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Tuesday 7 February 2017

Adventures in Moominland - Southbank Centre


Who remembers the Moomins? Possibly better loved now than back when I was a child, these mysterious white creatures were (to me, at least) simply a cartoon on TV when I came home from school. But going into adulthood, Tove Jansson's adventurous and gentle souls have claimed a large chunk of our grown-up hearts, thanks in no small part to her wonderful story books and illustrations of the Moomin family and the magic and imagination behind them. 

And now you can take a visit to Moominland yourself by visiting the lower ground floor of the Royal Festival Hall at London's Southbank Centre, and climbing through the pages hidden behind the giant book cover downstairs...

Guided by the fantastic Chloe, our group of about ten explorers (interestingly: all adult, all female) reverently followed Chloe through the pages of the huge book and onto the paths of Moominland. 

Complete with a narration by Sandi Toksvig (who else?!), sound and lighting effects, and Chloe's bubbling enthusiasm, we spend an hour or so following in the footsteps of Moominpapa, Moominmama, Moomintroll, Little My and friends... we sit in their camp, we explore their woodlands, we find Tove Jansson's drawing room, we see magic golden butterflies, we travel on a raft... We see original drawings, Tove's own possessions (her handmade floral crown is a treat) and special Moomin models... 

Adventures in Moominland is just wonderful. Seemingly such a simple creation, let yourself be carried away by the magic of it and you really will see where your imagination can take you, and discover the benefits of having a magical imaginary friend like Tove did. (And luckily, there are no signs of the Hattifatteners, who terrified me as a child!)


For more information, please click on this link.



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