Ten years after it first ran in Chiswick, the stage adaptation of the late Clive King’s much-loved children’s literary classic Stig of the Dump returns to London’s Tabard Theatre for a strictly limited holiday season. The production, directed by Russell Labey, runs from 6 December 2018 to 6 January 2019, with a press night on 11 December. Time to get booking!
When Barney, a day-dreaming, eight-year-old falls over the edge into a chalk pit he discovers Stig, a modern-day caveman living in a rubbish dump. Thrills, excitement and fun abound as they embark on an original fantasy journey. Making use of everything to improve Stig’s home, this intriguing and touching tale is a wonderful proclamation about friendship, imagination and possibly even recycling.
With a soaring musical score and packed full of action and adventure, Stig of the Dump is an enchanting adventure making the Christmas theatregoing experience truly a night to remember.
Written in 1963 by Clive King, who passed away in July this year, the original Stig of the Dump has become a firm favourite amongst readers, with many first reading the book while in school. It continues to be read in schools and, of course, enjoyed by adults approaching it for the first time.
King’s book was adapted for television, firstly for ITV in 1981 and later by the BBC in 2002, when Thomas Brodie-Sangster starred as Barney.
The BBC screened its version of Stig of the Dump in 2002
This acclaimed stage version, adapted by Richard Williams, was first performed at the West York Playhouse (now Leeds Playhouse) and also enjoyed a successful run at the Tabard Theatre in 2008. Russell Labey (Whistle Down the Wind, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sunset Boulevard) returns to direct the show once again at the Tabard Theatre, using the original designs by Jason Denvir with associate direction by Matthew Fraser Holland, who appeared in the 2008 cast.
In this revival, Lewis Meagor and Julian Bailey Jones are Barney and Stig. They’re joined in the cast by Alexandra Brailsford, Christopher Buckley, Lewis Chance and Simi Egbejumi-David.
Cast bios
Julian Bailey Jones (Stig) – Training: London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Previous Credits: Claudio (Much Ado About Nothing), Katzpace. Alfie (lets get Lost), Katzpace, Bridge House Theatre. Pete (Heroes) Sydenham Arts, Warren Theatre Brighton, Bridge House Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe, Katzpace. Julian Weston, (Find Your Way Home) Etcetera Theatre. Joseph Thompson (They have Long Arms and They Can Find Me) Katzpace. Teddy, (The Wasteland) New River Studios.
Lewis Meagor (Barney) – Training: Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts on the BA Acting course. Since graduating, Lewis has appeared in an advert for New Balance, and been on tour with the first stage show of ‘Ruby Redfort’. Lewis has also had successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe with the ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ and was also featured on ‘Gareth Malone’s Great Choir Reunion.’ Further credits include ‘3 Winters’, ‘Our Town’ and ‘The Real Estate’ which all took place at Italia Conti.
The 2008 cast of Stig of the Dump
Alexandra Brailsford (Lou) – Since graduating in 2016 from the London College of Music with a First Class Honours Degree in Musical Theatre Alex has appeared in various theatre productions in and around London. Stage credits include: ‘Mowgli’ in The Jungle Book UK Tour (Image Musical Theatre), ‘Little Jules’ in How To Solve a Problem Like Murder (Paradise, London), ‘Automated Voice’ in The Female Gaze & Other Stories: Chitta Vritti (The Cockpit, London), ‘Ava’/’Becky’ in 143: Pearl/Bloody Hands (Theatre N16). Alex is also the co-founder and co-artistic director of Tiny Theatre Company, a new female-led company creating exciting opportunities for actors, writers, directors and creatives.
Christopher Buckley (Gran/Snarget Three/Caveman) – Training: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Theatre credits include: Orphans (The English Theatre of Hamburg); We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea (Eastern Angles); The Street of Crocodiles (Ordry Theatre, Budapest), Audio credits: Black Beauty (Audible/Wireless Theatre). Film credits: Burnt on Both Sides (Rojo Productions). Festival credits: Sam Wanamaker Festival 2016 (Globe Theatre). Winner of ‘Outstanding Male Actor’ at the 2017 Rolf Mares Awards, Germany.
Lewis Chance (Snarget One/Pirate/Caveman) – Born in London but raised the West Country, Lewis studied at the Italia Conti Academy, graduating in 2014. Since graduating, Lewis has performed on television in Night School, The Staff Room and the forthcoming fantasy series Whatever After. Stage has included The Dumb Waiter, Aladdin, The Play and Watch Me Now. Feature films include Neon Tide, Rash and Love Sick. He is also an accomplished comedian, appearing in comic commercials worldwide for FedEx and Degree, and performing regularly as part of the double act The Forgotten Moose, whose shows have been performed at festivals across Europe, including the Edinburgh Fringe.
Simi Egbejumi-David (Mr Fawkham-Green/Snarget 2/Caveman) – In 2013 Simi trained at East 15 Acting School studying Physical Theatre and received a scholarship for Academic Excellence. Theatre credits include: Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet (Stage) Captain Speedy in Around the World in 80 Days (UK Tour), Mister Utterson & Hyde in Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll & Mister Hyde (UK Tour); Leonard Langley in The Unlikely Life of Leonard Langley (UK Tour); Amir in The Echo Chamber (UK Tour); Charles in The Inspectors calls (UK Tour); Berenger in Rhinoceros (Stage); Chef & Ensemble in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Stage); Bobby in The Visit (Stage); Student in Blueroom (Stage); John in Love and Money (Stage).
