Tall Stories bring Mr Benn to life

Source: The List (Issue 679)
Date: 14 April 2011
Written by: Kelly Apter

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The team behind The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom take on the bowler-hatted dresser-upper

It may only be 40 years since Mr Benn captivated a nation of young TV viewers, but by today’s standards the animation looks positively prehistoric. That is, of course, exactly what we love about it. David McKee’s bowler hat-wearing hero has stood the test of time, entertaining a whole new generation of DVD watching enthusiasts just waiting for the line: ‘As if by magic, the shopkeeper appeared’. No doubt they’ll be looking for a ticket to Tall Stories’ new stage version of McKee’s work, and quite right too. If anybody can treat this national treasure with the respect it deserves, it’s the team who brought us The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and many other theatrical treats.

Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, Tue 10–Sat 14 May.