************************* Children and adults alike will be enchanted by the latest production from award winning children’s theatre company tutti frutti when they make a welcome return to York Theatre Royal with their latest offering, the magical and enchanting story of The Girl Who Lost her Smile. The York Theatre Royal co-production, adapted from the book by Karim Alrawi, runs in The Studio at York Theatre Royal from 20-22 June and returns in July from 4-15 July. This wonderful, colourful tale, adapted from Karim Alwari’s book, tells the story of Jehan, a little girl whose glittering smiles light up the skies above her home of Baghdad. Then one morning, gloom falls over the city Jehan has lost her smile. With help from the wise hoopoe bird, Jehan’s father invites jugglers, fire-eaters and artists from around the world to try and cheer her up, but though she finds their arts beautiful, she cannot find her smile. Until one day, Jehan uncovers a dazzling beauty that has always been there just waiting to be unveiled, and her beautiful smile returns. With fabulous original music, this simple story is infused with a gentle spirit that is rich in meaning. tutti frutti productions are a national touring company creating high quality work for children and their families to enjoy. The Girl Who Lost Her Smile is a new production for children aged 3 and above in partnership with York Theatre Royal and with support from Audiences Yorkshire. Wendy Harris, Artistic Director, on what attracted her to Karim Alrawi's story;- "I came across the book The Girl Who Lost Her Smile by Karim Alrawi and loved the simplicity of the story and thought it would lend itself to adaptation to a children's play. There's lots of space in the story for children to use their own imaginations and work out their own conclusions about what happens to the girl who lost her smile. The storybook is full of pictures with few words, something I hope we have captured in the production. The story Introduces other countries and cultures and leaves lots for children to think about and enjoy" tutti frutti are delighted to be in partnership with York Theatre Royal on the first of two co-productions for 2006. Jack, a new play by Mike Kenny, which takes the story of Jack and the BeanStalk and other Jack stories from across the globe, comes to York in November. “When the girl smiled it made me want to cry - it was the best day of my whole life!” Eleanor, 4 years old Tickets are priced at £6.00 for adults and £4.00 for children and Under 25s , and can be obtained by visiting the York Theatre Royal Box Office or by calling 01904 623568. Tickets are also available online at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. **************************