David Wood (actor) facts for kids

David Bernard Wood, also known as David Wood OBE, is a very talented English actor, author, composer, and director. He was born on February 21, 1944. Many people call him "the National Children's Dramatist" because he has created so many wonderful plays and musicals for young people.

In 1979, he even read The Hobbit for the BBC Television show Jackanory. He received a special Master of Arts degree from the University of Chichester in 2005.

David Wood's Early Life

David Wood grew up in Sutton, Surrey, England. He went to school at Chichester High School for Boys. Later, he studied at Worcester College, which is part of Oxford University.

Bringing Stories to Life on Stage

David Wood has a special love for theatre. He helped start a touring children's theatre company called the Whirligig Theatre. This company traveled around, bringing exciting shows to kids everywhere.

The Gingerbread Man Musical

One of his most famous creations is The Gingerbread Man (1976). This musical has been performed all over the world! It first opened in Basildon, England. David Wood also helped turn his musical into an animated TV show. This cartoon, also called The Gingerbread Man, was shown on ITV in 1992.

Adapting Famous Children's Books

David Wood is well-known for taking popular children's books and turning them into amazing plays. He has adapted many stories by the famous author Roald Dahl. These include:

• The BFG (1991)
• The Witches (1992)
• The Twits (1999)
• Fantastic Mr Fox (2001)
• James And The Giant Peach (2001)
• Danny the Champion of the World (2004)
• George's Marvellous Medicine (2009)
• The Magic Finger (2013)

He has also adapted books by other beloved English authors, such as:

• Meg and Mog (1981)
• Noddy (1993)
• Rupert Bear (1993)
• Babe, the Sheep-Pig (1997)
• Spot's Birthday Party (2000)
• Tom's Midnight Garden (2000)
• The Tiger Who Came To Tea (2008)
• Guess How Much I Love You (2010)
• Goodnight Mister Tom (2011)

David Wood's Film and TV Work

Besides his theatre work, David Wood has also acted in movies. He played Johnny in the film If... (1968). He was also Thompson in Aces High (1976).

He also wrote the movie script for the 1974 film Swallows and Amazons. This movie was based on the classic children's book by Arthur Ransome.

Film Roles

Here are some of the movies David Wood has appeared in:

• 1968: If.... as Johnny
• 1973: Tales That Witness Madness as Tutor - Phillipe
• 1976: Aces High as Thompson
• 1980: North Sea Hijack as Herring
• 1980: Sweet William as Vicar

Awards and Recognition

In 2004, David Wood was given a special award called the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This award was given to him by the Queen for his amazing contributions to literature and drama, especially for children.