How the Giraffe got its Neck

Two actors engage with a rope puppet; one manipulates it while the other smiles brightly. The scene conveys creativity and playfulness.

An evolutionary entertainment

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Have you ever wondered how the giraffe got its long neck, how the leopard got its spots or how the elephant got its trunk?

Join two intrepid explorers on a fantastic adventure across the open seas as they discover elephants, leopards and other animals – and finally, find out the secret behind the giraffe’s neck…

Stories, science and a splash of silliness combine in this exciting production, inspired by the stories of Rudyard Kipling and the discoveries of Charles Darwin.

How the Giraffe got its Neck was created in association with the Natural History Museum. The development and initial tour was funded by Arts Council England, with additional schools touring funding from John Lyon’s Charity. It toured the UK and Ireland in 2008 and 2009.

Funny, engaging and wonderfully told.

ThreeWeeks

Two actors on stage in expressive poses; one, a woman with a colourful headband, looks surprised. The other, a man, makes a determined face. Rustic backdrop.

Two performers manipulate marionettes shaped like colourful fish on a dimly lit stage, creating a playful and engaging theatrical scene.

A man stands on stage holding binoculars, looking alert. Beside him, a woman lies asleep on a makeshift raft, adding a sense of adventure and calm.

A man holds a puppet resembling a bird, while a woman smiles in surprise. The mood is playful and theatrical.

A man in rugged attire holds binoculars, standing behind a wooden raft structure, while a woman in similar clothing peacefully sleeps.

Charming puppetry, improvisation, and a timely musical score all contribute to this polished and soulful experience.

Three Weeks

Perfect for little and big kids everywhere…thoroughly entertaining and engaging.

Edinburgh Evening News

If you are the sort of adult that avoids children’s shows, please don’t.

one4review

If this was education, schools would be overflowing with enthusiastic pupils.

Fringe Report

Previous team members

Explorers

Alan Park (original production), Luanna Priestman (original production), Caroline Garland, Felix Hayes, Paul Lancaster, Charlotte Thompson, Yvette Clutterbuck, Phil Yarrow

Original Stage Manager

Wyn Williams

Production

Director: Olivia Jacobs
Writer/Creative Producer: Toby Mitchell
Designer: Isla Shaw
Music & Lyrics: Jon Fiber and Andy Shaw for Shock Productions
Puppet Designer: Yvonne Stone
Lighting Designer: Will Evans
Scenic Construction: Kw Props

Thanks to:

Our original devisers Caroline Garland, Felix Hayes, Alan Park and Luanna Priestman; Jane Mainwaring, Katie Edwards and everyone at the National History Museum for all their help and advice; Chris Riddell (for the fantastic illustration); all at the Compass Theatre, Ickenham; the Tall Stories board members. Special thanks to Old Town Clothing for sponsoring and supplying the explorers’ trousers.

Devised by the company, inspired by the stories of Rudyard Kipling and Darwin’s theory of evolution.