If Mrs Tischbein had known the amazing adventures her son Emil would have in Berlin, she'd never have let him go. Emil is excited to be taking the train on his own for the first time. He doesn't like the look of his fellow passenger, the man in the bowler hat. Emil will just have to keep his wits about him and his money in his pocket. But Emil falls asleep and when he wakes up the man in the bowler hat is gone - and so is the money Emil is determined to get it back. He teams up with a gang of young detectives and so begins a hair-raising chase across Berlin to catch the dirty rotten thief.

Erich K stner was a German author, poet, screenwriter and satirist, known primarily for his humorous, socially astute poetry and children's literature. For the latter contributions he received the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1960.

Carl Miller was the Artistic Director of the Young People's programme at the Royal Court Theatre from 1997to 1999. Since 2002, he has been the Literary Manager of the Unicorn Theatre. He was textual advisor on Phyllida Lloyd's production of Webster's The Duchess of Malfi at the National Theatre in 2003.

"Carl Miller's savvy adaptation of Erich K stner's 1929 adventure story is an enjoyable seasonal offering full of youthful zest... A thrill to see it adapted for the stage." - Evening Standard

"A very decent, enjoyable Christmas show which will go down well with families." - The Stage