Swallows and Amazons series image of the English Lake District and added Arthur Ransome's name to the select list of classic British children's authors". The series remains popular today. It contributes to the tourist industry in the Lake District and Norfolk Broads areas of England, where many of the books are set. There are also several societies dedicated to the study and promotion of Ransome's work which are largely inspired by the series. The first one to be founded was the Arthur Ransome Club in Japan. There is also the British-based group, The Arthur Ransome Society, which has an international membership. The series begins
Swallows and Amazons by Catherine Poole, Peggy by Jackie Swainson and Uncle Jim by Nicholas Le Prevost. The Royal National Theatre started developing a musical version of "Swallows and Amazons" in 2007. Helen Edmundson wrote the book and lyrics while The Divine Comedy's frontman Neil Hannon wrote the music. The musical premiered at the Bristol Old Vic on 1 December 2010 and played at the Vaudeville Theatre, in London's West End, from 15 December 2011, prior to going on tour around the UK from January to May 2012. The production features adults playing the children and has been received favourably by reviewers. Swallows