About
Varjak Paw, and its eagerly-awaited sequel The Outlaw Varjak Paw, has been a huge hit with readers from ages 6 to 12, not to mention their teachers, parents and older siblings. With influences ranging from Roald Dahl and Ursula Le Guin to Star Wars, SF Said’s books have captured the imagination with Varjak’s adventures in a dangerous city. It’s no surprise that the books have recently won both the prestigious Smarties Prize Gold Award and Blue Peter Book of the Year.
Varjak Paw is a young Mesopotamian Blue cat. He lives high in a house on a hill. No-one in his family has ever set paw outside; not since their legendary ancestor Jalal. But when the sinister Gentleman and his two black cats come to the house, Varjak must seek help. Alone in a dark and dangerous city, he encounters a world of tough street cats and discovers in himself an ancient and magical martial art. Thrilling, action-packed and often funny, Varjak Paw is a dazzling musical tale about growing up, discovering friendship and thinking for yourself.
This musical staging of both books is a theatrical roller-coaster that will thrill both fans of the books and those who are new to the Varjak phenomenon, gripping from the moment the sinister Gentleman’s shadow falls across the stage until the final showdown between Varjak and his nemesis, gang-leader Sally Bones.
Varjak Paw features great live music, powerful voices, plenty of action and impressive choreography; all from a talented company of 18 performers and musicians.
Read a recent review from Callum (13), sent by our friends at Bachtrack.com
Creative Team
Music Julian Philips
Lyrics Kit Hesketh-Harvey
Conductor Gerry Cornelius
Director John Fulljames
Designer Rhys Jarman
Lighting Designer Bruno Poet
Sound Designer Michael Picknett
Choreographer Natasha Khamjani
Fight Director Alison de Burgh
Projection Design Andrzej Goulding
Cast
Holly, Grandmother Lisa Crosato
Varjak Paw Akiya Henry
Razor, Black Cat George Ikediashi
Sally Bones, Pernisha Scratch Alinka Kozari
Lugar, Black Cat Kevin Kyle
Jalal, Eliza Scratch Tim Mead
Cludge the Dog Simon Wilding
Tam, Malisha Scratch Annabelle Williams
