Reviewed by Louise Styles
The Wycombe Swan was filled yesterday with lots of smiling fish floating on sticks held by very enthusiastic children in the audience of Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales. A cast of three found interesting and varied ways to bring four of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much loved stories to life on stage.
These stories are a huge part of children’s early literary journeys, to be then able to watch them live on stage in the theatre is another wonderful experience for them to encounter. The stage set for the show is simple but hugely effective – two ladders, a lot of baskets and a plank of wood. All expertly adapted for each new part of the story.
We get to watch ‘The smartest giant in town’ the tale of a friendly giant who donates all his new clothes to all his animal friends in need. ‘A Squash and a Squeeze’ about the old lady farmer and her teeny tiny house. ‘Monkey Puzzle’ the tale of the little lost monkey looking for his mummy. And of course, ‘Tiddler’ the little fish with the big tales.
The cast use a mixture of puppetry, singing, dancing and acting to tell the stories with lots of audience hand clapping required.
The Wycombe Swan can seat 1076 in its vast auditorium- my girls and I were up in the circle. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house as the view was just perfect even for two 4 year olds and a 6 year old but for smaller viewers you can purchase a booster seat from the box office for £1. The theatre has offered some really great children’s shows over the last couple of years – if you aren’t on their mailing list yet you absolutely should join to see what they have coming up. A tip for parents – get coffee early as the bar stopped serving 15 minutes before the show began.
A fantastic show for little ones and one we’d highly recommend!
Rating: 5/5
Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales is currently on tour around the UK, for more information and tour dates visit tiddlerlive.com.
For other shows at the Wycombe Swan visit www.wycombeswan.co.uk or call the box office on 01494 512 000.
Wycombe Swan, St. Mary Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE | 01494 512 000
