The story of the puppet Pinocchio is one of the most beloved children's books in the world. But did you know these five interesting facts about Pinocchio?
- The sea monster is a giant shark – not a whale!
In the original story, the sea monster is a giant shark that is “taller than a five-story house and in whose mouth fits a train.” Disney chose to use a whale in their film instead, influenced by the popularity of Moby Dick.
- The fairy has many forms
Unlike the blonde, winged and magic wand owning Disney version, the fairy of the original story has blue hair and the power to transform. At their first meeting, the fairy is a blue-haired little girl, and then later Pinocchio meets her as a blue-haired woman. She can also transform into animals, at one point taking the form of a blue-haired goat.
- Pinocchio should have actually died…
The story of Pinocchio appeared in several parts in a children’s newspaper and Collodi had originally planned the story to end with the death of Pinocchio. Readers at the time were so astonished by this macabre ending that many wrote letters of protest to the publishers. Collodi decided to heed his fans and changed the ending to make Pinocchio a real boy who rescues his father Geppetto and the Blue Fairy.
- The 50-year mystery of the missing puppet
The whereabouts of the Pinocchio puppet made for the Disney film was unknown for over 50 years. Then one day, whilst a phone company was carrying out some work in a Disney basement, they discovered the long-lost puppet stuffed in a cabin.
- Pinocchio is the most translated Italian book in history
Written in 1883, this literary classic by Carlo Collodi has been translated in over 260 languages and dialects, capturing the imagination of readers all over the world. Pinocchio remains one of the most beloved stories in Italian literature to this day and has been adapted many times into films, plays, comics and cartoons. Lakeside is excited to be part of this incredible legacy by hosting a new take on the classic Pinocchio tale. Three very funny men seek refuge in a grand but abandoned old house. Grandfather, father and son tell tales of growing up; one of them used to be Pinocchio and it turns out he’s had quite a life! Find out more and book your tickets here The Magic of Pinocchio Family Theatre in Nottingham – Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
