The Reluctant Dragon tells the story of a fairytale-obsessed child who discovers a real-life dragon living in a nearby cave, but instead of a fierce and fire-breathing monster, the child gets to know a friendly and flamboyant creature who loves to perform poetry and bask in the sunshine. To save the dragon from St. George the Dragon-Slayer and outsmart the village’s dastardly Mayor, the new friends must mastermind a cunning plan. Can a charming dragon, noble knight and clever child manage to trick the village and prove that not all dragons are monsters?

With live music throughout, a multi-instrumental cast will bring the story to life, comprising Scott Brooks, Burhan Kathawala, Lata Nobes-Sinha and local actor Catherine Warnock. Catherine Warnock is a Canterbury-based actor-musician who is excited to be spending Christmas in her home theatre at the Marlowe. Her theatre credits include The Museum of Marvellous Things (Practically Perfect Pictures) and Joe Carstairs (Stonecrabs Theatre).

Scott Brooks’ theatre credits include The Tempest (Shakespeare North); Rosie & Hugh’s Great Big Adventure (UK tour); and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (West End, UK and Ireland tour).

Burhan Kathawala is an actor-musician and multi-instrumentalist, specialising in drums, guitar, ukulele and singing, with theatre credits including Nell Gwynn (Storyhouse, Shakespeare North Playhouse and Theatre by the Lake) and Your Toys (Brighton Dome and Unicorn Theatre).

Lata Nobes-Sinha is an actor and musician from South East London. She teaches in the higher education department at Shakespeare’s Globe, and is a creative associate of Lazarus Theatre Company.

The Reluctant Dragon is the Marlowe Theatre’s second specially commissioned family musical, following My Pet Star, which premiered at the theatre in December 2024. The show is made in Kent and has been crafted especially for young audiences, with workshops with local children shaping the development of the production.

Millie Brierley, Senior Producer at the Marlowe Theatre, said, “We’re delighted to announce this exceptionally talented cast of actor-musicians as rehearsals begin today for The Reluctant Dragon. For months, the creative team, led by director Lucy Wray, has been building a show which retells Kenneth Grahame’s story – a story with inclusion and kindness at its heart – with a sense of wonder and play. I can’t wait to see how this continues to evolve with the cast in the room and regular visits from local school children to rehearsals. It is the ultimate privilege to be making shows like The Reluctant Dragon – which will introduce a whole new audience to the magic of theatre this Christmas – in Kent through Marlowe Theatre Productions.”

With book and lyrics by Samson Hawkins and music by Joey Hickman, The Reluctant Dragon is directed by Lucy Wray. Set and costume designs are by Charlotte Espiner, with sound design by Kit Proudfoot, lighting design by Catja Hamilton and movement direction by Myron Birch.

As rehearsals begin today, director Lucy Wray said, “It’s wonderful to start working with this hugely talented team as we begin bringing The Reluctant Dragon to life ahead of its first performance in December. We’ve assembled a remarkable company of artists and performers, and it’s a real thrill to have everyone together in the rehearsal room for the first time. This is a story about challenging expectations and celebrating our differences, themes that have been enriched by the ideas and creativity of the young people who helped shape the development of the production so far. We’re excited to share it with audiences this Christmas.”

This brand-new family musical about friendship, unlikely heroes, and having the courage to be different will be the perfect introduction to live theatre for young children during the festive season. Expect catchy songs and a story guaranteed to warm your heart this Christmas.