It's late autumn and Keith is the last leaf on the big oak tree. He wants to stay put but his friends tell him that the time has come to take the biggest leap of his life...

Keith the Leaf is joined by friends Tod the Blackbird, Wallace the Worm, Grace the Squirrel and more, as they help him navigate the big decisions within the circle of life. 

The story is written by Mike Barfield (award-winning children's author and Private Eye cartoonist), the music and songs are by Benjamin Ellin and the illustrations are by Momoko Abe (award-winning illustrator).

This production in St Paul's Hall at Huddersfield University is narrated by author Mike Barfield and includes a chorus with children from Nields Academy, Marsden Junior School and Beaumont Music Academy.

The show lasts about an hour and includes additional extracts of nature-themed music including The Wasps Overture, The Flight of the Bumblebee, and The Lark Ascending.

Keith’s Big Leap: text © 2025 Mike Barfield, illustrations © 2025 Momoko Abe, published by Andersen Press Ltd.

Supported using public funding by ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND.