Carson and Duke Special on this fantastic new show which is an original musical adapted from the children’s classic The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. It’s a nostalgic, fun and tender tale of a boy, his favourite toy and how being loved can make us real. A story about growing up and figuring out where you fit in. It really is a story for all seasons.”
Looking forward to the production writer Jan Carson said: “It’s been an absolute joy to work with Duke Special and the team at Replay Theatre Company, re-imagining this much-loved favourite for a new generation of young people. I can’t wait for everyone to meet our version of the Velveteen Rabbit and all his larger-than-life friends.”
Duke Special, composer of The Velveteen Rabbit added: “Writing songs for the Replay and Lyric co-production of The Velveteen Rabbit has been a joy and has given me the opportunity to immerse myself in musical toys, Casio beats and of course, nursery magic. It has been a pleasure to work with Jan Carson and the whole team, and I can’t wait to see it come to life on the stage.”
Tickets for The Velveteen Rabbit start from £15 and are available now from the Lyric Theatre box office and online at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk. Follow the Lyric on X and Instagram @LyricBelfast and Facebook @LyricTheatreBelfast.
The Lyric Theatre is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery funding and Belfast City Council.
