WARTIME, especially the First World War, conjures up not only scenes of horror but also immense courage and drama, and from time to time great tenderness.

War has often spawned great literary prose and tales of heroism, sacrifice as well as compassion and friendship.

Which is why The Butterfly Lion - from the multi-award winning writer of War Horse - is likely to draw in the audiences at Malvern’s Festival Theatre this week.

Michael Morpurgo has produced an inspiring tale of enduring friendship. From the African veld to the battlefields of First World War France, follow the adventures of Bertie and the White Lion as they strive to find sanctuary amongst devastating adversity.

As a young boy living in Africa, Bertie rescues an orphaned white lion cub, but is forced to part with it when he is sent to boarding school and the lion is sold to a circus.

Bertie vows he will see his friend again, but little does he realise the incredible journey his life will take him on before that momentous day finally comes.

Butterfly Lion stars Gwen Taylor, one of Britain’s leading actresses, much loved for her role as Amy in hit TV comedy Duty Free, and for playing the title role in the ITV sitcom Barbara. Most recently Gwen has been seen playing Ann Foster in Coronation Street, and has appeared in many other television favourites including; Heartbeat, Class Act and Midsomer Murders. Her theatre credits include: Driving Miss Daisy – which was in Malvern quite recently, Calendar Girls, Prick up Your Ears and Shirley Valentine.

Butterfly Lion is at Malvern’s Festival Theatre from Monday, October 14 through to Saturday, October 19.