Adapted from the award winning graphic novel by Shaun Tan, The Arrival follows the story of a man starting a new life amidst the extraordinary inhabitants of his new land.

A man flees his homeland and journeys across vast seas to arrive in a strange, wondrous new world where giant ships fly through the air and curious creatures abound. There he negotiates dazzling architecture, bizarre foods and foreign tongues to build a new life. On his travels, the man meets fellow sympathetic strangers, each with their own tales to tell.

Tan’s wordless novel lends itself perfectly to the use of puppetry and physical theatre to tell a story, emphasising the isolating experience everyone feels when arriving in a strange, new place. The beautifully illustrated work is accurately brought to life on stage through breathtaking sets, whimsical puppets and props, as well as a remarkable soundscape.

Like Tan’s book, this is an emotionally moving production; a tribute to migrants, refugees and displaced people worldwide. It’s a pertinent story of overcoming hardship, of humanity and of hope. The Arrival will touch anyone who has ever had to start anew or bid farewell to a loved one.