Hugh Grant is the latest big name to be added to the bill for Abu Dhabi Festival 2016. Grant will narrate the regional premiere of Nick Lloyd Webber’s musical The Little Prince. Based on the 1943 novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the book is a much-loved family favourite.
‘We’re delighted to welcome Hugh on board for the concert performances of The Little Prince at the Abu Dhabi Festival 2016 and are looking forward to working with him in April,’ said Webber and co-creator James D Reid in a joint statement. Webber is the son of musical impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, with The Little Prince is his first production.
The book tells the story of a pilot who crashes in the desert, meets a young boy from another planet and heads off on a voyage into space. It has sold more than 140 million copies worldwide.
Grant – known for his rom-com roles in films like Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral – will provide live narration alongside 40 musicians and 13 singers under the baton of music director Simon Lee.
The Little Prince plays at Emirates Palace on 21 and 22 April. Other festival highlights include performances from pianist Lang Lang and dancer Carlos Acosta.