Like an exquisite, delicious cream soda, we fizzed our way clean through the afternoon!
This hour long production seamlessly weaves together four of Gruffalo author, and Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson, and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s most popular books.
We’ve got Tiddler – a little fish with an appetite for tales as tall as George, the giant with zero fashion sense (The Smartest Giant in Town). Then there’s the monkey who’s lost his mum up in the trees (The Monkey Puzzle) and an old woman in her house – it’s a ‘Squash and a Squeeze’.
You see – even I’m at it! You can’t fail to be inspired by and love these stories, which have entertained children for nearly 20 years. On The Lowry web site the anticipation was intense with excited parents exclaiming “Woohoo our tickets have arrived!” and “Our eldest (4) is soo excited!”
It’s no surprise to hear that Julia Donaldson started out writing songs for children’s television, and explains why her work lends itself so beautifully to this mostly musical, magical adventure.
Award winning Scamp Theatre certainly live up to their name – the three scamp actors (Peta Dennis, Matthew Hamper and Joseph Carey) skip between characters, puppets, props and animal noises flawlessly. Their timing is spot on, and every look, shrug and wiggle entertained a spellbound young audience. Aimed at 3+years, they’re a tough audience to crack, but as I looked around the dark of the Theatre, rows of little faces were concentrated in earnest on the stage.
The stage setting is simple – a wooden farmhouse dining table; two A-frame ladders; some packing crates and baskets are all that’s required. However, the imagination of the tales is ably matched by that of the props. With a collection of cushioned, patchwork and crafted items that not only Kirsty Allsop, but the entire WI would be impressed by, I was immediately inspired to rush home and take up appliqué!
We’ve got Katie Sykes to thank for her brilliant designs (my favourite was the green handbag frog ), Benji Bower for his very funky tunes and Sally Cookson for her directorial touch – as light as the butterfly who helps Monkey find his Mummy.
Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales is showing at The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays from 24th May – 27th May 2012. Price £7.00 – £12.00. For more information and to book tickets please click here http://www.thelowry.com/event/tiddler-and-other-terrific-tales
Performance Times
- Fri 25 May 11:00
- Fri 25 May 14:00
- Sat 26 May 11:00
- Sat 26 May 14:00
- Sat 26 May 16:00
- Sun 27 May 11:00
- Sun 27 May 14:00