Casting has been announced for brand-new musical for families, The Lost Spells, based on the book by Robert Macfarlane & Jackie Morris, which opens at Watford Palace Theatre from 28 March before visiting Polka Theatre and Theatre By The Lake.

Adapted from a book that was ‘written to be read aloud’, The Lost Spells is a creative response to the climate crisis summoning back what is often lost, inspiring audiences to care for the natural world and reminding them of the names of flora and fauna that are fading from our awareness. 

A fun, wild and boisterous adventure full of paw-tapping music and dancing, played live on-stage by actor-musicians, the show is a riot of colour and a new Alice in Wonderland, celebrating the magic, power and wonder of nature that could be just outside your window. The book is a kindred spirit to the international bestseller and multi-award winning The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris

A girl with no name finds a magical book of spells that conjures up a wild world. Moths appear from nowhere; Owls light up the dark; a Red Fox leads the way down a rabbit hole to a brand-new wonderland. As she journeys through the wild world she learns the dandelion time, meets a boy who turns into a seal, flies with band of jackdaws and battles with conkers - on a quest to find that which was once lost. 

Leading the cast, Miriam Nyarko (Almost Never, CBBC) plays Jay, alongside Jonathan Charles (War Horse, NT and UK tour), Toby De Salis (Whistle Down the Wind, UK tour), Paula James (Our Man in Havana, Watermill Theatre), and Lucy Yates (Jonny Feathers the Rock and Roll Pigeon, Park Theatre and Riverside Studios).

The production features music and lyrics by Mary Erskine & Will Dollard, with a book by Matt Borgatti, featuring original writing by Robert Macfarlane, direction by Andy Barry, design by Hannah Sibai and lighting by Sherry Coenen.

Creative producer of Goblin Theatre, Matt Borgatti, said, “We’re so excited to be bringing this magical book by Robert Macfarlane & Jackie Morris to life, in the form of a new musical. The words and illustrations have captured the imagination of a huge number of people, and working with an exciting creative team and co-producing venues, the show will be a totally unique experience full of fun, magic and incredible live music. It’s all about a reconnection to the nature around us – be that in the city or the countryside, so that we can love and celebrate it, before it’s lost forever. This feels especially timely to young people in the current climate.”