Stick Man at the Leicester Square Theatre, London Review

Stick Man
Leicester Square Theatre

12 November 2014 to 4 January 2015

www.leicestersquaretheatre.com

Reviewed by Zoey Caldwell

I have 2 boys, ages 8 and 3. Both boys have been brought up with Julia Donaldson and before my youngest was born we were lucky enough to see Room on the Broom at the theatre. I want my children to read, I want their imaginations brought alive. So, theatre productions of their favourite tales is a great opportunity to expand on this. Saying that I think Stick Man is the only Julia Donaldson story we haven’t read! This made it all the more exciting!

Leicester Square Theatre in London is situated just off Leicester Square on Leicester Place. It is located on a side street and really is an unassuming theatre. The box office consists of 2 small booths just inside the door from the street. The theatre area itself is down some stairs. The staff are friendly and helpful. There is a small kiosk and stairs leading down into the toilets. The theatre itself has cinema style seats and 2 bar areas to buy confection and drinks. Booster seats are made readily available. I had read some reviews on the theatre pre-visit and some were quite cutting. Although it isn’t the most glam setting, the show was enjoyed in comfort!

Now to the show! Stick Man has a very small cast of 3 and the set is very simple yet, practical for the telling of the tale of Stick Man, his wife and Stick children 3. It is a tale of love and family. When Stick Man goes out for a simple jog, what could possibly go wrong?

Stick Man encounters a rough ride, a dog without  a leash wants to chew him, a karate mad girl plays pooh sticks, a swan building a nest and a couple on a beach. Exactly how far has Stick Man gone from his home, his family tree.

The cast are great fun, engaging the audience and including the children in this fun time adaptation. It is exactly what the children need to keep them engaged. Fun, has the same repetitive theme that runs through Julia Donaldson’s books so that the children can relate to the story, start to understand it and retain it. The costumes are simple, songs catchy and story captivating. Several times I looked over at my 2 boys and they were thoroughly spellbound

All in all if you are looking for an entertaining time for your children, a trip to Stick Man will do the trick. The show isn’t too long (55 minutes) so less likely that the children will get fidgety.

My kids loved it, family time is precious taking time to visit a show is great!

Rating: 3.5/5

Stick Man – Live on Stage is at the Leicester Square Theatre in London until 4 January 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 08448 733433.

Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BX | 08448 733433