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Theatre review - Stick Man

(6 Posts)
LaraGransnet (GNHQ) Tue 08-Dec-15 20:39:12

Taking small children to the theatre is a bit of a gamble. Will they sit still? Will they enjoy it? Will we enjoy it? Will it be worth the trouble of taking them all the way into London? Fortunately in this case it was completely worth it, what a brilliant show!
The story is based on Julia Donaldson's book (illustrated by Axel Scheffler) of the same name. Stick Man (who lives with his Stick Lady Love and his stick children, three) ventures out of the family tree, and that's where it all goes wrong.
With just 3 actors and a one-man band, the show is so imaginatively put together and the simple props were so cleverly used. Both my 4 year old and my 18 month old (!) sat through the entire thing mesmerised.
The Leicester Square Theatre is just the right size for something like this - small and intimate. it was perfect for the actors to run around into the audience and interact with the kids. We took my daughter to see another children's show a few months ago in one of the bigger theatres and it just didn't work as well.
I'd highly recommend this as an enjoyable alternative (or addition) to the panto (though I warn you I've still got earworm from the very catchy theme tune). It's on now until the 3rd January - do check the Leicester Square Theatre box office for more details. Photo credit: Steve Ullathorne

Alima Tue 08-Dec-15 22:20:39

There was a preview for this on BBC this evening. It is a cartoon version and looks very good for children. It is on 4.45, BBC1 on the 25th.

jinglbellsfrocks Tue 08-Dec-15 22:38:32

Oh! I used to love reading that to DGS2.

"I'm stick man, I'm stick man, I'm stick man that's me, And I'm heading away from the family tree!"

Wonder if he'd let me read it to him again now. Ten's not that grown-up. [sigh] tchsmile

Eloethan Wed 09-Dec-15 00:27:12

I think Julia Donaldson is a genius. I love reading children's books that rhyme. My granddaughter is really looking forward to seeing Stick Man.

whitewave Wed 09-Dec-15 06:26:55

I wonder where that book is now? I must have give it to grandsons to take home. Rhythm was good.

ninathenana Wed 09-Dec-15 11:20:46

It's not one that I'd heard of.