York Theatre Royal – 1st Sept 2023
Reviewed by Jessica Mouland
5*****
Hailed as Britain’s Best picture book, Judith Kerr’s timeless classic The Tiger Who Came To Tea is now entering its 55th year, selling over 5 million copies, since it was first published in 1968.
This stage adaptation is true to the original illustrations of the children’s book with a cleverly designed and beautiful set along with identical costumes to the characters of the much loved story. I took my two-year-old toddler along with me to watch one of his favourite stories come to life on stage at the York Theatre Royal and it’s safe to say, it was a huge hit with him as he screamed “TIGER!!!” excitedly into the auditorium at several points.
This interactive show seemed to keep the audience, both young and old captivated from the start with songs and dances that everyone could join in with and a bright furry friend was clearly the star of the show.
The cast were all excellent at bringing us along with them in the story telling which is no mean feat with a room full of little people. The role of Sophie is played by the charming and excitable Millie Robins, Katie Tripp is perfect as the loving Mummy and the task of Dad is played by the wonderfully talented and hilarious Benjamin Stone who takes on several roles including the Milkman, the Postman and the Tiger!
The direction by David Wood OBE, is done with a young audience in mind and is simplistic in its approach but fully heart warming and is complimented with choreography by Emma Clayton and music by Peter Pontzen. The thing that truly made this a show not to be missed is the illusions and magic by Scott Penrose! I have no idea how some of the illusions happened but they were very impressive and topped off with clever lighting design by Tony Simpson, I left the theatre blown away.
If there was one thing I may suggest it would be to turn the mics up a smidge as there were points that it was quite difficult to catch with an enthusiastic audience!