Elephant in Edinburgh – ticket competition

Lothian Life has come together with the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh to give away 5 pairs of tickets to see Elephant, the spectacular African-inspired family show that will stun and enchant audiences of all ages.

Produced in association with the Market Theatre of Johannesburg, Elephant combines elements of traditional African music, storytelling and dance with western theatre and puppetry skills to create a visual feast. Described by the List as “beautiful, heartfelt and uplifting”, this is an opportunity not to be missed as we invite you to join Chief Zanenvula on a wonderful journey of discovery.

The story of Elephant begins with Chief Zanenvula who, having just died, approaches the gates of heaven. The guardians in the shape of nightclub bouncers refuse to let him through. He is aghast and puzzled. Has he not been a good chief, well loved by his people?

Advised by his ancestors to take a journey back through his earlier life, the chief discovers that as a young man he unwittingly broke tribal laws regarding the sanctity of elephants.

Elephant can be enjoyed simply as a spectacle, but beneath its external glitter there are levels which repay a deeper appreciation. Themes of captivity, freedom and redemption are explored in a fast moving series of scenes, which are sometimes upbeat and funny, and at other times beautiful and moving.

Elephant is a magical mixture of more than you could ever imagine in a family show – high energy dance and song blending African and classical styles, knockabout comedy and sudden sadness, vibrant costume and brilliant puppetry, spellbinding storytelling and songs to make you smile. It’s funny, touching, surprising, inspiring and – yes – unforgettable.

Dodgy Clutch first produced Elephant for the internationally renowned wildlife charity, the Born Free Foundation, to promote the protection of the elephant in its natural environment. Now 12 years on, the production highlights the elephant as a symbol of South Africa’s liberty and features actors, musicians and dancers from Newcastle to the Eastern Cape exploring rich, vibrant and long-suppressed traditional art forms.

Five lucky readers will receive a pair of tickets to see the show at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh on Wednesday 30th April at 7pm. To enter, just send us an email with the name of the Chief who is at the heart of the story and your contact details (email address and phone number) by Monday 28th April. The winners will be able to collect their tickets at the door.

Good luck!