Natural History Museum Launches Touring Theater Show

London’s Natural History Museum has announced the launch of its first touring dinosaur theater production, “Dinosaurs Live!,” created in collaboration with Mark Thompson Productions. “Dinosaurs Live!” will be a one-of-a-kind family show where guests can expect close prehistoric encounters, exploring our planet's vast and ancient history. 

Ever since the first dinosaurs were described in the 1820s, they have sparked the vivid imaginations of children and adults alike. Nearly six million curious minds flock to the Natural History Museum every year to find out more about the brilliant beasts that used to roam our planet. Next year, the museum will take its expertise to 60 venues across the U.K., with more soon to be announced.

“With 370-plus world-leading scientists, the Natural History Museum is a hub for pioneering research and as such, we continually look for new ways to connect our audiences to stories about our natural world,” says Maxine Lister, head of licensing, Natural History Museum. “‘Dinosaurs Live!’ promises to be the perfect gateway into a fascination with the prehistoric, suitable for all the family. This is the first time since it opened in 1881 that the museum has created a touring theatrical production of this scale that will be taken outside our iconic venue and onto stages across the country.”

Related:What’s New at The Natural History Museum

Lister hinted at the launch of “Dinosaurs Live!,” when she spoke with License Global’s Gianna Rosenbach at Brand Licensing Europe.

Mark Thompson Productions has been working with the museum’s paleontologists to develop “Dinosaurs Live!”, which will debut in February. Audiences can expect a deep dive into our planet’s several-billion-year history and a chance to meet extinct species, including Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Diplodocus and the fearsome Velociraptor, that will come alive on stage through astounding animatronics.

Family show writer and director, Miranda Larson, who is currently developing Tom Fletcher’s “The Creakers Musical” at the Southbank Centre, has been brought in to lead the creative team for the new show. 

“We’re delighted to be partnering with the Natural History Museum in their first-ever theatrical live show,” says Mark Thompson, director, Mark Thompson Productions. “‘Dinosaurs Live!’ is an opportunity to take one of the world’s most respected organizations to theaters around the country and introduce audiences to the wonderful work that has led to the Natural History Museum being one of the U.K.’s most prized assets.

“The live show will take a fun, engaging and entertaining approach while keeping the heart of the educational aspects at the core of the production. This show will be aimed at all the family and, with the plans around the animatronic dinosaurs already being developed, promises to ensure that all that attend will have a roar-some, fun-filled time.”

Related:25 Years of Brand Licensing Europe – A Conversation with The Natural History Museum

“Dinosaurs Live!,” created in collaboration between the Natural History Museum and Mark Thompson Productions, will begin its U.K. run Feb. 23.

Watch: Maxine Lister, head, licensing, The Natural History Museum, discusses how licensed products invigorate museumgoers, the museum’s big year in licensing and more …