The Comedy Theatre, in the West End's Panton Street, is to tackle Michael Morpurgo's Why the Whales Came , opening Dec. 11. The book was a children's bestseller, and tells of two children in the Scilly Isles, Gracie and Daniel, and the strange Birdman who befriends them. Despite his warnings, though, they simply must find out the secrets of the foggy, frightening Samson Island! The show is a co-production between Theatre Alibi and the Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Theatre Alibi is a small company with a disproportionately large reputation. They were called by the Times, "A tiny company of enormous, curious inventiveness."

The stage adaptation is by Greg Banks. Banks and Nikki Sved direct. The company says the show is for 8 to 13-year-olds and their families. It plays at the Comedy until Jan. 7, 2004. Prices range from around 27 pounds to 35 pounds 25 pence. For more information call (0)870 060 6622, or visithttp://www.theatrealibi.co.uk/