The Piccadilly Theatre – until Sunday 9 September 2018
Reviewed by Sharon and Georgia Kennedy
5*****
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA – A MUSICAL PLAY ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY DAVID WOOD OBE BASED ON THE BOOK BY JUDITH KERR OBE
STARRING: Abbey Norman as Sophie
Stephanie Summers as Mummy
Thomas O’Connell as Daddy/Milkman/Postman/Tiger
This much loved children’s classic story was brought to life in this charmingly sweet adaption. The set design by Susie Caulcutt, was a perfect facsimile of the illustrations in the book. Even the costumes worn by the cast were in keeping with book right down to Sophie’s multi-patterned tights!
Sophie’s character played by Abbey Norman, was very enthusiastic in her role as a small excited girl. She looked quite small compared to her colleagues who played mummy and daddy. Casting a short actor in this role made the character of Sophie very believable.
Although it regards itself as a musical play at times it took on the genre of a pantomime. The Tick Tock chorus song by Sophie and her Mummy became annoyingly repetitive. A small child behind us groaned as it started again and again.
Once again the costumes were brilliantly designed. Of particular note was the Milkman’s outfit! This was comically put together to great effect. The Tiger was, once again, authentic to the original book.
On the whole this was a fun adaptation of a much loved children’s book.
The children in the audience loved, it as did my little girl. Its wonderful that this play will be touring the UK introducing more generations of children to this special little story.