Nation

With its puppets and projections, Nation is the play of choice for families looking for a little more sophistication from their night out. A Mark Ravenhill adaptation of Terry Pratchett's recent comedy-adventure book, Nation is suitable for anyone aged 10 and over. It's the third book adaptation in a row to grace the National Theatre filling the gap left by acclaimed versions of Michael Morpurgo's War Horse and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials. In 2006, Ravenhill staged a pantomime, Dick Whittington, at the Barbican and it was this experience that inspired him to approach the National. But the story had to be right and Pratchett's book was a natural fit. The tale begins when a tsunami brings together a native boy and a British Victorian girl on a South Sea island. We see them overcome their respective loss and, as their friendship develops, they eventually build a new nation together. There are big themes and issues raised - overcoming death, bravery and cultural sensibilities - but there's also a tremendous potential for fun that will appeal to younger visitors with music and War Horse-like puppets playing out battles with sharks, cannibal attacks and shipwrecked mutineers. If Nation follows past productions at the National at Christmas this will be a must-see for all the family.