With two thoroughly capable performers (both trained by some of the UK’s finest acting academies) giving it their all in this multi-role romp through the days of the Vikings to current political madness, Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain is energetic, edifying and occasionally a little close-to-the-bone. With enough flatulence-based comedy to make Chaucer proud, the … [Read more...]
Reviews of Children's Theatre in London's West End, Off-West End and Fringe
Review of The Worst Witch at the Vaudeville Theatre
Emma Reeves’ musical adaption of Jill Murphy’s classic Worst Witch fiction series provides gratifying and uplifting entertainment for the whole family thanks to its multi-talented cast and its (mostly) spectacular staging. With the exception of two wobbly creative moments in the first act (which will likely be rectified), director Theresa Heskins’ production of The … [Read more...]
Feel the Love at Chickenshed Theatre | Review
Chickenshed Young Company presents Feel the Love. This was not the usual type of theatre where everyone sat in rows, one behind the other. It was an immersive production, with groups of seats strategically arranged around the auditorium. When I walked in and took my seat, it did feel as though I was in a jazz bar with music playing all around me. A very nice … [Read more...]
The Tiger Who Came To Tea at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Around fifty years ago my mother read a storybook as a child. Twenty years on she had a child of her own and read the same book to him. Fast forward another thirty years or so and that grown-up child sat in the theatre with his mum, watching that very story recreated on the stage. This year sadly saw the passing of Judith Kerr, the incredible lady behind the story … [Read more...]
The Tigon and the Liger at Chickenshed | Review
The Tigon and the Liger is an interesting production. It begins like a workshop, where toddlers and very young children walk around amongst the cast participating in various activities, in an extremely relaxed environment. This is a great way to get young children involved and engaged and interested in theatre. To be honest, I was a bit confused, as I wasn’t quite … [Read more...]
Streatham Space Project – The Jungle Book
The Jungle Book at Streatham Space Project is the story of Mowgli, a little boy who was raised by wolves in the jungle and faced the fearsome man-eating tiger, Shere Khan. This story was told by a small cast of only four. Shere Khan played by Jordan Laidley, Mowgli played by Kayleigh Barnes, Bagheera played by Jonathon Hands and Baloo played by Hannah Harris. They … [Read more...]
Where is Peter Rabbit? at Theatre Royal Haymarket | Review
One of the big problems for parents is what to do with their little ones during the school holidays. Days out are great, but with the British weather, the chances are limited to experience the great outdoors. However, fear not, for if you pop down to the Theatre Royal Haymarket, you can keep the ankle biters entertained and happy as one of literature's best-known … [Read more...]
Prince Charming at Little Angel Theatre | Review
Prince Charming is a cute puppet, who wears a red hat, has little white balls for eyes and wears green Y Fronts. Poor Prince Charming has all the worries and anxieties of the world on his little shoulders. The pressures of being Prince Charming, fighting dragons, saving the castle is way too much for this little puppet. As a result, Prince Charming has not left the … [Read more...]
Mimi and the Mountain Dragon at The Village Hall, Battersea
Michael Morpurgo’s Mimi and the Mountain Dragon is a great production. It is described as a family theatre show full of adventure, snow, dragons, lively songs and magical puppets and it is nothing less than that. As we walked into the auditorium we were taken aback by the wintery yet Christmassy setting. There were lots of white sheets, little houses and pretend snow. … [Read more...]