Celebrate the birthday of a beloved patchwork elephant.

Elmer the Elephant turns 30 this year and is heading to Bridport Arts Centre for a new live stage adaptation on Tuesday, August 6 at 2pm.

Elephants, as everyone knows, are big, have trunks, and are grey. But Elmer is a patchwork of brilliant colours! His fun-loving and cheerful personality keeps everyone in a playful mood, until the day he gets tired of being different and tries to blend in with the herd.

Elmer The Patchwork Elephant Show tells the tale of an elephant that stands out – both with his patchwork-coloured skin and his sense of humour – but ultimately realizing that his friends have always valued his unique characteristics.

The show will be brought to life on stage by Selladoor Family, the producers behind James And The Giant Peach, Seussical, The Owl And The Pussycat, Guess How Much I Love You and Madagascar the Musical; and MEI Theatrical, producers of family entertainment across Asia and the Middle East and The Very Hungry Caterpillar show and Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday in the UK.

A favourite of young people since the book was first published in 1989, this classic tale has been created by Jonathan Rockefeller and adapted for the stage by Suzanne Maynard Miller, with songs by Allison Leyton-Brown Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show will be directed by Scott le Crass with Puppet Direction from Yvonne Stone and Design by Richard Evans.

David Hutchinson, CEO of Selladoor Family, said: “we are committed to engaging young people in theatre and strongly believe these experiences help to develop a sense of imagination, playfulness and confidence. Elmer is a wonderful story with a powerful message which will delight children and families who love the hugely popular series of books.”

Lisa Wilcock of Bridport Arts Centre said: “This is a West End quality show that your kids are going to love! Elmer is a much loved character and this show will be packed with puppetry, colour and fun.”

The show’s subtle message that it is always best to be yourself, combined with the vibrant colour and cheeky humour of the main character, makes Elmer a great show for children of all ages.

*Elmer the Elephant, Bridport Arts Centre, Tuesday, August 6, 2pm. Call the box office for tickets.