Children’s author and illustrator Sir Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage On Wheels book is to be adapted for a new stage show.
The production, directed and adapted by Samantha Lane, artistic director of the award-winning Little Angel Theatre, will have its world premiere at the Southbank Centre in London as part of the venue’s Imagine Festival, which will run from February 18 to 21 2026.
Lane said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be adapting and directing Mrs Armitage On Wheels for the stage. It’s such a joyful, imaginative story – full of heart, humour and the boundless possibilities of creativity.
“Mrs Armitage’s world is wonderfully eccentric yet deeply human, and I can’t wait to bring her spirit of inventiveness and togetherness to life in a production that celebrates her generosity, resilience and sheer love of making marvellous things.”
The musical adaptation, which will feature puppetry and live music, was previously adapted for television in the BBC’s Quentin Blake’s Box Of Treasures.
The story follows inventor Mrs Armitage, as she and her dog Breakspear set off on a quiet bike ride to visit cousin Angela, but she cannot stop thinking of ways to improve her bike, adding horns, snack trays, umbrellas, a dog bed, and even a sail.
The creative team for the show includes Jessie Maryon Davies, music and lyrics, Ryan Dawson Laight, set and costume design, Maia Kirkman-Richards, puppetry design and director, and Ian Oakley, sound designer.
Sir Quentin, 92, has illustrated more than 300 books and is best known for illustrating the books of writer Roald Dahl, including The BFG, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, and Matilda. He has also written and illustrated more than 30 of his own books.
He was the inaugural British Children’s Laureate from 1999 to 2001 and was knighted in 2013’s New Year Honours for his services to illustration.
Tickets for the performance are priced from £20, and the play, which is suitable for ages three and up, lasts 50 minutes.
