Based on the much-loved Moominland novels by Tove Jansson, this gentle heart-warming show tells the story of a year in Moominvalley. Moomintroll wakes up in the middle of winter with a “something- wrong -feeling”. There’s no sign of his good friend Snufkin, or the note Snufkin left him. As winter turns to Spring Snufkin returns, the days lengthen into a lazy summer and “the sea brings them all the adventures they could wish for”. Autumn barges in and Snufkin leaves once more for the Lonely Mountains.
Each section of the story has an interactive element; audience members have a snowball fight, building a camp-fire and go sea-swimming. The characters of Moomintroll, Snufkin, Little My and Thingummy & Bob are brought to life with 2D rod puppets and life size 3D puppets. The show uses beautiful original music and songs, and pre-recorded narration. The iconic Tove Jansson illustrations are recreated in a magical pop up book,
The show was created in consultation with Sophia Jansson, Tove’s niece, and echoes the books’ themes: the love of nature, the value of friendship, the pain of separation and the acceptance of difference. It is currently the only authorised Moomin puppet show, having been created for the Southbank’s Nordic Matters festival.