Mr Popper's Penguins coming to the West End

A new stage adaptation of Mr Popper's Penguins will open in the West End in December.

Based on the novel by Richard and Florence Atwater, it tells the story of Mr Popper whose life changes when a package containing a waddle of penguins arrives at his doorstep. The story was adapted into a film starring Jim Carrey in 2011 which grossed $187 million at the box office.

The production has been adapted for the stage by Pins and Needles Productions and will be directed by Emma Earle when it opens at the Criterion Theatre on 16 December.

It stars Russell Morton (As Is) as the titular character, with Roxanne Palmer ( Legally Blonde the Musical) as wife Mrs Popper. Lucy Grattan (Bell Weather) and Toby Manley (Alice’s Adventures Underground) will be the puppeteers.

Mr Popper's Penguins will be designed by Zoe Squire with puppet designs by Nick Barnes, lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, and sound design by Jason Barnes.

The new production opens in New York, at the New Victory Theater, until 30 October.

Mr Popper's Penguins runs at the Criterion Theatre from 16 to 31 December, with previews from 15 December. It also runs at Curve, Leicester (15 to 20 November), The Palace, Southend (24 to 27 November), Artsdepot, London (30 November to 4 December) and Chichester Festival Theatre (7 to 11 December).