An original story by Carol Ann Duffy, created and produced by balletLORENT.

What happens when the Happy Endings are stolen? Deep in the forest lives Jub, a magical girl with six fingers on each hand. Jub’s job is to guard the Happy Endings to stories and fairytales. But one day an otherworldly Witch steals them, and at bedtime the stories are destroyed.

Goldilocks changed the locks on the cottage of the three bears. Cinderella’s foot is now too big for the glass slipper. Little Red Riding Hood is gobbled up by the wolf. Pinocchio’s nose never stops growing.

As the Witch disappears with the stolen Happy Endings it is up to Jub to save the night, encountering many beloved fairytale characters and woodland creatures in her quest. Packed with spirit, adventure and glorious surprises, this fantasy family show will delight generations both old and young.

Original score composed by Murray Gold, with set design by Neil Murray, costume design by Nasir Mazhar and narrated by Joanna Lumley.

The Lost Happy Endings is part of Family Weekend 2022.

Image description: Gathered around the twisted roots of a tree, four figures confront each other: to the left is, Jub, a smiling girl dressed in a tattered black coat with rips revealing glimpses of emerald green, fingerless gloves and bare feet. Peering round the trunk at her are three animal characters in masks and costume – a cricket, a wolf and an elephant with a long, twisting trunk and floppy ears.

Co-produced by Northern Stage. balletLORENT is a National Partner Company of Sadler’s Wells.