THE first night of York Theatre Royal’s world premiere of My Family And Other Animals is being put back from June 3 to June 7.

The decision to delay the opening of the first ever stage production of Gerald Durrell’s novel will enable artistic director Damian Cruden to “create the best possible show and continue our commitment to producing big, ambitious shows such as The Railway Children and The Wind In The Willows”.

Liz Wilson, the theatre’s chief executive, says: “Postponing the opening performance of one of our shows by two days is not something that we do everyday. Adapting Gerald Durrell’s incredible book to the stage is stretching our creative imaginations and will result in one of the most extraordinarily inventive productions seen on this stage.”

Adapted for the stage by Janys Chambers, the play will be the second in the Theatre Royal’s seven-month season of in-the-round productions. “It’s using some amazing theatricality in realising a whole host of characters and animals, and the most important consideration for us now is presenting an outstanding experience to the audience,” says Liz.

“We have a reputation for producing very special experiences when we adapt much-loved books to the stage and I am sure our audience will agree when they see it that it was worth the wait.”

Damian’s production demands plenty of creativity. “There are episodes from the book, such as a boat capsizing, that can only be created once the rehearsals move on to the stage itself – not to mention all the animals that are being created using puppets,” he says.

“We therefore made the decision to postpone the opening night until June 7, to give the team two extra days of technical rehearsals on stage to practise these extraordinary elements. We want to do this play justice for our audiences and present another spectacular family show.”

My Family And Other Animals will run from June 7 to June 25. For tickets, phone 01904 623568 or book online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk