Presented By: Nick Brooke Ltd and Kenny Wax Family Entertainment Ltd
Reviewed 22 January 2016
The children’s theatrical production of The Tiger Who Came To Tea is based on a short story written and illustrated by Judith Kerr almost 50 years ago about a Tiger who joins Sophia and her mother for afternoon tea.
It has been suggested that the story might be based on Kerr’s childhood memories growing up in Berlin under the constant threat of the Nazi’s coming to her home to remove her father, who sympathized with the Jewish community. Children however are completely oblivious to any looming danger in this production of Kerr’s adventurous story that is still very popular worldwide today.
This production successfully captures the magic of the book and adds some very entertaining slapstick comedy and suspense to keep the children engaged throughout the 55 minute show. As a variety of characters visit the house, the suspense builds until even the adults are excited to see the Tiger when he finally arrives.
The Tiger then proceeds to eat and drink everything; even completely draining the towns’ water supply so that Sophie cannot take her nightly bath. As large and looming as the Tiger is, the children in the audience react with enthusiasm and not fear, and delight as he greedily scoffs the entire afternoon tea.
Director and Adaptor David Wood has engaged some clever use of magic, some repetitive music and a tiger aerobics dance (choreographed by Emma Clayton) to help keep the kids involved in some interaction too.
The highly animated cast features Abbey Norman as Sophie, Jenanne Redman as Mummy and Benjamin Wells continually and successfully changing characters as the Tiger, Daddy, the Milkman and the Postman.
Simple and effective sets by Susie Caulcutt keep the action moving along nicely in this delightful production that is ideally suited to children aged between 3 and 6 years old.
Reviewed by Ceri Horner
Twitter: @CeriHorner
Duration: 55mins
Tickets: Season Ended
Bookings:
Season Ended
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