Swallows & Amazons Reading List

Our big summer show, Swallows & Amazons, begins later this month (where has the time gone?!) This production is based on the novel Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome. Have you read this classic children’s adventure story? If not, Waterstones York are offering 20% off your very own copy of the book (see below for details). And if you’ve already read it, we think you’ll also love…

Anything by Enid Blyton!

“I don’t know why, but the meals we have on picnics always taste so much nicer than the ones we have indoors.” Five Go Off in a Caravan

Enid Blyton’s books for children have sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, and for good reason. You will almost certainly have heard of the Famous Five and Secret Seven. Well, these kids know how to adventure –  run-ins with smugglers and mysteries to solve, they can’t seem to stay out of mischief for long.

Also, we-re co-producing with Wise Children Blyton’s Malory Towers, playing in York 10-14 September. Nostalgic, naughty and perfect for now – you won’t want to miss it!

Just William

“Why can’t grown-ups just give me stuff, let me do what I like and then go away A LOT?” William Again

Speaking of naughty…the character of William Brown, from Richmal Crompton’s much-loved Just William books, is the embodiment of trouble.

Whether or not William means to be naughty, who can tell? His riotous altercations with teachers, neighbours and family members makes for pure laugh-out-loud fun.

Also, check out the Just William Audiobooks, narrated by the hilarious Martin Jarvis. They’re a really great listen.

Treasure Island

“We must go on, because we can’t turn back.”

If it’s some more adventure you’re after, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is an absolute classic. This is storytelling at its finest, a tale of heroism, piracy and adventure that has never been equalled.

The Railway Children

“Sometimes when one has been extra good for a longer time than usual, one is suddenly attacked by a violent fit of not being good at all.”

Another classic story for children (and grown-ups, too) by Edith Nesbit.  This story has a special place in our heart here at York Theatre Royal, ever since we staged our Oliver award-winning adaptation at the National Railway Museum in 2008 and 2015 directed by Damian Cruden.

High-Rise Mystery

“Norva grabbed my hand. ‘Time to shine,’ she said, throwing her braids over her shoulders. ‘This is our moment.’”

And now for something a little more modern. Sharna Jackson’s High-Rise Mystery tells the story of sisters Nik and Norva, the first black detective duo in British children’s fiction, who solve a murder mystery on their estate.

Jackson is an exciting new voice in children’s adventure fiction – we’re looking forward to the sequel already!

WATERSTONES YORK OFFER

Take your Swallows and Amazons theatre ticket to Waterstones York and get 20% off your very own copy of Arthur Ransomes most popular novel.

Waterstones York
15 Coney Street,
York,
YO1 9QL