Wilton's

presented by 1927

5th October to 30th October . 7:45pm Tuesday to Saturday, 3pm matinees Thursday & Saturday .
£12.50 - £27 full price, £10 - £24.50 concessions

What tales to tell in such strange times?


Sitting on a shelf in the British library is an unassuming red book. 

“The Aarne index” has categorised thousands of folktales, offering a glimpse into the imaginations of pre-industrialised people. 1927’s Roots is a medley of these rarely-told stories, an anthology of ancient folk tales by anonymous authors.

Tales of tyrannical ogres, magic bird's hearts and very, very fat cats are brought to life with 1927's signature fusion of handcrafted animation and storytelling.  With a live score involving Peruvian prayer boxes, donkeys jaws, violins and musical saws, Roots playfully considers the narratives of the past and how they might shape the stories of our future.

In 2020, with all planned touring cancelled due to the pandemic, 1927 adapted Roots into a BBC Radio 3 Drama 1927’s Decameron Nights.  We loved our radio experience, but now, at last, Roots is back on stage! And where better to share it with you, than the wondrous Wilton’s Music Hall?!  
 
Come and join us for a night of graphically glorious, twisted tales.

Roots is a 1927, Edinburgh International Festival, HOME Manchester, Spoleto Festival USA & Théâtre de la Ville Paris co-production.

Running time: 70 minutes, no interval

Age: 12+

Production images © Leigh Webber

Creative & Production Team

Created by 1927
Writer & Director Suzanne Andrade
Animation & Design Paul Barritt
Composer Lillian Henley
Costume Design Sarah Munro
Co-Director Esme Appleton
Producer Jo Crowley 

Assistant Director Dominic Biddle
Animation Assistant Anne Rotzek
Performance Associate Genevieve Dunne
Composer's Assistant Max Gallagher
Production Manager Nathan Johnson

Performers David Insua-Cao, Francesca Simmons, Philippa Hambly and Hannah Miller’

Storytellers Voices:
Carmel McNeil-O’Connor
Daksha Scaramagli
David Appleton
Joan Brooks
Karl Mengs
Kazuko Hohki
Lesley Ewan
Marie James
Nigel Hunt
Pete Brooks
Phil Shaw
Rocky Shahan
Wendy Barritt

Wilton's has been granted the use of Society Of London Theatre & UK Theatre's 'See It Safely' mark. The mark certifies that we are complying with the latest Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, to ensure the safety of our staff and audiences. Find out more here about what Wilton's has put in place ready for your visit, and what you will need to know beforehand.


The production you are buying a ticket for is being sold at full capacity, in line with the current government guidelines. However, there is a chance that by the time the production happens we may be requested by law to return to a socially distanced capacity. 

If we have to reduce the capacity then we will confirm bookings based on the date on which they were booked with the earliest bookings being given priority. If there is not space for everyone then later bookings will be notified and we will attempt to exchange your ticket/s for another performance of the same production. If this is not possible you will be eligible for a full refund.

They like it

  • Plenty to delight the senses

    The Guardian

  • Sly, witty… Roots is utterly captivating, gleefully macabre, and it makes its points so cunningly that they might just slip into your subconscious without you even noticing

    The Artsdesk

  • A delightfully diverse, playfully macabre and wryly comic take on the rich, but neglected heritage of folk stories

    The Telegraph

  • The creative delivery of the tales is outstanding… Beautiful and meticulous.

    The Independent

  • Roots is a delicious combination of performance and animation talent working at the top of their game...See it at Wilton’s while you can.

    ***** Spy in the Stalls

  • A joyous evening

    ***** North West End

Your cart  
Check Out Log In