A Beloved Fairy-Tale Classic by Aili Somersalo Comes to Life on the Main Stage in a Spellbinding New Production
Deep within the Land of Fairy Tales lives the ancient Master Gnome.
For centuries, he has faithfully guarded the King’s castle, guided by the light of a mysterious glowing pearl. But the world of enchantment is changing, and nothing in Fairyland is quite as it once was. When the King’s anger falls upon the Master Gnome, he leaves the castle behind, taking the radiant pearl with him on an extraordinary journey into the unknown.
Beloved by generations of readers, Aili Somersalo’s (1887–1957) timeless fairy tale is a story of courage, wonder, and the search for one’s place in a changing world. Weaving together the rich traditions of Finnish folklore with the magic and mystery of classic fairy tales, this cherished work arrives at the Finnish National Theatre in a vibrant new stage adaptation by Minna Leino, brought to life through the visionary direction of Satu Linnapuomi.
Thrilling, tender, and brimming with imagination, this unforgettable adventure celebrates the transformative power of storytelling and theatre. Spectacularly brought to the stage through breathtaking visual design, the production features an outstanding ensemble cast alongside a talented group of young dancers. In the title role, Sari Puumalainen shines as the unforgettable Master Gnome.
Mestaritontun seikkailut (The Adventures of the Master Gnome) was first published in 1919 by Ahjo Publishing, with illustrations by Hilkka Finne. The story’s best-known edition, illustrated by Onni Mansnerus and published by WSOY in 1945, has enchanted readers through countless reprints for more than eight decades.
World Premiere on the Main Stage 18 November 2026
Recommended for audiences aged 7 and above
Performance rights administered by Nordic Drama Corner Oy.
Production Team
Cast Yasmin Ahsanullah, Jesse Gyllenbögel, Jani Karvinen, Maria Kuusiluoma, Raoul Mahjneh, Harri Nousiainen, Sari Puumalainen, Wenla Reimaluoto
A group of young dancer-performers Alva Ervasti, Elsa Färkkilä, Gisele Konttinen, Sara Kuusela, Vivian Kuusinen, Vivienne Lemmetty, Almi Luostarinen, Iisa Melaluoto, Hilma Nieminen, Tilda Oljemark, Anna Reijonen, Levi Vettenranta
Direction Satu Linnapuomi Dramatization Minna Leino Set Design Katri Rentto Costume Design Saija Siekkinen Lighting Design Kalle Ropponen Music and Sound Design Petri Karhula Video Design Pyry Hyttinen Choreography Moona Karhu Make-Up Design Niko Sahlman Special Prop Design Sanna Sucksdorff Director's Assistant Heli Haltia