The musical features the same songs as the film (which starred Rex Harrison, Samantha Eggar, Anthony Newley and Richard Attenborough), including the Academy Award-winning "Talk To The Animals".

The world premiere production opened at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on 14 July 1998 starring TV presenter and personality Phillip Schofield in the title role.

[2] Following the early closure of the production, nine-time Tony Award Winner, Tommy Tune directed and starred in a revamped version of the tour from January 2006.

Mark Williams played the title role alongside Brian Capron as Blossom / Straight Arrow, Vicky Entwistle as Polynesia, Mollie Melia-Redgrave as Emma Fairfax and Patric Sullivan as Matthew Muggins.

[3] Ronnie Le Drew (puppet) Rebecca Hyland The original London cast recording starring Phillip Schofield was released on 1 October 1998 by Exalshallow Ltd, featuring 22 tracks.